Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Karim Benzema spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Karim Benzema was recently photographed seated on a staircase, dressed in Chanel monogram trousers and matching sneakers, with a gleaming yellow-gold timepiece catching the eye on his left wrist. The watch in question is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Chronograph in 18k yellow gold — a piece that turns heads even in a room full of complicated watches.

First unveiled as part of Audemars Piguet's 2017 collaboration with Florentine jeweller Carolina Bucci, the Frosted Gold Royal Oak line applies a centuries-old Florentine hammering technique — diamond-tipped tools striking the gold surface to create thousands of micro-indentations — to the iconic Royal Oak case and bracelet. The result is a matte, almost galactic texture that dramatically transforms the visual weight of the piece. The 41mm case in 18k yellow gold houses AP's calibre 2385, a self-winding integrated chronograph movement with column wheel and a 40-hour power reserve, beating at 21,600 vph. The champagne-toned tapisserie dial echoes the gold case in a cohesive monochromatic statement, while the two black sub-dials at 9 and 12 o'clock and a date aperture at 4-5 o'clock provide chromatic contrast.

From a collector standpoint, the Frosted Gold Royal Oak Chronograph occupies a fascinating niche. It is simultaneously a serious complication — a column-wheel integrated chronograph built on one of watchmaking's most celebrated architectures — and an aesthetic object that flirts with jewellery territory. The Carolina Bucci collaboration gave AP a way to explore craftsmanship beyond movement finishing, and collectors responded: grey-market premiums have held steady well above retail.

Benzema's personal style has long embraced luxury at the highest level. The Ballon d'Or winner is no stranger to complicated horology, and his choice here signals an appreciation for watches that stand apart through craft rather than complication count alone. Wearing it alongside full Chanel shows a deliberate, fashion-forward sensibility.

At a retail price of $80,000 USD, the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Chronograph in yellow gold (ref. 26239BA.GG.1224BA.01) commands a significant premium in the secondary market, typically trading between $95,000 and $115,000 depending on condition and box/papers. Availability at authorised dealers remains extremely limited, reinforcing its desirability among serious collectors and high-profile athletes alike.