Footballer Stephen El Shaarawy spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Stephan El Shaarawy was photographed wearing a substantial piece of AP iron on his wrist following his high-profile move from AC Milan to AS Monaco — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in stainless steel, reference 26400SO.OO.A002CA.01, a watch that makes no attempt to go unnoticed.

The reference 26400SO.OO.A002CA.01 sits within the third generation of the Royal Oak Offshore lineage, a line Gerald Genta's original 1993 design spawned. At 44mm in stainless steel, this iteration wears large but is balanced by a relatively modest 14.6mm case thickness. The smoked slate grey 'Méga Tapisserie' dial — a scaled-up version of the iconic 'Petite Tapisserie' found on the original Royal Oak — is one of its strongest suits, shifting between charcoal and silver depending on the light. The pushers and bezel are rendered in black ceramic and rubber, lending it an industrial edge that the standard Royal Oak deliberately avoids. A black rubber strap with a steel AP folding clasp rounds out the package.

Under the case, Audemars Piguet fits the self-winding Calibre 3126/3840, a column-wheel integrated chronograph movement beating at 21,600vph with a 50-hour power reserve. The movement is a joint development with Renaud & Papi, offering genuine mechanical substance behind the oversized exterior. The exhibition caseback gives a clear view of its finishing.

Among collectors, the Offshore Chronograph occupies a specific niche — it is unapologetically large, deliberately assertive, and appeals to those who find the standard Royal Oak too restrained. The 26400 series, which replaced the 26170 generation, is well-regarded for its cleaner integration of ceramic and rubber elements, and the smoked dial variant consistently performs well on the secondary market.

El Shaarawy, at 32 and entering a new chapter on the Côte d'Azur, has consistently shown a preference for watches with visual presence over subtlety. The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph ref. 26400SO.OO.A002CA.01 fits that profile precisely — a tool watch aesthetic wrapped in serious horological credentials, retailing in the UK at approximately £20,000.