Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Tinnie Tempah spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Tinie Tempah, the London-born rapper and style icon behind tracks like 'Pass Out' and 'Written in the Stars,' was recently spotted wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in 18k pink gold, reference 26322OR — a watch that commands attention well beyond its considerable price tag.

The 26322OR is built around a 41mm pink gold case, retaining the Royal Oak's defining eight-bolt bezel, polished and brushed alternating surfaces, and integrated bracelet — all executed here in warm rose gold rather than the more common stainless steel. The dial deploys AP's hallmark 'Grande Tapisserie' pattern in a slate-grey tone, with pink gold applied hour markers and hands. At the heart of the watch sits Calibre 2385, an in-house integrated column-wheel chronograph movement with automatic winding, a 40-hour power reserve, and a flyback function — allowing the chronograph to be reset and restarted in a single push. It beats at 21,600vph and is visible through a sapphire caseback, revealing a richly finished movement with Côtes de Genève decoration.

From a collector standpoint, the Royal Oak Chronograph in precious metal occupies a distinct position in the AP catalogue. While steel Royal Oak Chronographs have become notoriously difficult to acquire at retail, the pink gold reference 26322OR offers a different kind of exclusivity — deliberately positioned for buyers who want both complication and material prestige. The flyback chronograph mechanism within an integrated-bracelet sports watch package remains a technically impressive achievement, and AP's decision to keep the proportions at 41mm ensures the watch wears with purpose on the wrist.

Tinie Tempah has long been regarded as one of the UK's most watch-literate celebrities, regularly spotted with pieces from AP, Richard Mille, and Patek Philippe. His choice of the 26322OR reads as considered rather than casual — a collector's pick as much as a fashion statement.

At a UK list price of approximately £130,000, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26322OR sits firmly in rarefied territory. On the grey market, pink gold Royal Oak Chronographs have shown resilience, typically trading near or modestly above retail given consistent demand and limited boutique availability.