Footballer Jules Koundé spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Jules Koundé, the French defender for FC Barcelona and the French national football team, was recently photographed wearing an Audemars Piguet Bamboo Ref. 14644BA during a celebratory photoshoot following a goal against Getafe. The timepiece, executed in 18k yellow gold with a diamond-set champagne dial, represents one of watchmaking's most unconventional luxury offerings and underscores Koundé's refined taste in fine timepieces.

The Audemars Piguet Bamboo debuted in the 1970s as Audemars Piguet's radical response to the quartz crisis, reimagining the wristwatch as a sculptural jewelry object rather than a purely functional instrument. The Ref. 14644BA exemplifies this philosophy through its distinctive octagonal case geometry, which integrates seamlessly with a bracelet composed of tapered cylindrical links that evoke bamboo stalks bound together. At approximately 33mm in width, the case maintains surprising compactness despite its visual presence. The 18k yellow gold construction ensures durability and prestige, while the diamond-set champagne dial with applied AP monogram motif provides textural contrast and refined luxury.

Beneath the ultra-thin profile lies the Calibre 2003, an automatic movement developed specifically to maintain the Bamboo's sleek proportions without sacrificing mechanical sophistication. The movement operates at 19,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve adequate for daily wear. Water resistance stands at 20 meters, positioning the Bamboo firmly as a dress watch rather than a dive instrument. Production of the Ref. 14644BA spanned the late 1990s through early 2000s, making it increasingly scarce on the secondary market.

The Bamboo represents a pivotal moment in Audemars Piguet's design language, preceding the later popularity of Royal Oak sports watches yet embodying the same integrated case-and-bracelet philosophy. This particular yellow gold variant with diamond setting elevates the piece into haute horlogerie jewelry territory, distinguishing it from steel examples. The interlocking AP motif on the champagne dial became a signature design element that collectors actively seek.

On the contemporary grey market, examples of the Audemars Piguet Bamboo Ref. 14644BA in 18k yellow gold typically command prices between $18,000 and $26,000 USD, depending on condition and provenance. The combination of precious metal, diamond setting, and historical significance as a design icon creates sustained collector demand. Koundé's choice reflects not merely wealth but informed appreciation for vintage luxury sports watches with distinctive design narratives.