The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an exceptional timepiece that effectively combines luxury with a sporty feel. Prior to the release of the Royal Oak, luxury watches were crafted in precious metals like gold and platinum. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak incorporates the use of stainless steel combined with the finesse and elegance of a luxury watch company.
Audemars Piguet watches are known for their meticulous design, craftsmanship, innovative materials, and celebrity appeal. They have been released in many variants and are easily personalized, a feat that celebrities are drawn to. From gracing the wrists of influential celebrities and sports stars to its frequent appearances in movies, television shows, and music, the Royal Oak has evolved beyond being a mere accessory to a status symbol within all elements of pop culture.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watch
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak stands as an influential timepiece designed by the legendary watch designer, Gerald Genta. It was first released in 1972, featuring an octagonal bezel and a stainless steel case, setting its position as one of the first luxury sports watches. This model was released by Audemars Piguet during the quartz crisis, a time when traditional watchmaking mechanics suffered due to the overhaul of quartz watches on the market. While many watch companies closed, Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak.
Over the years, the Royal Oak has attained iconic status in the watch industry and beyond. Its distinctive design has inspired imitations and homages, but the original Royal Oak remains unrivaled in terms of prestige and recognition.
Who is Audemars Piguet?
Audemars Piguet is a renowned luxury watch retailer that was founded in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux region of Switzerland by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. The two founders shared a vision of creating high-quality timepieces through a commitment of craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail. Today, Audemars Piguet remains a family-owned and independent company continued through four generations.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the top model offered by the watchmaking company and it has received high accolades from watch collectors and pop culture icons alike. Out of all the Audemars Piguet watches, this is the main model that celebrities gravitate towards. They appreciate its craftsmanship as well as its aesthetics, including the octagonal case and hexagonal screws.
Audemars Piguet stands before the luxury watch industry as a prestigious timepiece creator as well as a prominent part of pop culture made popular by movies, music, and celebrities that have fallen in love with Audemars Piguet watches.
Audemars Piguet Watches in Music
Several musician stars have been spotted wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, showcasing its popularity among musicians and celebrities. Some notable musicians who have been seen wearing the Royal Oak include:
Jay-Z
The rapper Jay-Z has been known for his extensive and expensive collection of luxury timepieces. He has been seen wearing various Royal Oak models including a limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Yves Klein Blue ref. 25820ST. It combines the iconic design of the Royal Oak with the vibrant aesthetic inspired by the legendary artist Yves Klein.
Drake
Canadian Rapper Drake has also been known to flaunt rare luxury timepieces, including a limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The Royal Oak Alyx, limited to 40 watches, was made in collaboration with fashion designer Matthew Williams’ fashion brand, 1017 ALYX 9SM.
Kanye West
Rapper Kanye West was photographed wearing a yellow-gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar with a skeletonized dial.
Audemars Piguet watches have not only been worn by music stars, the company and its watch models have also been mentioned in various song lyrics from well-known names and independent artists.
Rapper Rick Ross mentioned Audemars Piguet in his song, “BMF (Blowin Money Fast). The lyric mentioned reads: I think I’m Big Meech, look at my timepiece, It’s an Audemar, hundred racks at least.
Rapper Meek Mill also talked about the prestigious company in his song, “I’ma Boss.” The lyric says: Audemar on my wrist, bustdown, we poppin’ bottles like I scored the winning touchdown.
It comes as no surprise that rapper Jay-Z has mentioned his Audemars Piguet in his song lyrics on different occasions. His song “Off That” has a lyric that says: I’m so tomorrow the Audemar says yesterday.
These are only a few song lyrics and musicians that have worn or associated with the Audemars Piguet brand and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Worn By Sports Stars
Due to its sporty nature, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has been worn by many sports stars. Some sports stars have collaborated with the company to create their own limited-edition timepieces. Let’s see which athletes have been spotted wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch.
Serena Williams
Tennis superstar Serena Williams had a custom Audemars Piguet Royal Oak created where the pusher is on the left instead of the standard right side. This allows it not to dig into Williams’ wrist when wearing it on the tennis court.
Luka Dončić
Luka Dončić, point guard to the Dallas Mavericks, has recently been photographed wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model with a hammered bracelet.
Anthony Davis
Before the NBA finals in 2020, Los Angeles all-star Anthony Davis was seen wearing a rare black ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra Thin. This rarity of Audemars Piguet watches was limited to 100 models.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, The Timepiece of Pop Culture
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has made its place as a timeless icon in both the watch industry and popular culture. From its inception as a revolutionary luxury sports watch to its evolution into a coveted status symbol, the Royal Oak has transcended mere timekeeping to become a cultural phenomenon.
Its presence on the wrists of influential celebrities, sports stars, and characters in movies and television shows has solidified its reputation as a symbol of exclusivity and refinement. With its distinctive design, and impeccable craftsmanship, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, earning its rightful place as a true timepiece of pop culture.