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Footballer Álvaro Arbeloa spotted wearing 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.