Celebrities from the worlds of movies, sport and music have always been keen watch collectors, but the value of their treasures has gone stratospheric in recent years, giving them the chance to amass second fortunes.
In a report compiled by Merchant Cash Advance, a company that offers rapid business loans of up to $750,000, the most expensive watches known to be owned by 25 celebrities were analysed.
The top 11 watches are all valued at over $1 million, with the number one watch, a Jacob & Co Billionaire Tourbillon with White Diamonds owned by boxer Floyd Mayweather, valued at $23,700,000.
Floyd Mayweather
Floyd has the nickname “Money Mayweather” and didn’t get it for no reason. He has one of the most expensive watches in the world and it is literally called the Billionaire Watch (note: the full name is Jacob & Co Billionaire Tourbillon with White Diamonds).
This watch costs a total of $23,700,000, it features 325 diamonds and a grand total of 177.11 carats. We wonder does it ever leave the safe?
Paul Newman
A bit of strange posthumous entry for Paul Newman, who did own one of the world’s most expensive watches, but it was worth next to nothing when it was given to him by his wife.
The Rolex Daytona sold at auction for $17.75 in 2017 and it is strongly rumored that Rolex bought it for its archive.
Jay-Z
Here is another watch that was gifted by a loving wife, Beyoncé. It is completely encrusted with diamonds and it is certainly a watch that is suitable for this talented rapper. Coming in at only $6,700,000 it is a watch that many will be envious of.
More recently, Jay-Z was seen wearing another spectacularly desirable watch, the Tiffany Blue dialed Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, but it is likely he acquired it as part of his brand ambassadorship role with Tiffany, which has exclusive rights to sell the limited edition watch.
Eric Clapton
Eric actually has two watches that are worth a fortune. The first was actually sold in 2015, which clearly was a big blow to Eric. It sold for $4,600,000.
However, he soon got a second watch called the Rolex “Albino” Oyster Daytona, this watch costs around $4,000,000. He may be first be known as one of the greatest guitar players out there, but he is also known as a man who is crazy about watches.
DJ Khaled
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Having recently shown off his latest watch, it is clear that DJ Khaled is very pleased with his latest item. “I call her Gorgeous”, he boasted on Instagram about his latest Jacob & Co purchase that set him back $3 million.
It is covered in 713 diamonds, including 504 emerald cut diamonds horizontally set by hand in 18k white gold to make the bracelet. It is a stunning piece.
Conor McGregor
McGregor has never been accused of subtlety and that certainly translates to this watch.
Another entry in our list by famous jeweler Jacob & Co, the Rasputin Tourbillon Full Baguette with White Diamonds has a secret, graphic sex scene hidden on the face.
There is a long history of erotic scenes in watches, dating from the 17th century. Watchmakers started with painted versions, then added automatons that moved and acted out these scenes. Many of the watches had them brazenly on the dial side, while others had them hidden on the caseback.
With the Rasputin, you have the best of both worlds, with the erotic automaton hidden by a curtain that opens to reveal the scene, while the minute repeater chimes out the time.
On the surface, the Rasputin looks like a high-quality, diamond-set timepiece. Only you know the secret that can be revealed with the push of a lever.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Spotted in 2019, OBJ wore this Richard Mille RM 56-02 Tourbillon Sapphire watch while warming up for a game with the Cleveland Browns.
The price is quoted at $2,640,000.
Christiano Ronaldo
Portugese soccer legend Christiano Ronaldo has a prodigious collection of watches including this $2 million Franck Muller Round timepiece.
This watch features 474 baguette-cut diamonds and 91 rubies.
Ed Sheeran
This British crooner likes to present himself as the sort of everyman you might find busking on the subway, but that hasn’t stopped him amassing an exceptional watch collection, among them this $1.32 million Patek Philippe 5208p Grand Complication minute repeater.
It pays to work for Ed Sheeran as well. Following a world tour in 2019, he bought each of his roadies a Tudor Black Bay watch.
