Watch Paparazzi

Singer Chris Brown spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Chris Brown was recently spotted wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in 18k rose gold with a black dial, reference 26320OR — a watch that needs little introduction in serious collector circles but deserves closer examination precisely because of what it represents within the Royal Oak family.

The ref. 26320OR measures 41mm in diameter and is crafted entirely in 18k rose gold, including the integrated bracelet that remains one of the most technically accomplished in Swiss watchmaking. The black dial features the Royal Oak's signature Grande Tapisserie pattern, with contrasting sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock for the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph registers. At its heart beats the Audemars Piguet caliber 2385, a column-wheel integrated chronograph movement with a 40-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph. The lateral clutch mechanism and column wheel ensure precise, reliable chronograph engagement — this is not a movement that exists purely for aesthetics.

The Royal Oak Chronograph traces its lineage directly back to the original Royal Oak launched in 1972, designed by Gerald Genta. Adding a chronograph complication to Genta's integrated bracelet sports watch was a significant engineering challenge given the case architecture — AP solved it elegantly. The rose gold iteration of the 26320 carries particular weight among collectors because it combines the sportiness of the Royal Oak DNA with the warmth and prestige of a precious metal case, occupying a sweet spot between tool watch and luxury object.

Chris Brown has consistently demonstrated genuine watch literacy, gravitating toward complicated pieces from the top tier of Swiss independents rather than wearing watches purely as status symbols. His choice of the 26320OR aligns with a broader hip-hop and R&B culture that has embraced Audemars Piguet more organically than perhaps any other maison over the past two decades.

On the market, the Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR carries a UK retail listing of approximately £47,800. In USD terms, retail runs close to $60,000. On the secondary market, rose gold Royal Oak Chronographs have held value firmly, with grey market prices typically trading near or slightly above retail given constrained supply from authorised dealers.