Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Tinnie Tempah spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Tinie Tempah has built a reputation as one of British music's most knowledgeable watch enthusiasts, and his latest sighting does nothing to undermine that standing. The London-born rapper was photographed wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in 18kt pink gold, reference 26331OR — a piece that occupies an interesting position between sporting intent and precious-metal luxury.

The ref. 26331OR measures 41mm in 18kt pink gold and runs on the calibre 2385, Audemars Piguet's integrated column-wheel chronograph movement. The movement operates at 21,600 vph, delivers a 40-hour power reserve, and features a lateral clutch mechanism. The salmon-toned dial carries the Royal Oak's signature 'Grande Tapisserie' pattern, with rhodium-plated applied indices and blue-steel hands providing subtle contrast against the warm gold case. The integrated pink gold bracelet with its alternating brushed and polished links remains one of the most technically demanding bracelets in Swiss watchmaking to produce.

The Royal Oak Chronograph in precious metal occupies a collector tier above the steel references — the 26331OR specifically draws interest for its warm colour harmony between the pink gold case and salmon dial. Gerald Genta's original 1972 design was conceived as a sports watch in steel, so the pink gold execution represents an evolution that AP has refined over decades. The 26331OR does not carry the hype premium of the steel or ceramic versions, making it arguably better value within the Royal Oak family for buyers drawn to precious metals.

Tempah has previously been spotted wearing Patek Philippe and Richard Mille pieces, and his selection here reflects a collector who appreciates mechanical substance alongside aesthetics. The Royal Oak Chronograph in this configuration is a statement without being ostentatious — precisely the register a working musician with serious horological credibility tends to favour.

At UK list price of £32,300, the 26331OR sits at a considered price point within AP's Royal Oak Chronograph range. On the secondary market, pink gold Royal Oak Chronographs trade at or close to retail, lacking the dramatic premiums seen on steel references — which, paradoxically, makes them a more straightforward acquisition for the committed buyer.