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Rapper Gué Pequeno spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Gué Pequeno, one of Italy's most recognisable figures in hip-hop, recently surfaced wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 50th Anniversary in stainless steel, reference 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03 — a piece that marks a genuine milestone in watchmaking history rather than simply a marketing anniversary.

Launched in 2022 to celebrate fifty years since Gerald Genta sketched the Royal Oak on a single napkin overnight, the 26240ST measures 41mm in stainless steel and houses the calibre 7121 — a hand-wound descendant of the legendary calibre 2121 that powered the original 1972 model. The movement beats at 19,800 vph and offers approximately 40 hours of power reserve. What distinguishes this reference from standard production Royal Oaks is the commemorative 'Grande Tapisserie' dial rendered in a cool silver tone, 18-carat white gold applied hour-markers, and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating — all sitting behind a sapphire crystal that reveals the movement's finishing through the caseback.

The most discussed element among collectors is the engraved '50 Years' oscillating weight in 22-carat gold, a detail that rewards owners who bother to flip the watch over. It is an understated nod to heritage that AP executed without excess, which is precisely why the horological community received the 26240ST warmly rather than dismissing it as a celebratory cash-grab.

Gué Pequeno has cultivated a public persona closely tied to Italian luxury culture — his lyrics frequently reference high-end fashion and timepieces, and his personal collection reflects a preference for pieces with genuine substance over purely visual statements. The Royal Oak 26240ST sits comfortably within that ethos: it reads as a classic sports-luxury watch on the wrist while carrying significant technical and historical weight for anyone who knows what they are looking at.

At an official retail price of approximately $53,000 USD, the 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03 commands a premium over standard Royal Oak configurations. On the grey market, demand has remained firm given the limited commemorative status of the reference, with transaction prices tracking at or above retail — a position that distinguishes it from several other current Royal Oak variants that trade at discounts.