Rapper Huang Zitao spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Huang Zitao, the Chinese rapper and actor who performs under the name Tao, was recently spotted on the wrist with one of Audemars Piguet's most theatrically constructed pieces: the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon in 18K white gold, reference 26227BC, factory-set with 397 brilliant-cut diamonds and mounted on a white leather strap. It is not a subtle choice, and it was not meant to be.

The Royal Oak Concept line was introduced in 2002 as AP's experimental sub-family — a platform for movements and architectures that push beyond the constraints of conventional watchmaking. The ref. 26227BC houses the manually wound calibre 2908, a skeletonised movement featuring a flying tourbillon, meaning the regulating organ is held by a single bridge rather than the traditional dual-bridge cage, creating the optical illusion that the tourbillon rotates unsupported in mid-air. Power reserve stands at approximately 72 hours. The 44mm white gold case follows the Royal Oak's iconic octagonal bezel geometry while the open-worked dial reduces the watch to its mechanical skeleton, framing the tourbillon as the centrepiece.

From a collector's standpoint, the 26227BC occupies a narrow and demanding category. The combination of a flying tourbillon, full skeletonisation, and 397 factory-set diamonds — covering the bezel, lugs, and case flanks — means this reference targets a buyer uninterested in restraint. It is produced in extremely limited numbers, and its presence on the secondary market is infrequent. When examples do surface, condition of the diamond setting is the primary valuation variable.

Huang Zitao has built a consistent public identity around high-visibility luxury, and the 26227BC aligns precisely with that aesthetic register. The Royal Oak Concept's angular, almost industrial case architecture reads as credibly horological even in heavily jewelled form, which distinguishes it from purely decorative complications.

The UK list price for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon ref. 26227BC is documented at £150,000. In the grey market, examples in unworn condition with full set trade at a meaningful premium above retail given scarcity, placing current secondary market values in the $220,000–$260,000 range depending on provenance and documentation.