Footballer Kylian Mbappé spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Kylian Mbappé, the Paris Saint-Germain and France national team forward widely regarded as the best footballer of his generation, was recently photographed wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in titanium, reference 26400IO — a choice that speaks volumes about his taste for technically credible, athletically scaled timepieces rather than purely decorative luxury.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26400IO measures 44mm in grade 5 titanium, a material that cuts case weight dramatically while lending a matte, contemporary aesthetic distinct from the steel or gold variants in the Offshore lineup. The dial presents a classic "Méga Tapisserie" pattern, with contrasting subdials for the chronograph functions and a date window at 3 o'clock. Powering the watch is the in-house Calibre 3126/3840 — a self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement with a 50-hour power reserve, offering both horological credibility and everyday practicality. Water resistance reaches 100 metres, appropriate for a watch whose design DNA traces directly back to the 1993 original Offshore, created by Emmanuel Gueit to push Gerald Genta's 1972 Royal Oak into more extreme sporting territory.

Among collectors, the titanium Offshore occupies an interesting position. It lacks the outright scarcity premium of limited editions but is consistently respected for its wearability and movement quality. The 26400IO has a loyal following among buyers who want the full Offshore experience without the added weight of steel or the ostentation of precious metals — a pragmatic, performance-oriented choice that mirrors the preferences of professional athletes.

Mbappé's watch choices have evolved alongside his profile. Still only in his mid-twenties, he has moved from more accessible luxury pieces to references that demonstrate genuine engagement with horology. The Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26400IO fits a footballer's active lifestyle while signalling that its wearer understands the difference between wearing a logo and wearing a movement.

At UK list price of approximately £25,700 — translating to roughly $32,000 USD at official retail — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph titanium Ref. 26400IO sits at a relatively accessible entry point within the broader AP Offshore family, yet commands a modest premium on the grey market given sustained demand for the reference across sport and entertainment circles.