Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Anthony Martial spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Following Manchester United's FA Cup Final win against Crystal Palace at Wembley, the celebrations extended to the wrists. United winger Anthony Martial was spotted wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in 18k rose gold — reference 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01 — a watch that demands attention without resorting to diamonds or ostentation. On a day of silverware, Martial chose one of Swiss watchmaking's most architecturally pure statements.

The Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01 is built around the calibre 2385, an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement with a lateral clutch that Audemars Piguet has been developing and refining since the late 1990s. Running at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve, it delivers a smooth, instantaneous chronograph start with none of the gear-jump associated with lesser cam-actuated levers. The 41mm case is executed entirely in 18k rose gold — case, beadblasted octagonal bezel with polished chamfers, integrated bracelet — and carries the Royal Oak's signature tapisserie dial in a warm salmon-pink tone that interacts dynamically with the gold indices and applied hour markers. Three white counters at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock provide legibility without disrupting the dial's rhythm.

From a collector's standpoint, full precious-metal Royal Oak Chronographs occupy a different tier than their steel siblings. Steel Royal Oaks attract the longest waitlists, but the rose gold chronograph is the choice of the buyer who has moved past point-scoring and simply wants the finest material expression of Genta's 1972 design. The ref. 26320OR superseded the long-running 26320OR predecessor series and represents the current production standard, making it the definitive version to own.

Martial has built a reputation as one of the more watch-literate players in the Premier League. His selection here is not incidental — the Royal Oak Chronograph in rose gold is a considered, high-information choice that speaks to familiarity with the AP catalogue rather than a stylist's shortlist.

At UK RRP of approximately £40,740, the grey market for this reference holds firm, often trading at or above retail given Audemars Piguet's continued supply discipline. For collectors, that premium is a known quantity. For Martial, post-FA Cup, it may simply be the watch he wanted to wear.