Justin Bieber Buys Himself a Vintage Gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

What do you give someone who’s getting married? A watch seems like a suitable present. How about if that person is a major star? OK, a really nice watch. And what if it’s your own gossip column-worthy wedding? Then the sky’s the limit, horologically speaking.

This is, of course, no mere theoretical exercise, but the lead-up to the news that Justin Bieber recently did exactly that in celebration of his own marriage to fellow Canadian celebrity Hailey Baldwin. And though this can’t be said of all his lifestyle choices, on this occasion the Biebs exhibited exquisite taste and refinement in his watch selection: a vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. He has since been photographed wearing an 18k gold “Jumbo” ref. 5402BA from the early 1980s.

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Justin Bieber’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

According to GQ, Bieber bought the watch from Beverly Hills jeweler Jadelle, which caters to the L.A. celebrity crowd, and whose other clients include Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Floyd Mayweather. We’re assuming he probably got a discount – not that he really needs one – since he’s featured on their Instagram; however, all the appointment-only boutique would tell the magazine about the AP is that it’s “a vintage rare watch.”

The modern version of the 39mm Royal Oak “Jumbo” still uses the Caliber 2121 movement. (Image: Audemars Piguet)

Diamonds are of course their specialty, and previous watches they’ve sold include some iced-out Patek Philippe watches that are about 1,000 percent less subtle than Bieber’s AP, which has no diamonds on it all. At least, not yet; and Justin, if you’re reading this, for god’s sake don’t disfigure Gerald Genta’s masterpiece with any sparklers.

Not all of Justin Bieber’s style choices are winners, but his vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one classy timepiece.

Bieber’s 39mm watch is equipped with an in-house Audemars Piguet Caliber 2121 self-winding automatic movement, as well as the signature Royal Oak Grande Tapisserie dial in grey; however, his AP is a vintage model, giving it extra cred. GQ notes in the article that the watch came with its original paperwork, which at least hints that Biebs might be making a foray into serious watch collecting.

“The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has long been an icon among watch collectors,” Bob’s Watches founder and world-class watch collector, Paul Altieri notes. “Celebrities jumping on the bandwagon are only going to enhance its profile and desirability. I have several Royal Oaks in my personal collection including some original examples from the 1970s that I will probably never sell.”

For those who like the design of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, but want a slightly bolder aesthetic, the Royal Oak Offshore is the perfect option.