Footballer Rodri de Paul spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Argentine footballer Rodri de Paul arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals against England wearing a vintage Audemars Piguet Bamboo in yellow gold, a choice that underscored both personal taste and collector sensibility. The watch, captured in Getty Images photography, represents one of the Swiss manufacture's most sought-after dress watch designs from the 1980s, a period that cemented Audemars Piguet's reputation for refined case geometry and integrated bracelet innovation.

The Audemars Piguet Bamboo Ref. 5056BA houses the manufacture's automatic calibre 2121, a micro-rotor movement developed in-house and delivering 42 hours of power reserve. The octagonal case measures 33 mm in diameter and stands approximately 7 mm thick—proportions that remain elegant on modern wrists. Yellow gold construction provides durability and warmth; the champagne dial features applied diamond hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, a refined alternative to full luminous indices. The integrated Bamboo bracelet, Audemars Piguet's proprietary link design, features a distinctive segmented aesthetic that has become iconic among 1980s vintage dress watches. Water resistance stands at 30 meters, appropriate for a dress timepiece not intended for diving or heavy water exposure.

The Bamboo Ref. 5056BA belongs to a family of octagonal Audemars Piguet designs that emerged as alternatives to the brand's more robust Royal Oak collection. Production spanned the 1980s and early 1990s, with yellow gold examples commanding premium prices in the secondary market due to precious metal content and relative scarcity compared to stainless steel variants. The combination of diamond hour markers, champagne dial, and integrated bracelet elevates this reference above base Bamboo models and appeals strongly to vintage collectors seeking dress-watch sophistication.

De Paul's choice reflects a growing trend among professional athletes toward vintage luxury timepieces that convey restraint and historical appreciation rather than contemporary status symbols. The Bamboo's refined proportions suit formal contexts—pre-match ceremonies, official events, and public appearances—where an oversized sports chronograph might appear incongruous. The vintage patina and collector provenance add narrative weight that modern watches, regardless of price point, cannot replicate.

Secondary market pricing for the Audemars Piguet Bamboo Ref. 5056BA in yellow gold with diamond markers currently ranges between $45,000 and $55,000, depending on condition, service history, and dial variant. Original boxes and documentation command significant premiums. The reference remains accessible relative to contemporary Audemars Piguet dress watches but requires patience to source and specialist authentication due to the proliferation of similar octagonal models from the same production era.