Manufacturers pushing the envelope in the world of famous luxury watches know that the way to break through with a public overwhelmed by mass advertising is celebrity endorsement. That includes brands like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Hublot, Omega, and Breitling.
Related: These six new luxury men’s watches are great investment options for 2021
Top luxury watch brands are in a competition to get the world’s biggest celebrities to wear them. The difference comes down to someone like English musician Ed Sheeran, photographed above, loving what he is wearing. It’s going to defeat the purpose if a celebrity doesn’t truly endorse a brand with their heart, instead of just their bank account. Sheehan is a big-time aficionado of timeless luxury watches. More on that below.
The pieces highlighted here rank among the world’s leading premium watch brands. These high-end statement pieces come with unique beautiful titanium bracelets, precise mechanics, and high-tech injected ceramics.
Famous luxury watches celebrities love to wear
When it comes to famous watches, it is all about their celebrity pairing. Love them or hate them, you cannot deny some of the beautiful watches they show off – and frankly, we’re a little jealous of them too!
Famous sports athletes have been spotted with the latest sports watches, while Hollywood is home to glamorous celebrities that match the elegance of the diamond watches they hold. If you’re interested in grabbing some of the stunning pieces that celebs wear, we have the complete list of famous watches worn by famous people right here! (And many of these brands make our list of luxury investment watches that best hold their value.)
Famous watches athletes like to wear
We may think watches are not very practical for athletes to wear during their active lifestyles but some of the biggest athletes in the world enjoy the comfort and style that comes with designer brands, both on and off the court. Many of these athletes have endorsement deals with the immensely popular watch brands worldwide. These include:
David Beckham
When talking about famous people, although retired, Beckham is still one of the hardest working and respected professional athletes in the world. The celebrity sports star wears Black Bay Bronze – a bold 43 mm divers’ watch by TUDOR, as well as TUDOR Royal.
These statement pieces are inspired by the brand’s original history of versatility and its classic automatic movement. Both watches come with a remarkable blue or bronze dial and tough steel bracelet for ultimate precision.
Novak Djokovic
Consider yourself lucky if you can score one of these marvels, as only 1,500 were made. It’s a beautiful watch – with Sapphire crystal, a Zirconia ceramic bezel, navy blue dial, and GPS-controlled time zone adjustment. This is a match made in tennis and timepiece heaven.
Roger Federer
There are famous people and there are famous athletes. Federer is both. Arguably the best tennis player of all time, he wears arguably the most famous and well-known luxury men’s watch brand in the world. Federer has been a Rolex ambassador since 2006. Every time Roger hoists a trophy, he wears a different Rolex, each one meticulously chosen to match the tourney. One of his all-time favourites is the Datejust II (in the image we feature the Datejust 41).
It’s especially significant, because it was the watch he sported when he became the men’s all-time leader in Grand Slam wins. Like Federer’s style of play, the stainless steel watch has an elegance and finesse that are evident in its silver dial, and subtle blue numerals. (One of his rivals, Rafael Nadal, is a big Richard Mille fan.)
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery
All Blacks (New Zealand Rugby Team)
Known for their world-famous “Haka” and excellent stamina and endurance, the All Blacks are also popular endorsers of the TUDOR range of sports watches. The team wears the TUDOR Black Bay Dark, which is described by the brand as “a vintage-inspired all-black steel diver’s watch”.
Black Bay Dark matches the team. It is an elegant black and has a deep history of long-standing endurance, having been worked on by TUDOR for more than 60 years.
Tiger Woods
The Master of Golf, Tiger Woods recently signed a deal with Rolex and wears the brand’s Sea-Dweller. The watch is a waterproof classic with a rich history that is used and designed by professional deep-sea divers. The Sea-Dweller spots a stunning two-colour gradient. It not only has an interesting story behind it, but it is a watch that is guaranteed by the brand to last a lifetime – quite suited to Tiger’s historical comeback in the sport itself! (More on the latest Rolex line of watches.)
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery
Olympic athletes and their watches
Successful Olympic athletes are often ambassadors for top luxury watch brands and unlike celebrities, their sporting history ensures that the watches they use are of the best quality, precision, and longevity for endurance sports and busy people on the move.
Some Olympic gold medal athletes include:
Usain Bolt
You’d be lucky to grab this rare gem! The 100m and 200m field track world record holder has his statement piece called the Hublot Big Bang Unico Usain Bolt. It is a limited edition model (there are only about 100 in the world!) and matches his fiery personality, a triumph as he is in the sports world.
The watch is sophisticatedly designed, features 38 jewels, a Jamaican flag strap, and a uniquely designed lightning bolt that represents its second hand.
Big Bang Unico Usain Bolt
Michael Phelps
World-renowned swimmer with 23 Olympic gold medals, Micheal Phelps has a popularity that increases by the year. He wears the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean – known for its practicality and fit, highlighted by power arm movements, a self-winding model, and a 45mm diameter for both comfort and boost.
This is one watch that will stand the test of time.
Watches actors like to wear
Straight out of Hollywood, these are the watches worn by actors who notably have a distinguished, glamorous, and elegant reputation. Whether they are walking down the red carpet or taking exotic holidays, they never leave home without chic and charming fashion accessories.
These are brands that are suitable for the most famous figures in tinsel town:
Leonardo DiCaprio
This particular stainless style design comes with a 100-meter water-resistant black dial, a 43mm case, and outstanding sapphire crystals fit for the Hollywood King of the World.
TAG Heuer’s newly designed Carrera Calibre 16
Jennifer Aniston
A beloved name and style icon throughout the globe, Jennifer Aniston is a major fan of Rolex watches. No doubt, with its sophisticated and classic designs, Rolex is Hollywood stars’ most chosen watch brand.
Jennifer has been photographed with several Rolex watches throughout her career, including Rolex Air King, Rolex Daytona, and even men’s Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust. Her choice of Rolex suits her down-to-earth, fashionable, and classy style.
Tom Cruise
The aircraft loving actor is a fan of Bremont ALT1-C – a stylish and striking brand created by aircraft designers themselves. This particular Bremont watch features an anthracite dial and black leather strap.
Although like most high-profile actors, Tom does not just stick with one statement piece. He has been seen with many high-end brand makers, including IWC, Casio G-Shock, Omega (Daniel Craig is another Omega guy), and Panerai.
Image: Shutterstock
Watches billionaires love to wear
What watches do the richest men and women in the world wear? It is not as fancy as you may think! With no price limit and a need for only the best gadgets, you would expect to find billionaires, among the world’s most famous people, wearing a fascinating range of watches.
However, they often go for timeless, simple, and modern designs (or none if you are Mark Zuckerberg!). Here is the most popular brand of watches worn by the elite:
Bill Gates
The Microsoft founder (ironically) keeps it simple with a Casio Quartz Diver wristwatch. As a philanthropist currently concerned with funding Covid-19 efforts, it goes without saying that Bill is more concerned with comfort than luxury.
A $150 watch for a $140 billionaire, the functional diver’s watch has a classic black resin band, dial, and simple 3-hand analog. With its durable and timeless history, Casio is a favourite with Bill, who also wears the Casio Duro timepiece.
Elon Musk
Telsa’s CEO is famous for his love of gadgets. However when it comes to a wrist machine of his own, Elon chooses the limited edition Tag Heuer’s Carrera Calibre 1887 SpaceX Chronograph.
The bespoke craftsmanship was created by Heuer in partnership with SpaceX in 2012 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s first watch that was sent into space. The watch is indeed a mark of practicality and performance.
Jack Dorsey
Twitter’s founder and self-made billionaire Jack Dorsey wears a quite common, yet industry-leading Apple Watch Series Five.
The smartwatch, which comes with an always-on display, advanced metric meters, and seamless internet connection, is a suitable piece for the digitally centred billionaire.
Image: Shutterstock
Affluent millennials and their watches
Millennials form a connection through popular watch brands via social media and popularize their watches through their network of connections and equally minded peers. Here is a list of brands that millennial celebrities choose:
Ashley Tisdale
The former high school musical star has made a name for herself amongst her former Disney-era peers. She uses her social media following to promote the latest trends, including the Rolex Day-Date Presidential Watch – a watch that is often photographed with.
Something tells us Rolex makes quite the mark among celebrities.
Kim Kardashian
In terms of famous people, Kim Kardashian ranks among the giants of our digital age. Te popular social mogul Kardashian loves glitz and glamour so it makes perfect sense that she chooses an array of famous watches and designer styles. Always ready to be photographed with only the best accessories, she is a fan of the beautifully crafted Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton.
With its limited edition anthracite dial and stainless steel case, the watch is both show-stopping and charismatic.
Watches musicians love to wear
Musicians are among the most popular people in the universe. With lavish lifestyles, entertaining music videos, and a huge fan base, they only endorse the best and stunning collections.
Musicians are often creative souls with unique taste and this is reflective of the watch collections they wear. Here are some watches they play to:
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga started her career out as a pop artist, making her mark in the acting world with A Star is Born. She now ranks among the most famous people in the world, one of the leading faces of Hollywood glamour. Gaga wears a TUDOR Black Bay 32 – an automatic timepiece with a bold and distinct steel and gold model, which is both fashionable and sporty to match her unique style and busy lifestyle.
Ed Sheeran
The English singer has quickly made his mark around the globe with several hit singles and collaborations. He stands out among artists with his original sound, down-to-earth personality, and of course the fiery red hair! Ed chooses the black and orange RM 030 and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, with colorful ceramics and 50 power reserves, to match his colourful and unique personality.
Image: Harald Krichel
Pharrell Williams
Singer, songwriter, and producer Pharrell Williams is a fan of creativity and fashion. His choice of watches matches this as he is often seen wearing Richard Mille’s fabulous collection. His statement watch is the Richard Mille RM 031, a platinum-machine high-level piece with exceptional performance.
Buy the finest luxury watches
And there you have it…the most famous watches worn by famous people across the globe. As you can see, it is only the finest collections man (and women!) can buy.
These pieces often come with classical history, high-tech manufacturing, and exquisite diamonds – everything that the rich and famous desire. Why don’t you spoil yourself and grab a pair or two today?
To read more about the world of famous luxury watches and the famous people behind it, be sure to take a look at our luxury column. Like what you see? Drop us a line here!
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