Footballer Hugo Ekitike spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Hugo Ekitike, the French national team and Liverpool FC forward currently on the mend from injury, made a stylish appearance at Anfield during a pre-season friendly against AS Monaco wearing a Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Perpetual Calendar in 18k pink gold. The reference 7340/1R-001 on matching pink gold bracelet caught the eye in wrist shots, its silvery dial distinctive among a collection historically dominated by women's sports watches and gem-set variants.

The Twenty~4 Perpetual Calendar ref. 7340/1R-001 represents a watershed moment for the collection. Powered by Patek Philippe's legacy micro-rotor calibre 240 Q, the movement operates at 28,800 vph and delivers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours—a technical achievement that allows the perpetual calendar complication to function without external adjustment until the year 2100. The 36 mm round case in 18k pink gold measures 8.24 mm thick, achieving remarkable slimness for a perpetual calendar. The bezel is polished, while the case band displays the refined finishing typical of modern Patek Philippe sports watches. Water resistance stands at 30 metres, standard for dress-centric Patek Philippe timepieces.

The dial defines this reference's aesthetic appeal. Rather than the translucent enamel or mother-of-pearl common to earlier Twenty~4 models, Patek Philippe specified a satin-brushed silvery surface with crisscrossing linear textures that evoke shantung silk—an intentional design choice that softens the technical complexity beneath. Stylized Arabic numerals in 12, 3, 6, and 9 positions anchor the dial, while rounded baton hands filled with luminous material ensure legibility. The perpetual calendar subdials occupy the upper hemisphere, displaying day, month, and leap-year indicator in a refined arrangement.

Ekitike's choice signals a shift in footballer horology toward complications and heritage. Where contemporary athletes traditionally favour sports watches or dress chronographs, the Twenty~4 Perpetual Calendar appeals to connoisseurs seeking intellectual watchmaking within a contemporary case design. The 18k pink gold variant commands attention without the overt sportiness of steel or white gold editions, positioning it as a bridge between technical mastery and refined lifestyle presentation.

Retail pricing for the ref. 7340/1R-001 starts around $60,000 USD at official Patek Philippe boutiques, though allocation remains tightly controlled. Grey-market pricing typically ranges from $68,000 to $78,000, reflecting consistent collector demand for round-case perpetual calendars in precious metals. The reference remains unwatched-list territory at most authorised dealers, securing its status as a modern benchmark in haute horlogerie.