Wrist Check: Skepta Sports an 18K Yellow Gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin at Met Gala 2026
Peeking out from his custom monochromatic Thom Browne ensemble.
Summary
- Skepta returned to the Met Gala 2026 in a custom Thom Browne suit featuring doodles and lyrics
- He paired the look with Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra‑Thin in 18k yellow gold, heavily set with brilliant-cut yellow sapphires
Making a triumphant return to the museum steps after his debut in 2023, British grime pioneer Skepta appeared at the 2026 Met Gala with a deeply personal, avant‑garde ensemble. Standing out in a sea of traditional tuxedos, the artist wore a custom Thom Browne suit intricately detailed with doodles and lyrics from his collaborative track “Back 2 Back” with Fred Again, turning his outfit into a wearable canvas of creativity and cultural reference.
To anchor this bold, high‑concept sartorial choice, Skepta turned to Audemars Piguet. Known for a robust personal watch collection that favors statement‑making pieces such as iced‑out Rolex Day‑Dates, luxury sports models, and Patek Philippe Nautiluses, the rapper elevated his usual aesthetic with a radiant timepiece. Peeking out from the sleeves of his monochromatic ensemble was a flash of gold: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra‑Thin, crafted from 18k yellow gold. This choice traded his typical street‑ready flexes for a luminous, high‑jewelry execution that served as a true ray of sunshine on his wrist.
The specific reference, 16202BA.HH.1241BA.01, is a dazzling interpretation of the iconic 39mm Royal Oak silhouette. Lavishly set with brilliant‑cut yellow sapphires across the case, dial, and integrated bracelet – secured by an AP folding clasp – the watch exemplifies Audemars Piguet’s mastery of gem‑set horology. Despite its extensive embellishment, the piece retains the slender mechanical profile that defines the “Extra‑Thin” lineage, aided by a glareproof sapphire crystal and caseback. Yellow gold applied hour markers and luminescent‑coated Royal Oak hands ensure functionality remains intact, making Skepta’s choice both a technical marvel and a bold artistic statement.
