Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Mamadou Sakho spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Mamadou Sakho, the French international and Liverpool FC centre back known for his commanding defensive presence, was photographed wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic 41mm in stainless steel, reference 15400ST.OO.1220ST.01 — one of the most recognisable and enduring references in modern watchmaking.

The Royal Oak 15400ST was introduced in 2012 as the direct successor to the long-running 15300ST, scaling the iconic Gerald Genta-designed case up to 41mm to meet contemporary sizing preferences. Powered by the in-house Calibre 3120, the watch delivers 60 hours of power reserve via a 22-carat gold peripheral rotor, with 280 components operating at 21,600 vph. The movement is visible through the sapphire caseback and represents a purely Audemars Piguet manufacture effort, distinguishing it from earlier Royal Oak references that relied on a movement co-developed with Patek Philippe.

The 15400ST wears the full suite of Royal Oak hallmarks: the octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, the hand-finished "Grande Tapisserie" dial, alternating brushed and polished surfaces on the integrated bracelet, and that unmistakable architectural profile that Gerald Genta sketched overnight in 1971. In stainless steel with a blue or black dial, it has become the default choice for collectors entering serious haute horlogerie for the first time — and for many, it never leaves the wrist.

Sakho joins a long list of professional footballers who have gravitated toward the Royal Oak, a watch that straddles sportswear and formal dress with rare credibility. For an elite defender operating at the highest level of the Premier League, the 15400ST signals an understanding of watch culture rather than mere label recognition — it is a considered, knowledgeable choice.

The 15400ST was discontinued in 2020, replaced by the updated 15510ST with a refreshed dial and movement. That discontinuation has tightened supply significantly. At retail the reference carried a price in the region of $19,700 USD; on the grey market, clean examples in full set regularly trade above retail, reflecting both the Royal Oak's enduring demand and the collector premium attached to a now-closed reference.