Billionaires aren’t just known for their vast fortunes—they also have a taste for luxury, particularly when it comes to watches. Here’s a look at the high-end timepieces worn by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Bernard Arnault’s Rare Patek Philippe
As the world’s richest person, with a net worth of $211 billion, Bernard Arnault, CEO of luxury conglomerate LVMH, owns a rare Tiffany-Blue Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual 5740. This stunning watch features a turquoise dial, black and white hour markers, and a black perpetual calendar sub-dial. A similar model was auctioned for $6.5 million in 2021, over 120 times its retail price.
Elon Musk’s Richard Mille
Elon Musk, the tech mogul behind Tesla and SpaceX, is known for his adventurous spirit, reflected in his $250,000 Richard Mille 029 watch. This timepiece features a titanium case, a black dial, and an automatic winding movement. Chrono24 estimates that a diamond-set version could fetch nearly $500,000 on the market.
Jeff Bezos’ Ulysse Nardin
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos favors the $12,900 Ulysse Nardin Dual Time. This 42mm watch has a polished stainless steel case and bracelet, a silver dial with blue subdials, luminous hands, and hour markers. It’s powered by a Swiss UN-24 automatic movement, providing a 42-hour power reserve and water resistance of up to 100 meters. Although the model is now discontinued, its classic design continues to impress.
Larry Ellison’s Richard Mille RM005
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, known for his vast watch collection, owns a Richard Mille RM005, priced between $100,000 and $200,000. This luxurious watch boasts an 18k white gold case, a signature skeleton dial, and a black leather strap, making it a standout piece in Ellison’s collection.
Warren Buffett’s Rolex Presidential
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, sports a Rolex Day-Date, often referred to as the “Presidential watch.” This 18k rose gold timepiece features a President bracelet, a silver dial with gold hands, and Roman numeral markers. Priced at $40,200, it’s a symbol of timeless elegance. Many U.S. Presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson and Donald Trump, have worn this iconic design.
Bill Gates’ Modest Collection
Among the billionaire elite, Bill Gates stands out for his modest approach to watch collecting. While he usually wears a $50 Casio, his most expensive watch is a $1,400 Tag Heuer Professional 2000, which he wore at a conference in the Philippines. This design features a stainless steel case and bracelet, a blue dial, luminous hour markers, and is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
Carlos Slim’s Rolex Daytona
Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim opts for the Rolex Daytona 116520, a highly sought-after chronograph. Introduced in 2000, this watch features a 40mm stainless steel case, a black dial, and a 72-hour power reserve. On the second-hand market, this model can fetch up to $35,000.
From rare Patek Philippe models to classic Rolex designs, these billionaires showcase their love for luxury and craftsmanship through their carefully curated watch collections.
