Musician Florian Picasso spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Florian Picasso, the Franco-Spanish DJ and musician who carries one of art history's most recognizable surnames, was recently spotted wearing what is arguably one of the most technically complex chronographs Audemars Piguet has ever produced: the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher, reference 26221FT.

The 26221FT is built around AP's in-house Calibre 2920, a hand-wound movement that delivers the laptimer complication through an entirely mechanical split-seconds architecture. The mechanism allows two independent chronograph functions to be operated via separate pushers — one at 2 o'clock, one at 10 o'clock — enabling a rider, driver, or any user to record consecutive lap times while a running center seconds hand maintains the total elapsed count. No electronics, no shortcuts. The movement beats at 21,600 vph and offers approximately 40 hours of power reserve. The case is constructed from forged carbon and titanium, measuring 44mm with the signature Royal Oak Concept octagonal bezel rendered in textured black, paired with a rubber strap. The dial opens up to reveal the movement architecture in full, with the twin chronograph seconds hands unmistakable against the skeletonized backdrop.

The edition is limited to 221 pieces — the number chosen deliberately to reference the 91 Formula 1 race victories Michael Schumacher had accumulated by the time of the watch's release, with 221 being his total career points tally under the pre-2010 scoring system. The collaboration between AP and Schumacher ran deep: the seven-time world champion was an ambassador for the brand, and the Laptimer was designed with direct input informed by motorsport timing requirements. It debuted at SIHH 2012 and remains one of the most cited examples of haute horlogerie meeting genuine sporting function.

Florian Picasso — grandson of Pablo Picasso and son of Paloma Picasso — has built a credible international profile in the electronic music world, performing at major festivals and releasing on respected labels. His watch choices have tended toward the bold and architecturally complex, and the 26221FT is entirely consistent with that aesthetic.

On the secondary market, the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher ref. 26221FT commands significant premiums given its 221-piece limitation and the enduring collector demand for anything at the intersection of AP's Concept line and Schumacher's legacy. At £175,000 at UK list, this is a six-figure piece that trades above retail when examples surface.