Watch Paparazzi

Boxer Amir Khan spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

British boxing star Amir Khan was recently spotted on the wrist with one of Audemars Piguet's most technically accomplished sports-luxury pieces — the Royal Oak Chronograph in 18-karat rose gold, reference 26320OR, fitted with a black alligator leather strap. The combination of warm precious metal and stark black leather gives the watch a more formal edge than the standard integrated bracelet configuration, signalling a deliberate style choice from someone clearly comfortable with high-end horology.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR is built around the calibre 2385, an integrated, self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement that remains one of the most respected in-house chronograph ebauches in the industry. Beating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve, the movement features a lateral clutch and delivers a crisp, precise chronograph action. The 41mm rose gold case — water-resistant to 50 metres — carries the signature octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, a design Gerald Genta conceived for AP in 1972. The Grande Tapisserie dial features applied rose gold hour markers and a tri-colour sub-dial arrangement at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock.

Among collectors, the Royal Oak Chronograph in precious metal occupies a specific and highly coveted tier. The ref. 26320OR succeeds the long-running 26300OR and represents the current-generation iteration of AP's integrated chronograph in rose gold. Its rarity relative to steel Royal Oaks, combined with the complexity of the movement, makes it a genuine grail piece rather than a status symbol acquired purely for name recognition.

Amir Khan has been a consistent presence in the luxury watch space throughout his career. The former IBF and WBA light-welterweight world champion has worn everything from Rolex to Richard Mille ringside and off-duty, but the AP Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR represents one of the more technically substantive choices in his collection — a watch that rewards knowledge as much as it rewards attention.

At retail, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR carries a list price in the region of $38,000–$40,000 USD depending on market. On the secondary market, rose gold Royal Oak Chronographs command healthy premiums, with grey-market examples typically trading above retail, reflecting sustained demand and limited availability through authorised dealers.