Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Dave spotted wearing Patek Philippe

UK rapper Dave — real name David Orobosa Omoregie, Brit Award and Mercury Prize winner — was recently spotted on the wrist with a Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5168G, the white gold variant of the sport-luxury icon dressed in an understated khaki green dial and matching composite strap.

The Aquanaut 5168G was unveiled in 2018 as part of Patek Philippe's 20th-anniversary celebrations for the Aquanaut line, itself launched in 1997 as a more accessible, sportier counterpart to the Nautilus. The 38mm white gold case houses the automatic Caliber 324 S C — a 29-jewel movement beating at 28,800 vph with a power reserve of approximately 45 hours, visible through a sapphire caseback. The embossed 'tropical' dial pattern, a signature Aquanaut detail, takes on a distinctly earthy tone in khaki green, paired with a matching relief-embossed composite strap secured by a fold-over white gold clasp. Water resistance is rated to 120 metres.

From a collector standpoint, the 5168G occupies interesting territory. White gold in sports watches has historically been a harder sell than steel or rose gold, yet the khaki green pairing gives this reference a muted, almost military coherence that resonates strongly with contemporary taste. It is not the 5167A steel model that dominates grey-market headlines, but the 5168G has developed a quiet, loyal following among collectors who prefer the combination of precious metal with a restrained, non-flashy aesthetic.

Dave's watch sensibility has been consistently noted for leaning toward considered, investment-grade pieces rather than maximalist statements — fitting for an artist whose creative output is equally deliberate. The Aquanaut 5168G communicates precisely that register: serious horological credentials worn without announcement.

At UK list price of approximately £33,700, the 5168G sits firmly in the upper tier of the Aquanaut family. On the grey market, white gold Aquanaut references have generally traded at or modestly above retail, reflecting steady demand without the extreme premiums seen on the steel 5167A — making this particular reference a compelling choice for collectors seeking a Patek sport watch that holds value without requiring a decade on a waiting list.