Footballer Álvaro Arbeloa spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Álvaro Arbeloa, the decorated Real Madrid and Spanish national team defender, was photographed wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in the desirable 'Panda' configuration, reference 26170ST.OO.1000ST.01 — a stainless steel sports chronograph that sits firmly at the top of the AP entry point for serious collectors.

The 26170ST is built around a 42mm stainless steel case with AP's signature octagonal bezel secured by eight visible hexagonal screws — a design language introduced by Gérald Genta for the original Royal Oak in 1972 and amplified aggressively when the Offshore debuted in 1993. The 'Panda' dial features a black base with contrasting white chronograph subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, complemented by a date window and tachymeter scale. The full reference — 26170ST.OO.1000ST.01 — specifies a steel bracelet with AP's folding clasp, keeping the configuration entirely in steel and giving it a cohesive, purposeful aesthetic.

Beneath the case, the calibre 3126/3840 automatic movement does the heavy lifting. It combines a base 3120 rotor with the 3840 chronograph module, delivering a 60-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph beat rate, and column-wheel chronograph control. It is not an in-house integrated movement in the traditional sense, but it is robustly built and well-finished for a sports complication at this price tier.

From a collector standpoint, the 26170ST in 'Panda' configuration is among the more rational entry points into the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph family. Steel sports chronographs with clean two-tone dial execution hold value reliably, and this reference has maintained consistent demand since its introduction. The 'Panda' readability and sporty proportions make it a crossover piece — equally at home in a serious collection or on the wrist courtside.

Arbeloa, a full-back who made over 170 appearances for Real Madrid and collected two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League winners' medal, has long demonstrated an appreciation for high-specification Swiss watchmaking. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph ref. 26170ST retailed at approximately £20,300 in the UK, with grey-market values hovering comfortably above list on strong secondary demand.