Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Ronaldinho spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Ronaldinho — Ronaldo de Assis Moreira — has been photographed wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore reference 26401RO.OO.A002CA.01, a 44mm timepiece in 18k rose gold with pavé-set diamonds covering the case, dial, and iconic octagonal bezel. The contrast with the matte black rubber strap is calculated: it keeps the watch firmly in the world of sport even as the stones push it squarely into high jewellery territory.

The Royal Oak Offshore was born in 1993 as Emmanuel Gueit's bold amplification of Gérald Genta's original 1972 Royal Oak architecture. Where the standard Royal Oak measured a restrained 39mm, the Offshore pushed to 42mm and beyond, thickening the lugs and adopting a more aggressive 'Tapisserie' dial pattern. The reference 26401RO takes that DNA and escalates it further: the 44mm rose gold case is entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds, and the openworked or fully paved dial leaves virtually no metal surface untouched. Powering it is the in-house Calibre 3126/3840, an automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve, offering both chronograph functionality and date display at 3 o'clock.

Among collectors, fully pavé Offshore references occupy a specific niche — they are not subtle tools watches, nor are they conventional dress pieces. They exist in a register of deliberate excess that attracts a particular buyer: one who wants the horological credibility of AP's movement manufacture combined with the visual weight of a jeweller's showcase piece. The 26401RO is particularly sought after in rose gold, a metal that warms the diamond set and ages with personality.

Ronaldinho's affinity for the Royal Oak Offshore is well-documented. The footballer, widely regarded as one of the most gifted players in the history of the game, has worn AP pieces throughout his post-career public life. His 2003–2006 peak at FC Barcelona made him a global icon, and his watch choices have consistently reflected a love of statement pieces with genuine mechanical substance.

On the grey market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26401RO currently trades around the $65,000 mark — a figure that reflects both the intrinsic value of the rose gold and diamond materials and the sustained demand for Offshore references across the secondary market. AP's decision to limit high-jewellery sport watch production keeps supply tight and prices firm.