The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi Limited Edition reference 26325TS.OO.D005CR.01 is a 41mm luxury timepiece released in 2012 as a tribute to the legendary footballer. This model features a stainless steel case paired with a distinctive tantalum bezel, which provides a unique grey-blue hue and significant weight. Unlike the standard Royal Oak, this edition omits the traditional Tapisserie dial pattern in favor of a vertically brushed anthracite grey dial with white gold applied hour markers and luminescent hands. It is presented on an anthracite grey alligator leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp, though a secondary black rubber strap was originally included.
Powering the watch is the self-winding Calibre 2385 movement, an integrated column-wheel chronograph with a 40-hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The complication suite includes a central chronograph seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. A date aperture is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. The case features a solid caseback engraved with the Leo Messi name and is water-resistant to 50 meters, secured by a screw-down winding crown.
General reviews of the 26325TS highlight its elegant and dressier aesthetic compared to the standard Royal Oak, largely due to the absence of the “waffle” dial. Enthusiasts often praise the material combination of steel and tantalum for its subtle color contrast and high-density feel. While some purists miss the iconic Tapisserie pattern, many collectors appreciate this model as a refined and wearable limited edition that avoids overt sports branding. This specific version is limited to 500 pieces, making it a rare and sought-after variant within the Royal Oak family.