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Golfer Ian Poulter spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Ian Poulter, the Ryder Cup stalwart whose wrist game is as competitive as his iron play, was recently spotted wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in black ceramic, reference 26579CE. The sighting adds another serious horological chapter to the golfer's well-documented collection, which spans some of the most coveted references in the industry.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 26579CE is built around the iconic 41mm Royal Oak case rendered entirely in black ceramic — a material Audemars Piguet has refined over the years for its exceptional hardness, lightness, and deep, light-absorbing finish. The dial presents the full perpetual calendar suite: date, day, month, leap year, and moon phase, all displayed with the characteristic AP clarity against the tapisserie-patterned background. Driving everything is Calibre 5134, an in-house automatic movement beating at 19,800 vph with a 40-hour power reserve. Crucially, this instantaneous perpetual calendar mechanism accounts for all calendar irregularities through the year 2100 without any manual correction.

From a collector standpoint, the 26579CE occupies a particularly interesting position. Black ceramic Royal Oaks have built a devoted following among enthusiasts who want the architectural language of the classic stainless steel Royal Oak but with a more contemporary, understated expression. The perpetual calendar complication elevates the ref. 26579CE well beyond the entry-level Royal Oak conversation — this is a serious complications piece that happens to wear with the visual restraint of ceramic.

Poulter has never been shy about his passion for watches, regularly appearing at major tournaments and public events with high-calibre pieces. His choice of the 26579CE reflects both an appreciation for mechanical depth and an eye for pieces that stand apart from the crowd. The black ceramic finish suits his unapologetic personal aesthetic perfectly.

On the market, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 26579CE carries a UK list price of approximately £70,000, which translates to roughly $88,000 USD at retail. On the secondary market, ceramic Royal Oak complications consistently trade at or above list, with strong demand from both AP loyalists and broader complications collectors keeping grey-market premiums firm.