In the ever-changing world of luxury and fashion, few accessories carry as much cultural weight as a fine timepiece. Beyond their practical function, watches have long served as symbols of status, taste, and personal style.
When worn by famous people, these mechanical masterpieces often transcend their original purpose to become cultural touchstones, influencing generations of watch enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike. From Hollywood’s golden age to modern-day icons, certain celebrity watches have achieved legendary status, their appeal undimmed by the passage of time.
These timepieces don’t just tell time – they tell stories of achievement, innovation, and enduring style.
When it comes to luxury watches, celebrities have long been trendsetters. But some timepieces have transcended fleeting fashion to become genuine horological icons.
Here are some of the best celebrity-worn watches or their modern day equivalents, that have maintained their status as symbols of excellence and style through the decades.
1. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona
The watch that sparked a collecting revolution, Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction in 2017: $17,752,500.
The “Paul Newman” Daytona variant, characterized by its distinctive art deco-style numerals and contrasting subdials, remains one of the most coveted vintage watches in existence.
Newman wore his Rolex watch faithfully for decades, both on and off screen.
2. Steve McQueen’s TAG Heuer Monaco
First worn by McQueen in the 1971 film “Le Mans,” the square-cased Monaco revolutionized watch design. The actor’s choice of this avant-garde chronograph helped establish TAG Heuer’s racing credentials and created an enduring association between the brand and motorsports.
Modern versions of the Monaco remain virtually unchanged from McQueen’s original.
3. Grace Kelly’s Rolex Lady-Datejust
Before and after becoming Princess Grace of Monaco, Kelly’s elegant Rolex Lady-Datejust exemplified refined femininity. The water-resistant yellow gold watch became a symbol of sophisticated women’s timepieces and helped establish the Lady-Datejust as Rolex’s signature women’s watch.
Its classic design continues to influence modern women’s watchmaking. The Datejust was introduced in 1945, while the Lady-Datejust launched in 1957.
The name comes from the watch’s certifiably accurate date display. Grace Kelly’s watch is a 26 mm, however the bracelet is available in 24 – 34 mm.
4. John F. Kennedy’s Omega Slimline
Given to him by Jackie Kennedy in 1960, JFK’s elegant Omega dress watch epitomized mid-century refinement. The gold plated watch gained additional historical significance when Kennedy wore it during his presidential inauguration.
The piece, also known as an Omega Ultra-Thin, perfectly captured both Kennedy’s sophisticated style and the optimistic spirit of the New Frontier era. It featured an 18ct gold casing, silver dial and glossy black leather strap.
5. Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Louis
Diana’s Cartier Tank Louis, which she wore frequently throughout the 1980s and ’90s, became a symbol of her chic style. With a yellow gold case and black alligator strap, the watch is thought to have been a gift from her Father, the 8th Earl Spencer.
Diana also owned a yellow gold Cartier Tank Française watch, which was inherited by her sons upon her untimely passing. Harry gave this priceless heirloom to his wife, Meghan Markle.
6. Elvis Presley’s Hamilton Ventura
The King’s futuristic, shield-shaped Hamilton Ventura became as much a part of his iconic look as blue suede shoes. Worn in “Blue Hawaii” and numerous public appearances, Elvis helped establish the Ventura as a trendsetting watch.
Introduced in 1957 as the world’s first electric watch in serial production, the Ventura was the brainchild of car designer Richard Arbib. Its distinctive appearance continues to influence Hamilton’s modern collections.
7. James Bond’s Omega Seamaster
While Ian Fleming’s literary Bond wore a Rolex, Pierce Brosnan’s 1995 debut as 007 established the Omega Seamaster as Bond’s timepiece of choice. The rugged yet refined diving watch has appeared in every Bond film since, spawning numerous limited editions and cementing its place in horological history.
8. Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari Serpenti
Taylor’s stunning Bulgari Serpenti watch, worn during the filming of “Cleopatra,” became as legendary as the actress herself. The snake-shaped bracelet watch, with its coiled design and jeweled embellishments, represented the height of Italian glamour and helped establish Bulgari as a major force in luxury watchmaking.
This unique watch was originally rumored to be a gift from her lover Richard Burton. However, it is now thought to have been a gift from the producers of Cleopatra.
There are many versions of the Bulgari Serpenti watch, including the one below. They all integrate the wind-around the arm style of the original design.
9. Miles Davis’s Breitling Navitimer
The legendary jazz trumpeter was rarely seen without his Breitling Navitimer 806 Reverse Panda. This complex chronograph was beloved by aviation enthusiasts and racing car drivers like Graham Hill.
Davis’s association with this technically sophisticated timepiece helped establish it as a favorite among musicians and creative professionals, a status it maintains today. He had a customized leather bund strap made to hold the watch firmly in place while he was playing.
Below is a modern version of the Breitling Navitimer 806.
10. Buzz Aldrin’s Omega Speedmaster
The first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, Aldrin’s Speedmaster Professional became known as the “Moonwatch.” This historic achievement validated Omega’s claims about the watch’s durability and precision.
The Speedmaster Professional became a permanent fixture in both NASA operations and watch collecting circles.
11. Gandhi’s Zenith Pocket Watch
Though famous for his simple lifestyle, Mahatma Gandhi owned a silver Zenith pocket watch that he used to maintain his strict daily schedule. It was a gift from the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Swiss pocket watch was stolen from Gandhi during a train ride to Kanpur. The thief was filled with remorse and returned it to him later the same year.
The watch’s survival and eventual auction highlighted how even the simplest timepieces can acquire immense historical and cultural significance. It was sold with his sandals, glasses and crockery for USD $2,096,000 in 2009. Very few photos of this iconic timepiece exist.
12. The Jackal’s Omega Seamaster Railmaster
Fans of the hit TV series “The Day of the Jackal”, based on the novel by Frederick Forsyth, will have noticed the lead character’s stylish chronograph watch. Eddie Redmayne, starring as The Jackal, sports an Omega Seamaster Railmaster in several scenes.
Originally introduced in 1957, the Railmaster was engineered for scientists, technicians, and railway workers who needed a timepiece resistant to magnetic fields. Its anti magnetic properties, achieved through a special inner case, made it a pioneer in professional watches.
The Railmaster’s understated design and technical innovation have made it a favorite among collectors and professionals who appreciate its combination of utility and elegance. Redmayne is an Omega ambassador in real life, and he also wears a few other Omega watches in the series, including an Aqua Terra and an Omega Globemaster.
Read next:
