In the wake of LeBron James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, we thought it would be a good time to revisit The NBA star’s signature wristwatch—The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph.
Globetrotting James was just in Hong Kong for the opening of Audemars Piguet’s first self-owned boutique in the IFC Mall where he was spotted wearing this timepiece. Launched last September, it is something of a rarity in the world of athlete-branded sports watches. Not only does it not reference team colors or jersey numbers, it actually has no allusion to basketball at all. It’s a canny move that makes the watch continuously relevant as the former #6 of the Miami Heat returns to being #23 in Cleveland.
The design is also perfect for a trendsetter like James, who was hands-on in the design of this limited edition model. He paired the 44mm-diameter 18-carat pink gold case with a titanium bezel and light grey “Méga Tapisserie” dial with pink gold oversized numbers and hands. The mix of luxe and laissez-faire is reinforced by a black ceramic crown and chronograph push pieces contrasted with a single diamond set into the two o’clockpusher. A grey alligator strap completes the piece.
Just as James transcended his fame on the basketball court to become a style icon, this watch has transcended its origins as a sport watch to become a symbol of the good life.
Image of Lebron James courtesy of Audemars Piguet
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