Basketball player Jordan Clarkson spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Jordan Clarkson, the NBA champion and Utah Jazz star, made an appearance at the grand opening of Moncler's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, where he showcased the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date Ref. 26650FO in CFT carbon. Paired with a limited-edition Moncler x NY Knicks puffer jacket, the timepiece exemplified technical watchmaking meeting contemporary fashion.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept 26650FO introduces forged carbon—CFT (Carbon Fiber Technology)—as the primary case material, departing from the steel and precious metal heritage of the core Royal Oak line. The case measures 44 mm in diameter and incorporates Audemars Piguet's signature octagonal bezel with integrated lugs. The openworked dial reveals the caliber mechanism beneath, while the split-seconds chronograph complication allows for simultaneous timing of two events. A GMT hand enables tracking a second time zone, and the large date window provides legibility. The marbled aesthetic of the forged carbon creates a chameleon-like visual identity, shifting between matte and reflective tones. Water resistance reaches 100 meters, suitable for daily wear despite the chronograph complexity. The interchangeable rubber straps—available in black and blue tones—reinforce the two-tone design language and appeal to collectors seeking versatility.

The Royal Oak Concept collection traces its lineage to 2002, when Audemars Piguet unveiled the first Concept model on the 30th anniversary of Gerald Genta's original Royal Oak design. That inaugural piece, designed by Claude Emmenegger with a movement by Renaud & Papi, established the collection as a laboratory for material experimentation and bold horological innovation. The "Concept Carbon" variant debuted in 2008, pioneering the use of forged carbon in haute horlogerie. The 2024 Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT iteration represents the latest chapter in this lineage, combining three complications—split-seconds, chronograph, and GMT—within the unconventional carbon platform.

Clarkson's choice reflects the Royal Oak Concept's positioning as a statement piece for accomplished athletes and collectors who value technical innovation over classical aesthetics. The sterile dial, sparse finishing, and tactical appearance differentiate it from dress-oriented complications, appealing to wearers who prioritize function and materials science. The split-seconds chronograph, historically favored by pilots and engineers, adds horological credibility.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Ref. 26650FO carries an estimated retail price of approximately $145,000 USD. Grey-market prices typically range from $155,000 to $180,000 USD, reflecting limited production and strong collector demand. Availability remains constrained; Audemars Piguet does not maintain traditional waitlists for Concept models, making authorized dealer allocation the primary acquisition path.