Watch Paparazzi

Tennis player Serena Williams spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

At the 2019 Met Gala — themed 'Camp: Notes on Fashion' — Serena Williams arrived in a vivid yellow Versace creation adorned with 3D floral appliqués. On her wrist sat an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm in 18K white gold, fully set with diamonds from lug to clasp. It was a statement that matched the evening's theatrical energy without sacrificing horological substance.

The reference, consistent with 15452BC.ZZ.1259BC.01, is built around the iconic octagonal bezel first drawn by Gérald Genta in 1972. The 37mm white gold case houses Calibre 4302, a self-winding movement with 40-hour power reserve and date complication at 3 o'clock — visible here through the diamond-paved dial. The case and integrated bracelet carry 860 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 5.84 carats, while the dial itself is set with 275 brilliant-cut stones (1.23 ct) and 25 baguette-cuts (0.25 ct), for a combined stone count exceeding 1,160 diamonds across the watch.

The fully set Royal Oak occupies a specific and demanding position within AP's Royal Oak family. The 37mm size was introduced as the 'ladies' format but has increasingly attracted gender-neutral collectors who value its proportional balance on a wider range of wrists. A pave Royal Oak of this specification demands master setters who must align each stone to follow the integrated bracelet's articulation without interrupting surface continuity — a process that can take several weeks per piece.

Serena Williams is one of the most consistent AP brand ambassadors in sport. Her relationship with Audemars Piguet spans multiple references and public appearances, but the choice of this all-diamond configuration for the Met Gala — arguably fashion's most photographed evening — underscores her understanding of luxury as wearable architecture rather than simple status signaling.

At an official retail price of $145,500, this reference sits at the apex of AP's Royal Oak standard collection before entering true haute joaillerie territory. On the secondary market, fully set AP Royal Oaks in white gold have held their value firmly, with comparable examples trading between $130,000 and $160,000 depending on condition and provenance. Demand remains consistent, driven by collectors who recognize the labor intensity behind each piece.