Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Anthony Martial spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Anthony Martial, the French forward who has worn Manchester United's No. 9 shirt since his record-breaking 2015 move from Monaco, was recently spotted on the wrist with one of Audemars Piguet's most accomplished pieces: the Royal Oak Chronograph in 18kt yellow gold, reference 26320BA, featuring the brand's iconic blue Grande Tapisserie dial.

The Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320BA represents the fully in-house iteration of the Royal Oak chronograph line. At its heart sits Calibre 2385, a self-winding integrated column-wheel chronograph movement with a lateral clutch, operating at 21,600 vph with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback and finished to AP's exacting standards, with alternating brushed and polished surfaces throughout. The case measures 41mm — the modern standard for the Royal Oak Chronograph family — and the full 18kt yellow gold construction extends to the integrated bracelet, giving the piece a substantial presence on the wrist.

The blue dial version of the 26320BA occupies a particularly desirable position in the Royal Oak Chronograph catalogue. Blue dials have long carried a premium in collector circles, and combined with yellow gold, the contrast is both classic and unmistakably bold. The tapisserie pattern, applied by hand across every Royal Oak dial, remains one of the most technically demanding decorative finishes in Swiss watchmaking. Chronograph subdials sit at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, maintaining the clean symmetry that Gerald Genta's original 1972 design demanded.

Martial has demonstrated a consistent interest in serious horology beyond the typical footballer fare. Spotting a ref. 26320BA rather than a more commercially visible piece signals a degree of collector awareness — this is a watch chosen for what it represents technically and historically, not merely for its price tag.

On the market, the Royal Oak Chronograph 26320BA commands considerable attention. The UK list price sits at £45,100, and grey-market values for yellow gold Royal Oak Chronographs in desirable configurations have remained firm, typically trading above retail given sustained global demand and constrained authorized dealer allocations.