6 WATCHES THAT MAKE THE ONE PER CENT TICK

When talking money, being part of the 1 per cent crowd, led by people like Jeff Bezos, means you’re part of an elite group. That segment currently holds more than 44 per cent of the world’s household wealth.

It also means you’ve got expensive taste. But when it comes to the watch preferences of some of the wealthiest men in the world, our roundup below might surprise you.

Jeff Bezos – Ulysse Nardin Dual Time 3343-126-7/91

For Jeff Bezos, a man worth US$181.4 billion, this discontinued Ulysse Nardin model may seem like a bit of an odd choice. Retailing at (only) US$8,000, the Dual Time features a polished stainless-steel case with a clean silver metallic dial. And of course, it has the Ulysse Nardin in-house manufactured UN-334 movement. It’s a timeless piece that goes a long way. So even when money knows no bounds, a classic is the way to go.

Larry Ellison – Richard Mille RM005

As the 12th-wealthiest person in the world, Larry Ellison (pictured above, image source Shutterstock) knows how to pick a timepiece. He has been spotted with everything from Rolex, and Panerai, to Girard-Perregaux, and Tag Heuer. However the Oracle Corporation co-founder and executive chairman definitely has a favourite: the avant-garde Richard Mille RM005.

First introduced in 2004, the RM005 established the brand as its first automatic model. Its unique and meticulously designed titanium baseplate is what has set it apart from the rest all these years. It’s the perfect watch for a man who also stands apart from the rest, with an estimated net worth of US$78.3 billion.

Tim Cook – Apple Watch

The Apple CEO, worth over US$1 billion, is a big fan of his own company. He wears it with pride on his very own wrist. And for good reason too. When first released in 2015, the Apple Watch quickly became the best-selling wearable device. Over 4.2 million were sold in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Today, according to Strategy Analytics, Apple has sold more watches than the entire Swiss watchmaking industry combined. That’s definitely something for this billionaire to be proud of.

Mark Zuckerberg

It’s safe to say that if you became one of the youngest billionaires at the young age of 23, you get to live by your own rules. And this particular university dropout/tech genius isn’t one for luxury.

Related: Famous watches worn by famous people

Having been spotted driving around in a modest Acura TSX or the Honda Fit, Zuckerberg – now worth an estimated US$104 billion – doesn’t care to wear a watch, let alone a Rolex.

George Soros – Patek Philippe Grand Complications Chronograph

Touted as the most expensive and luxurious watch brand in its segment, Patek Philippe is a likely choice for many of the world’s elite, including billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros.

Sitting at a pretty US$7.6 billion, Soros has great taste because when it comes to his preferred timepiece, the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Chronograph blows its counterparts out of the water. Featuring a split-seconds chronograph that’s one of the three most difficult complications to master, this beauty retails at just under US$200,000.

Warren Buffett – Rolex Day-Date

For years, Warren Buffet has held the title of the most successful investor in the world. Today, he’s the sixth-wealthiest person in the world, and while many have tried to figure out the secret behind his success, the man has been living quite a discreet existence.

That is except for one thing: his Rolex. Known as the ‘President’ watch, the 18k yellow gold Rolex Day-Date was first launched in 1956 as the first waterproof and self-winding chronometer wristwatch to offer a modern calendar with an instantaneous day display. Described as the “ultimate status watch” by Rolex, it’s the perfect accessory for a man worth US$88.3 billion.

Kanye West – Gold Ikepod Hemipode Grande Date Chronograph

Yes, Kanye sits on the billionaires list with a net worth of US$1.3 billion. And his watch collection has been equally as impressive, including everything from Cartier and Richard Mille, to an 18k gold Apple Watch. Kanye isn’t by any means new to the watch game but his top pick is the Gold Ikepod Hemipode Grande Date Chronograph.

A cult favourite in the watch world, the Ikepod was designed by famed industrial designer Marc Newsom and features a large hemisphere-shaped case and fitted strap that allegedly inspired the Apple Watch’s sport band. It’s a unique choice for a very unique man.

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