Major sporting and musical events have become visible stages for status, design, and brand identity in the modern watch world. The Super Bowl is not just a sporting finale, but a globally broadcast cultural moment with millions of viewers, possessing worldwide appeal, and where the world-renowned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, an icon of the watch world, is repeatedly in the spotlight. Alongside performance, fashion, and staging, high-quality watches are increasingly coming into focus. Luxury watches serve as clearly recognizable symbols of success, style, and belonging to the international haute horlogerie.

The most important points in brief

• Luxury watch as an image factor: Bad Bunny deliberately chose the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak as part of his brand presentation at the Super Bowl – design, material and visibility are paramount.

• A combination of yellow gold and malachite: The Royal Oak 15553 BA combines radiant gold with a deep green natural stone dial. Each model is unique and looks particularly striking under stage lighting.

• Material-first instead of complications: Instead of technical functions such as chronograph or calendar, the focus here is on the choice of material – a trend that shapes modern collector culture.

• Celebrity endorsement boosts market value: Bad Bunny's appearance increases the visibility of the reference item – and with it, collector interest. Natural stone models are frequently traded above list price.

• Royal Oak remains an icon in the celebrity context: Since its introduction in 1972, the Royal Oak has shaped the segment of sporty luxury watches – especially among celebrities who use it as a visual statement.

Luxury watches as part of modern celebrity culture

What exactly does celebrity watch culture mean? Celebrity watch culture describes the deliberate use of luxury watches as part of the public self-presentation of artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs. In this context, watches are not merely timepieces, but visual markers of status, taste, and access to exclusive products from renowned manufacturers such as Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, or Rolex.

Visible models such as a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or a Royal Oak Offshore watches are now being used strategically to communicate individuality. Social media amplifies this effect. Close-up photos of wrists, known as wrist shots, spread worldwide in seconds, instantly identifying individual reference numbers, materials, and versions. The watch thus becomes part of an artist's personal brand.

The development is measurable:

• Luxury watches regularly appear in music videos, campaigns, and live streams.

• Limited editions are in high demand after prominent appearances.

• Certain models gain significant market value through visibility.

The watch world is responding accordingly. Manufacturers are consciously positioning icons like the AP Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, and Royal Oak Automatic as lifestyle products, bridging the gap between design object and technical manufacturing achievement. Material choice, dial color, and case finish are often more prominent than additional functions such as chronograph, flyback function, or perpetual calendar.

In the celebrity context, a modern luxury watch is a means of communication and not merely an instrument for measuring time.

Against this backdrop, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance took on an additional dimension. The artist used the stage not only musically, but also stylistically. On his wrist, he wore a new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in yellow gold with a malachite dial – a deliberately chosen reference that prioritizes material, color, and presence over technical complications, thus making a clear statement within the current watchmaking world.

Bad Bunny's watch in focus: The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet is among the leading manufacturers in the field of haute horlogerie. The brand is known for avant-garde design, technical excellence, and cultural relevance. The story of the Royal Oak began in 1972 and marked a turning point in the watchmaking world – its inspiration stemming from the maritime world, it revolutionized the industry with its unique design and bold concept. Within the watchmaking world, the Royal Oak collection, in particular, stands as an iconic model representing a new concept of luxury – sporty, confident, and focused on materials.

The Royal Oak is as ubiquitous in pop culture today as it is in collector circles. Its distinctive shape, integrated bracelet, and visible bezel screws make it instantly recognizable worldwide. Among celebrities—particularly in the music and sports industries—it is one of the most frequently worn models. Variations such as the Royal Oak Offshore and the technically focused Concept line also contribute to the brand's visibility.

At the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny presented the new Royal Oak 15553 BA reference, a design that consistently implements the principle of "material before complication".

Model reference and technical details

• Model: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15553BA

• Collection: Royal Oak

• Case size: 37 mm

• Case material: 18 karat yellow gold

• Dial: Malachite – green natural stone with individual grain

• Movement: Automatic in-house caliber

• Category: Luxury sports watch with a high focus on materials

• Band: Yellow gold, integrated design

• Bezel: Octagonal, with visible screws

• Waterproof rating: 50 meters

Reference 15553 BA represents a return to yellow gold as a luxurious statement material. The 37 mm case size follows the trend towards wearable, balanced proportions that suit both men and women and are ideal for fashion-forward appearances.

Malachite as a dial material is rare and striking. As a natural stone, it possesses a characteristic grain that makes each model unique. Its depth of color and texture are particularly striking under stage lighting. Combined with yellow gold, it creates a visually powerful combination that conveys prestige and impeccable style.

The choice of this version is no accident, but rather the expression of a strategy: visibility through color, material, and form – not through technical complexity. The watch deliberately forgoes additional complications such as a chronograph or perpetual calendar. The focus is on the design.

Design analysis: Why yellow gold and malachite stand out

The combination of yellow gold and malachite gives the Royal Oak 15553 BA maximum visual presence. Yellow gold reflects light intensely, creating an opulent effect and instantly drawing attention on stage or in close-up shots. In times of subtle tones and muted colors, it consciously makes a statement of confidence and extravagance.

Malachite is a deep green natural stone with a characteristic grain. No two dials are alike – each watch is unique due to the individual structures of the stone. The wave-like patterns and the iridescent play of colors create additional depth under stage lighting. This visual spectrum contrasts with the uniform design of classic dials and emphasizes its character as a collector's item.

In the collector scene, this combination is considered a prime example of so-called "material-first collecting"—that is, the conscious selection of a watch based on the material's impact and visual distinctiveness, not primarily on its functions or complications. Especially in the modern watch world, the focus is increasingly shifting towards rarity, craftsmanship, and tactile feel.

Yellow gold combined with natural stone signals luxury, differentiation from the mainstream and stylistic determination – qualities that perfectly match Bad Bunny's image.

Why this Royal Oak is a perfect match for Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny embodies a style that deliberately subverts conventions and prioritizes visual impact. His persona combines fashion, performance, and luxury into a striking image. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with its malachite dial fits perfectly into this concept: a luxury watch that stands out not only for its value but also for its aesthetics, materiality, and cultural significance. The use of natural stone and yellow gold is no accident, but rather the expression of a calculated stylistic choice. The watch becomes an integral part of his public persona.

The Royal Oak not only complements Bad Bunny's appearance functionally, but strategically – it reinforces the visual narrative of an artist who does not separate style and status, but merges them.

Style, image and brand impact

• The Royal Oak is considered a symbol of modern luxury aesthetics – angular, architectural, instantly recognizable.

• Yellow gold serves as a visible sign of self-confidence, success, and differentiation from the mainstream.

• The look is deliberately striking – the combination of gold and green natural stone consciously contradicts the principle of understatement.

• The model achieves maximum visual impact in high-resolution social media clips and close-ups.

The Royal Oak is not merely an accessory here, but a design statement with high symbolic power. It represents a concept of luxury that seeks presence rather than restraint.

Significance in the celebrity watch game

In today's celebrity context, watches are more than just timepieces – they function as markers of style, belonging, and individual attitude.

• Celebrities deliberately use eye-catching watches to create visual identifiers.

• Platforms like Instagram, TikTok or YouTube amplify the effect of wrist shots and close-ups.

• Individual models, worn by prominent figures, become cultural trendsetters with a signaling effect for an entire target group.

Visible luxury watches are an integral part of the public image of many artists. They communicate status, taste, and cultural positioning – often more strongly than the actual stage outfit.

The Royal Oak as a cultural symbol of modern luxury watches

Since its introduction in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has become one of the most influential watch icons. It represents a paradigm shift in the watch industry: away from the classic dress watch concept and towards a sporty luxury watch with a strong design focus. Its recognizability and style-defining impact have made it an integral part of contemporary watchmaking – not only for collectors, but increasingly also in the realm of pop culture and celebrity.

Whether in stainless steel, rose gold or, as with Bad Bunny, in yellow gold with malachite – each version refers to the origin of this concept: design as identity, materiality as expression.

Historical background of the Royal Oak

• The Royal Oak was introduced in 1972 by Audemars Piguet – designed by Gérald Genta.

• It was the first luxury watch made of stainless steel that consciously combined sporty design with a high price level.

• Characteristic features include the integrated bracelet, the screwed octagonal bezel and the so-called “tapestry” structure of the dial.

• Its name is inspired by the British warship "Royal Oak", which in turn refers to a legendary oak tree.

The Royal Oak is considered the founder of the "Luxury Sports Watches" segment and the central answer of Haute Horlogerie to the quartz crisis of the 1970s.

Precious metal versions as new collector trends

In recent years, a clear trend towards high-quality material options such as yellow gold, rose gold, or ceramic has emerged. These versions specifically appeal to collectors and style-conscious buyers who value exclusivity and tactile quality.

• The choice of materials is becoming increasingly important, rather than the sheer complexity of the watch.

• Variants with natural stone dials or limited editions achieve high market values.

• The combination of traditional watch design and luxurious material defines a new collector culture.

The version with a malachite dial, worn by Bad Bunny, exemplifies this development: it combines historical substance with modern material presentation.

Super Bowl show as a stage for watch culture

Major events like the Super Bowl have become showcases for modern watch culture. Alongside musical and athletic performances, visual statements are increasingly taking center stage – particularly through close-ups, social media clips, and the targeted media analysis of outfits and accessories. Watches thus become commented-upon elements of pop culture, gaining a public perception that extends beyond their function as mere timepieces.

In this context, the wrist becomes a projection surface for style, identity, and status.

Other prominent watch moments of the evening

This year's Super Bowl night showcased an extraordinary range of watch styles and price segments – a reflection of today's luxury and cultural discourse:

• Jay-Z wore a Patek Philippe Celestial 6102P-001, a high-end complication with celestial display and moon phase indicator – a technical statement with clear symbolism.

• Travis Scott opted for targeted irony with a Seiko C515-5009: a nostalgic digital model with cult status from the calculator era.

• Tom Brady chose an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in blue ceramic – a material-focused interpretation of a classic complication.

• Roger Federer rounded off the range with a modern Rolex model in the typical clean look – understated, but brand-defining.

Between haute horlogerie and pop-cultural understatement, stylistic diversity and a sense of identity are reflected. The Royal Oak by Bad Bunny positions itself as a visible middle ground: luxurious, striking, yet focused on material and design.

Price, positioning and market value of AP Royal Oak Malachite

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with a malachite dial is among the most exclusive variations within the Royal Oak collection. Its price and market value reflect not only the materials used, such as yellow gold and natural stone, but also the growing importance of rare design variations among collectors. Models with natural stone dials are considered highly sought-after due to their limited availability.

The combination of high-quality material, iconic design and pop-cultural visibility makes this model particularly relevant for investors and collectors.

List price and market prices

The AP Royal Oak 15553 BA with a malachite dial is not regularly available through retail channels and is often sold exclusively through Audemars Piguet boutiques. The list price is in the upper five-figure range, depending on the features and regional market.

Premiums are common on the secondary market. Models featuring natural stones like malachite or tiger's eye regularly trade above list price, as availability is limited and each stone has a unique grain. Six-figure prices are realistic, especially when celebrity and media attention are involved.

Who is this model suitable for?

This version of the Royal Oak is aimed at a clearly defined target group:

• Collectors of modern luxury sports watches with a focus on material aesthetics

• Buyers interested in limited or rarer variants

• Celebrities and public figures who use watches as part of their visual identity

• Investors who focus on stable-value models in the high-end segment

• Design-conscious buyers who are looking for a combination of craftsmanship, style and exclusivity

The watch is therefore not just a functional object, but part of a cultural narrative about luxury, individuality and brand identity.

The Royal Oak as an investment: Value development and collector potential

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is far more than just a luxury watch – it is considered one of the most sought-after investments in the watch world. Since its introduction, the Royal Oak has become an icon, whose value appreciation fascinates collectors and investors alike. Particularly in recent years, prices for coveted versions such as the Royal Oak Automatic, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, and the sporty Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph have risen steadily.

Limited availability as a price driver for the Royal Oak

A key factor in the Royal Oak's collector appeal is its limited production by Audemars Piguet. The brand deliberately focuses on exclusivity, producing many models, including the Offshore versions and special editions, in small numbers. This artificial scarcity ensures that certain references—for example, those with exceptional dials like the Méga Tapisserie or crafted from rare materials such as rose gold, stainless steel, or ceramic—are particularly sought after on the market.

The diverse Royal Oak collection offers the perfect watch for every taste and investment approach: from the classic Royal Oak automatic model to the technically sophisticated Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, and on to the robust Offshore models, nicknamed "The Beast," which enjoy cult status. The Offshore line, in particular, with its distinctive cases, sporty functions such as chronograph and flyback, and innovative materials, appeals to a new generation of collectors.

Another unique feature of the Royal Oak is its distinctive design, which dates back to the legendary designer Gérald Genta. The octagonal bezel with visible screws, the integrated bracelet, and the characteristic tapisserie texture of the dial have long since become hallmarks of haute horlogerie. These design elements, combined with high-quality materials and precise in-house movements, make every Royal Oak a highly sought-after collector's item.

The history of the Royal Oak is closely linked to the quartz crisis of the 1970s. At a time when many traditional watch manufacturers were under pressure, Audemars Piguet made a bold statement for mechanical watchmaking and avant-garde design with the Royal Oak. Today, early references and limited editions are highly sought-after rarities that regularly fetch record prices at auctions.

For investors and collectors, the Royal Oak offers an exceptional selection of versions, materials, and functions. Whether as a classic model in stainless steel, a luxurious rose gold version, or the sporty Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, the collection remains a guarantee of lasting value and stylistic diversity. The combination of history, design, exclusivity, and technical innovation makes the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak one of the most exciting watch icons and an essential part of any high-quality watch collection.

Conclusion: More than just a watch – a calculated style statement

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in yellow gold with a malachite dial, worn by Bad Bunny during his Super Bowl performance, is a prime example of the fusion of watchmaking artistry, fashion sense, and deliberate self-presentation. The combination of precious metal and distinctive natural stone creates visual impact and cultural resonance – both on stage and in digital media.

In an era where luxury watches function not only as timepieces but also as expressions of style, success, and identity, this model occupies a special position. It combines history, design icon, and exclusivity in a striking statement.

Bad Bunny's deliberate choice illustrates how selectively modern artists use their watches – as a key visual element of their public persona. The Royal Oak Malachite is therefore not just a luxury watch, but part of an aesthetic and symbolic narrative.