The enduring appeal of luxury watches: A status symbol for men
A luxury watch is more than just a timepiece.
Image: Bảo Minh / Pexels
Even in a world where our phones tell us the time, the luxury watch remains one of the strongest status symbols for men.
A man’s style has often been judged by two things: his watch and his shoes.
Together, they silently communicate who he is, what he values, and sometimes even his success.
Unlike a car or a flashy outfit, a watch is a statement piece that’s personal.
It sits on the wrist, quietly saying, “I’ve arrived.”
The truth is, none of us really needs a watch to check the time anymore because our phones have taken over that role years ago.
But a watch isn’t just about function, it’s about form, heritage, and the subtle nod it gives to craftsmanship.
Smartwatches may dominate wrists these days, but let’s be honest, they aren’t exactly visually pleasing.
They may be practical for fitness tracking and notifications, but they don’t spark conversations in the same way a classic Rolex or a Patek Philippe does.
Wearing a luxury timepiece is like wearing a piece of art. It’s a way of showing appreciation for detail, tradition, and design.
Celebrities and their watch game
Luxury watches and high-profile men go hand in hand.
David Beckham, for instance, seamlessly switches between a Rolex Daytona and, as a Tudor ambassador, a Tudor Black Bay.
Jay-Z, on the other hand, often flaunts pieces like the Richard Mille RM 66 that are easily worth a small fortune.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s wrist often features a diamond-clad Franck Muller tourbillon, while Brad Pitt keeps things classic with Breitling or Patek Philippe.
Lewis Hamilton is rarely seen without his signature IWC Schaffhausen.
Locally, luxury watch culture is thriving too. Rolex and Audemars Piguet remain firm favourites among the elite, while TAG Heuer and Omega appeal to a slightly younger crowd seeking sporty sophistication.
Rapper Cassper Nyovest is well known for his love of luxury watches.
A few years ago, he bought himself a personalised, diamond-loaded Franck Muller Master Square, saying that he opted for the watch because Cristiano Ronaldo wears a Frank Muller.
Top five most expensive watches ever
So, what makes some watches cost more than luxury cars, yachts, or even homes?It’s usually a mix of rare materials, painstaking hand craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sometimes a little bling.
Here are five of the most expensive watches ever sold:
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010: Sold for $31 million. With 20 complications (watch-speak for functions) and only one made in stainless steel, it’s a holy grail.
Graff Diamonds The Fascination: $40 million. A timepiece and diamond bracelet in one, featuring a detachable 38-carat diamond.
Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette: Valued at $30 million. Commissioned for the French queen, this masterpiece took over 40 years to complete.
Chopard 201-Carat Watch: Worth $25 million. More jewellery than a watch, it’s encrusted with a rainbow of colored diamonds.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona: Sold at auction for $17.8 million. Its value comes from the fact that it was owned and worn by the Hollywood legend himself.
These prices reflect rarity, craftsmanship, legacy, and legendary tales.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona.
Image: X / TheWatchB
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