Being on time is pretty important when you’ve founded a record label, sold over 140 million records, won 24 Grammy Awards, and cemented yourself in hip-hop history. For Jay-Z, being punctual means consistently repping some of the sickest timepieces on the market, especially when you’re at public events, like the Fanatics Festival in New York.
Over the weekend, Jay-Z donned the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon, which was unveiled earlier this year. If you’re wondering why we’re so gassed about it, think of a Bugatti car for your wrist, where a black PVD titanium mirrors the shape of the brand’s latest Tourbillon, which, if you’re a billionaire like Jay-Z is the perfect way to match your wrist to your whip.
Jay-Z might have had 99 Problems, like what graphic tee or chain to wear, but choosing a top-notch timepiece wasn’t one. Later in the weekend, Iceberg Slim sported a rare Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1R, which, with its rose gold dial uber luxury composition, is a proper sick and super hard-to-get timepiece that will leave most horological aficionado in awe. But if you’re Jay-Z, nice Nautilus watches are pretty easy to get your hands on. Take the 2021 Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A Tiffany & Co. model, where Jay-Z was the first to be pictured wearing the watch in public.
To quote the 1996 banger, Can I Live, “I’d rather die enormous than live dormant,” we thought we’d pick out some of our favourites from Jay Z’s far-from-formant collection below.
Patek Philippe Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon
In January, Jay-Z attended LeBron James’ birthday party in Hollywood with Beyoncé. For the occasion, Jay-Z pulled out a Patek Philippe Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon. Last year, the watch set a record as the most expensive watch sold online, fetching $5.8 million at Christie’s Hong Kong Top of Time Watches Online auction.
Richard Mille 56 Green Sapphire Tourbillon
A one-of-one Richard Mille is off the cards for most people, but not if you’re Jay-Z. According to Alex Todd, the custom jewellery and watches wizard favoured by A-listers, the Richard Mille RM 5601 in green sapphire is a unique piece made exclusively for Iceberg Slim. The watch was estimated to retail for $3 million but is said to be worth way more.
Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman Panda” Tiffany & Co. Stamped
The Rolex Daytona Panda is widely considered one of the sickest timepieces in watchmaking history, made even better with the Tiffany & Co. stamp on the dial (and a Paul Newman nod of approval), so it’s hardly surprising that it’s wound up on some pretty famous wrists. Since the original Rolex Daytona Panda sold for $17.75 million, these have seen a massive price increase. Anyway, your boy Jay-Z has one, of course.
Swipe through below to see some more of Jay-Z’s horological heavy-hitters.
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