Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Hakim Ziyech spotted wearing Patek Philippe

On the eve of one of the most remarkable results in World Cup history, Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech stepped out wearing a watch that matched the occasion in ambition and rarity: the Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph in rose gold, Reference 5980/1R. Morocco would go on to defeat Portugal and write football history; Ziyech's wrist was already making a statement.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R is built around Caliber CH 28-520 C, a column-wheel, lateral-clutch movement that Patek Philippe developed in-house and introduced in 2006 alongside this very reference. It beats at 28,800 vph and offers a 45-to-55 hour power reserve. The horizontal clutch mechanism ensures the chronograph seconds hand engages without any jump or deviation — a technical standard few manufactures achieve at any price point. The 40.5mm case in 18k rose gold carries the unmistakable horizontally embossed dial and integrated bracelet that Gerald Genta designed for Patek in 1976, here rendered in a warm, deep-toned execution that suits the precious metal perfectly.

Among collectors, the 5980R occupies a specific and well-respected position. It is widely regarded as the definitive integrated-bracelet sports chronograph: sportier in spirit than the Royal Oak Chronograph from which it draws obvious aesthetic lineage, yet finished to Patek Philippe's meticulous Geneva Seal standards. The rose gold variant commands a premium over the steel 5980/1A — which itself has become virtually unobtainable at retail — both for the material and for the added exclusivity of lower production volumes.

Ziyech, who was playing for Chelsea at the time of the 2022 World Cup while also serving as one of Morocco's most technically gifted attackers, has cultivated a reputation for understated elegance off the pitch. Choosing a 5980/1R rather than a more ostentatious diamond-set piece reflects considered taste — this is a watch for someone who knows what they are looking at.

At an official retail price of $105,270 USD, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R is already positioned at the top of the integrated-bracelet segment. On the secondary market, demand consistently pushes realized prices well above retail, with grey-market transactions regularly exceeding $150,000 for well-documented examples in unworn condition.