When it comes to merging fashion with horology, few stars do it quite like Rihanna. The global superstar has long been recognized for her bold approach to style, effortlessly weaving high fashion and streetwear into a signature look that feels both aspirational and attainable. But what truly sets her apart is her penchant for turning luxury watches into defining accessories — not simply functional tools, but powerful fashion statements.
This week in Beverly Hills, Rihanna once again demonstrated her unmatched ability to accessorize. Stepping out in a casual pink sweatshirt, she elevated the look with an eye-catching Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding in pink gold, complete with a dial in the same vivid hue. The pairing transformed a simple off-duty moment into yet another masterclass in celebrity styling.
The watch itself is no ordinary timepiece. Rihanna opted for the 34-mm Royal Oak, a model that doesn’t always receive the same attention as its famous cousins — the original 39-mm “Jumbo” or the ultra-tiny 23-mm “Mini.” Yet in Rihanna’s hands, the watch’s proportions and pink-on-pink palette struck a perfect balance.
Crafted in pink gold with a matching bracelet, the watch’s Grande Tapisserie dial shimmers with intricate texture. At just 8.8 mm thick, it could slip discreetly under a cuff, but of course, Rihanna has no intention of hiding it. Instead, the octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet demand attention, reinforcing the watch’s place as both a status symbol and a bold accessory.
The look is striking, almost playful, yet undeniably luxe — a reminder that Rihanna doesn’t just wear watches, she redefines how they can be styled.
While many celebrities wear luxury watches as occasional accessories, Rihanna has cultivated a reputation as a serious collector. Her collection spans some of the most iconic pieces in horology, showcasing both breadth and depth.
She has been spotted with the 23-mm Mini Royal Oak in yellow gold, often stacked with glittering bracelets for a maximalist look. She’s also worn high-jewelry timepieces like the Jacob & Co. Brilliant Skeleton Northern Lights, a watch that makes as much of a statement as any gown she’s donned on the red carpet.
Other highlights include a Rolex Day-Date, a classic in any collection, and a Cartier Santos in yellow gold — one of the most historically significant watch designs in the world. With such a wide-ranging selection, Rihanna demonstrates a taste that moves beyond trends, cementing her as one of the most influential watch wearers in the music industry.
Rihanna Elevates Everyday Style With Rare Pink Gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The choice of the 34-mm Royal Oak in pink gold is significant for watch enthusiasts. The model occupies a curious middle ground within the Royal Oak family.
When Gérald Genta designed the original Royal Oak in 1972, the 39-mm case was considered oversized for the era, giving rise to the “Jumbo” nickname. Decades later, Audemars Piguet reintroduced the Mini Royal Oak at 23 mm, appealing to those seeking a daintier, jewelry-like version of the design.
The 34-mm model, by contrast, sits between these extremes. In earlier decades, it might have been considered strictly a “ladies’ watch,” but tastes have shifted. Today, mid-sized watches are once again celebrated as unisex pieces, drawing comparisons to the versatility of vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetuals or Omega Seamasters.
Unlike the manual or quartz-driven Mini, Rihanna’s 34-mm Royal Oak is automatic, appealing to collectors who appreciate the mechanics as much as the design. Its integrated bracelet and iconic bezel also give it more wrist presence than its size would suggest, making it an especially versatile addition to a collection.
What sets Rihanna apart from other celebrity collectors is her styling. She doesn’t reserve high-end pieces for formal events or red carpets. Instead, she integrates them into everyday outfits — wearing watches worth hundreds of thousands of dollars while running errands, performing, or even relaxing.
She’s even been known to attach watches to unconventional places, like wearing one around her neck or ankle. In doing so, she pushes the boundaries of how luxury watches can function, transforming them from traditional wristwear into bold fashion experiments.
This playful yet fearless approach has cemented her reputation as someone who doesn’t just follow trends but actively sets them. Just as she has done in beauty and fashion — through Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty — Rihanna is rewriting the rules of how watches can be worn and appreciated.
Rihanna’s decision to pair her pink Royal Oak with a matching sweatshirt might seem casual on the surface, but for those who follow both fashion and watch culture, it carries weight. The look highlights how luxury pieces can transcend formality and exist as part of daily self-expression.
In a world where celebrity watch spotting has become its own form of entertainment, Rihanna stands apart. She doesn’t simply flaunt rare or expensive models; she uses them to tell a story, to amplify a mood, and to remind us that true style is about creativity as much as it is about access.
Her latest appearance in Beverly Hills is yet another reminder: when Rihanna wears a watch, it’s not just about keeping time — it’s about making history.
Source- gq