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UK rapper Dave adds a Patek Phillipe Aquanaut 5168G in “khaki green” to his stellar collection UK rapper Dave adds a Patek Phillipe Aquanaut 5168G in “khaki green” to his stellar collection

UK rapper Dave adds a Patek Phillipe Aquanaut 5168G in “khaki green” to his stellar collection

Zach Blass

Almost a year to the day since Dave made headlines at the annual Brit Awards for his heartfelt performance of hit single Black, Britain’s hottest rapper has got the watch world excited about his wristwear once again. At the Brits, he was wearing head to toe Louis Vuitton by Virgil Abloh with a rose-gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak on his wrist. One year on, he was pictured all dressed up with nowhere to go in lockdown with a Patek Philippe 5168G in “khaki green” strapped to his wrist.

Dave
Left Image: @santandave

Given his wardrobe in the shot, I do not think there could be a better pairing than this wildly coveted Patek Phillipe Aquanaut 5168G. The “green grenade” Aquanaut in white gold really matches the military vibes of those green cargo pants, too. The 5168G Aquanaut is definitely more of a subtle flex with only collectors and enthusiasts really aware of the elite station of the watch. To the mainstream masses, an Aquanaut is far less discernible than its older Nautilus sibling. It is a playful exercise in stealth wealth with white gold appearing like stainless steel on the surface. Considering rhodium is utilised in creating white gold, it is actually the most scratch resistant blend – making it more suitable for daily wear. It is also really nice to see a watch left in its factory configuration, as many musicians are snapped wearing Nautilus references blinged out following aftermarket customisations.

As mentioned earlier, this is by no means the first luxury watch the successful British musician has been spotted wearing. Here is a quick rundown of some other timepieces in the 22 year-old’s magnificent collection.

Rolex Daytona ref. 116500LN

 

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Daytonamania is real with no end in site. The Rolex Daytona ref. 116500LN is excruciatingly popular and, just when you think the secondhand market price has peaked, it only continues to climb. Now trading at times for over $30,000 USD in optimal condition, the steel ceramic-bezelled Rolex Daytona with a white dial is an excellent timepiece to own – that is if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one.

Patek Phillippe Nautilus ref. 5711/1A

 

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Speaking of unobtanium, it comes as no surprise that Dave has a Nautilus in his collection. The recently discontinued Patek Phillipe Nautilus ref. 5711/1A is the most in-demand wristwatch in the world. Whether or not Dave got the watch at retail does not make a difference considering his success, but it is nice to see his appreciation for stainless-steel models over flashier precious metal alternatives.

Rolex GMT Master II “Bat Girl” ref. 126710BLNR

 

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Travelling on tour, sure it would be nice to flex some Patek or AP on stage. But the most useful wrist companion would arguably be his Rolex GMT Master II “Bat Girl”. The jubilee bracelet brings some added sparkle and flair to its eye-catching design and its GMT complication is perfect for a touring artist who needs to keep track of varying time zones.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15407ST.OO.1220ST.01

 

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Now things get a bit more complicated. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in stainless steel epitomises watchmaking artistry inside and out. The case, bracelet, and movement are intricately finished. The way it reflects light reveals just how much handcraft goes into realising such a creation. It is not only beautiful, but very technical as well. The double balance wheel fixes stabilising issues by fabricating a second balance wheel and balance-spring assembly on the same axis. It’s a time-consuming process to produce, finish and assemble. but the payoff is greatly improved precision and stability.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15407OR.OO.1220OR.01

 

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The watch so nice, he bought it twice – only this time in rose gold. Dave clearly has an affinity for its design with the visual spectacle of the openworked dial and the added flair here of the rose gold externals. These two APs are actually a great pair to own, with the stainless steel suited for more casual situations and the rose-gold version for those moments where he wants to flex even harder (such as the red carpet of the Brit Awards).

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01

 

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If it hasn’t already became abundantly clear, Dave clearly loves the Royal Oak with three known models in his collection. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01 is a simpler time and date model, but is just as coveted as the openworked designs (if not more so due to its more accessible price point). After the 5711/1A from Patek Philippe, this Royal Oak in stainless steel with a blue dial would have to be among the most sought after references in the world.