Pilot Daniel Ricciardo spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Daniel Ricciardo, the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 driver known as much for his wide grin as his late-braking overtakes, was recently spotted with a timepiece that stops collectors in their tracks just as effectively as he stops rivals on track — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' Extra Thin in 18K yellow gold, reference 16202BA.

Launched in 2022 to celebrate the Royal Oak's 50th anniversary, the 16202BA is a faithful yet evolved homage to the original 1972 reference 5402 conceived by legendary designer Gerald Genta. The case measures 39mm in diameter and an extraordinarily slim 8.1mm in height, housing Audemars Piguet's Calibre 7121 — a 3.05mm-thin self-winding movement beating at 19,800 vph with a 60-hour power reserve. The signature 'petite tapisserie' dial, 'integrated' bracelet architecture, and eight-screw bezel remain faithful to Genta's original vision, executed here in warm 18K yellow gold throughout.

Among collectors, the 16202BA occupies a rare tier. Yellow gold Royal Oak 'Jumbos' carry an almost mythological status, directly echoing the precious metal variants from the 1970s and '80s that first established the Royal Oak as the definitive luxury sports watch. The 50th anniversary context only amplifies that significance — this is not a limited edition by strict definition, but production volumes remain tightly controlled, and demand from both institutional collectors and first-time buyers has been relentless since release.

Ricciardo's taste in watches has always leaned toward the substantive end of the spectrum. The Australian driver has publicly expressed affinity for high-horology pieces that carry genuine pedigree, and the Royal Oak 16202BA fits that profile precisely. Its understated profile — no date complication, no chronograph — signals confidence in the essentials, a sensibility that mirrors Ricciardo's own driving style at its best.

On the market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' Extra Thin 16202BA tells a striking story. With an official retail price of approximately $70,500 USD, the yellow gold 'Jumbo' currently commands grey-market valuations in the region of $225,000 — a premium of more than three times list price that underscores just how fiercely contested this reference remains. For collectors who secured one at retail, it has proven to be as rewarding off the wrist as it is on it.