Footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Zlatan Ibrahimović made an appearance in Dallas on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final between France and Spain, wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Ref. 26730CD in Bleu Nuit ceramic. The Swedish footballer paired the watch with a denim shirt and presented it during a FOX Sports interview, showcasing a timepiece that represents the pinnacle of integrated watchmaking and contemporary materials science.

The Audemars Piguet Ref. 26730CD houses an in-house automatic calibre with a flying tourbillon escapement, a hallmark of haute horlogerie that eliminates the traditional upper bridge, allowing the tourbillon cage to remain visible through a generous aperture at 6 o'clock. The 37 mm case measures 10.4 mm thick and is crafted from blue ceramic, a material choice that took Audemars Piguet years to perfect. The grande tapisserie dial in matching Bleu Nuit—a blue shade that references Gérald Genta's original 1972 Royal Oak design—creates a monochromatic visual that emphasises the floating tourbillon mechanism. Water resistance stands at 50 metres, typical for dress-sport complications.

The flying tourbillon was first integrated into the Royal Oak collection in 2020, but the Bleu Nuit ceramic variant represents a more recent refinement. This specific shade of blue ceramic honours the historic colour Gerald Genta sourced from Stern Frères in 1972 for the original Royal Oak dial—a subtle but historically informed detail that appeals to collectors who value deep watchmaking heritage. Limited production runs and ceramic case construction ensure scarcity.

Ibrahimović's choice of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak flying tourbillon reflects a footballer's appreciation for engineering precision and craftsmanship. The pairing of a haute horlogerie complication with contemporary materials—blue ceramic over the traditional integrated bracelet—signals confidence in avant-garde design. This reference has become a contemporary status symbol among athletes and public figures seeking watches beyond traditional precious metals.

Retail pricing for the Audemars Piguet Ref. 26730CD in Bleu Nuit ceramic positions it well above traditional Royal Oak sports models, with grey-market examples commanding significant premiums. Waiting lists at authorised dealers remain lengthy, making preowned acquisitions the practical route for most collectors seeking this specific ceramic variant.