Watch Paparazzi

Actor Ram Charan spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

At what appears to be a Telugu film industry function, Ram Charan — one of South Indian cinema's biggest stars — was photographed with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix strapped to his wrist. The watch sits prominently against his beaded bracelet stack, its bold 44mm profile unmistakable even at a distance. It is exactly the kind of understated-yet-enormous statement piece that has made the Offshore a favourite among entertainers who know their horology.

The Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix, reference 26290RO.OO.A001VE.01, was introduced as part of AP's motorsport-inspired Offshore lineage and represents one of the more technically complex executions in that family. The case measures 44mm and combines an 18k pink gold middle case with a bezel and caseback constructed from forged carbon — a composite material that delivers exceptional rigidity and a distinctive marbled grey aesthetic. The dial is finished in dark anthracite with a tachymeter scale, three chronograph subdials, and signature yellow and red accents referencing Formula 1 racing livery.

Powering the watch is the Calibre 3126/3840, an integrated automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel mechanism, 22k gold oscillating weight, and approximately 50 hours of power reserve. The movement is COSC-certified for chronometric precision — a detail that matters to collectors who view the Offshore not merely as jewellery but as a functioning instrument.

From a collector standpoint, the Grand Prix occupies a compelling niche: it is rarer and more visually aggressive than the standard Offshore Chronograph, yet it retains the core Royal Oak DNA — the octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and integrated bracelet aesthetic — that has made the line a cornerstone of the modern luxury watch market. The combination of noble metal and high-tech composite resonates strongly with younger collectors.

Ram Charan, son of legendary actor Chiranjeevi and star of the global phenomenon RRR, has cultivated a reputation for refined but bold personal style. At a retail price of $50,500, the Grand Prix sits comfortably within the upper tier of his documented watch collection. On the grey market, examples trade at a modest premium, reflecting consistent collector demand for this discontinued configuration.