Watch Paparazzi

Footballer David Moyes spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

David Moyes made headlines in the football world by signing as Sunderland AFC's new manager, and eagle-eyed watch spotters caught something equally noteworthy on his wrist during the announcement: an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 18k rose gold, reference 15300. It's a choice that speaks to considered taste rather than flashy showmanship — classic AP collector territory.

The Royal Oak ref. 15300 was introduced in 2005 as a direct successor to the reference 14790, and it brought with it one of the most meaningful mechanical upgrades in the Royal Oak's modern history. Out went the Jaeger-LeCoultre-derived Calibre 2121 and in came AP's in-house Calibre 3120 — a 59-jewel automatic movement beating at 21,600 vph with a 60-hour power reserve. The 39mm case retains every proportion of Gerald Genta's original 1972 design: the eight-sided bezel, the exposed hexagonal screws, the integrated bracelet, and the legendary "Grande Tapisserie" dial. In 18k rose gold, the ref. 15300 takes that utilitarian silhouette and renders it in something undeniably precious.

Among collectors, the 15300 occupies a sweet spot. It's large enough for modern wrists at 39mm — sitting between the ultra-slim 15202 "Jumbo" and the sportier 15400 — and its Calibre 3120 is widely respected for reliability and finishing. The rose gold variant carries particular appeal for those who want the Royal Oak's architecture without the cooler, more corporate feel of steel. Production of the 15300 was eventually discontinued and succeeded by the 15400 and later the 15500, which only adds a gentle vintage premium to surviving examples.

Moyes, a manager known for pragmatic, no-nonsense football, has quietly cultivated a reputation as a serious watch enthusiast over the years. Choosing the Royal Oak ref. 15300 over flashier alternatives says something — this is a man who knows his horology and opts for craft and heritage over status-symbol noise.

At retail, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300 in 18k rose gold carried a UK list price of approximately £23,400. On the secondary market, rose gold Royal Oak references from this generation consistently hold strong, with grey market values typically ranging above retail depending on condition and provenance — a sound acquisition by any measure.