Synonymous with personal achievement, success, and status, Rolex watches are often the ‘watch of choice’ for many influential individuals, celebrities, and world leaders. Many of the world’s most iconic men and women, from film stars to political figures and sportsmen, have been consistent Rolex admirers. And it’s not at all surprising. After all, they need a watch to match their status, and Rolex, being the ultimate Crown brand, is definitely a sure-shot choice.
However, what’s interesting here is seeing the collections these celebrities pick to wear on various occasions. Each Rolex collection tells its unique story, and it’s fascinating to see what these famous personalities pick. It seems like some sort of revelation.
If you’re also curious to discover which celebrities wear what Rolex watches, here’s a round-up of some of our favourites.
10 Famous Celebrities & Their Rolex Watches
1. Barack Obama – Rolex Cellini
Barack Obama – a man of the people- kept it real during his presidency with a modest Jorg Gray for most of his appearances. Being the person he is, Barack Obama refrained from extravagance during his term. However, after the end of his term, Obama was seen indulging a little bit with his choice of watch. But he did not opt for the flashy ‘President’ Rolex or the highly popular Daytona; instead, Obama went for the classic Rolex Cellini. With its subtle design and dress watch aesthetic, the Rolex Cellini is the perfect timepiece for someone as refined as Barack Obama.
Barack Obama wore the Rolex Cellini Reference 50509, which features a domed, fluted bezel, an uncluttered dial, and a leather strap. The watch entails all the qualities of a Rolex without your wrist screaming. It’s humble yet significant enough to claim attention.
2. Jennifer Anniston – Rolex Milgauss
Jennifer Anniston’s Rolex collection reveals a lot about her specific style and her love for classic Rolex watches. Although the former ‘Friends’ star and A-list actress owns an impressive catalogue of timepieces, including Cartier and many others, she is mainly seen wearing Rolex, which surprisingly anyone can buy.
Jen is clearly not into trends, as she puts away her gold and steel watches to grab the classic Rolex Milgauss reference 116400. While 40mm seems quite big for a female wrist, Anniston makes it look like a statement wristpiece. However, she has customised it with either PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) or a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating in matte black.
The Milgauss distinguishes itself from other models with its terrific magnetic resistance to up to 1000 Gauss and impressive aesthetics. The flashes of green on the second hand and hour markers make it quite eye-catching.
Other Rolex watches in her closet include the Rolex Datejust and the Presidential Day-Date.
3. Warren Buffett – Rolex Day-Date
What watch do you wear when you are the third richest person in the world? The answer, as it seems, is a Rolex Day-Date. The Day-Date is a bold flex, even for someone who is this financially savvy. However, Buffett has remarkably restrained himself from spending in extravagance apart from his Rolex.
Warren Buffett’s choice of Rolex is an 18ct yellow gold Rolex Day-Date, popularly known as the ‘President’ watch, the ultimate symbol of prestige. He is rarely seen without the 36mm yellow gold Rolex President on his wrist, featuring a silver dial and a fluted bezel.
It has never really been disclosed which exact generation this Day-Date belongs to, but Buffett has worn the same model for many decades now. Based on the appearance and other characteristics, this Day-Date is likely from the 5-digit series.
Buffett’s Rolex Day-Date is actually one of the most traditional and non-showy examples of the model. He bought his Rolex President in the 1980s when he first made it big and has since held on to it, which speaks a lot about his demeanour.
4. Paul Newman – Rolex Daytona
Paul Newman’s name will forever be linked with Rolex. Race car enthusiast, film star, and director Paul Newman’s iconic Rolex Daytona is the most expensive Rolex ever sold at an auction.
Originally, Rolex created the Daytona in 1963, blending a stylish design with a reliable chronograph to suit the needs of the racing drivers, who could then accurately measure the average speed of up to 400km/hour. However, the Cosmograph Daytona first rose to fame in the 1980s when famous actor Paul Newman started wearing it, aside from his film career. Since then, the watch has been referred to as the Paul Newman Daytona and is instantly recognisable for its signature black and off-white art deco style and contrasting red-coloured seconds scale.
The Rolex Daytona Reference 6239 is the original Paul Newman Rolex Daytona, which was a gift to the actor from his wife, actress Joanne Woodward. Newman is said to have worn the watch every day for 15 years before he presented it to his daughter’s boyfriend in 1984.
5. Steve McQueen – Rolex Submariner
Steve McQueen, nicknamed the ‘King of Cool,’ was the ultra-cool film star of the 1960s. While the Rolex Explorer II 1655 has been referred to as the Steve McQueen Explorer, the King of Cool actually has a stronger connection to the Rolex Submariner.
Steve McQueen wore the Rolex Submariner Reference 5512, featuring four lines of text on the dial. The vintage Submariner 5512 was the first to include guards around the winding crown and was also the biggest version to date with a 40mm case. It came fitted with a black bidirectional aluminium bezel and a black dial with acrylic crystal. This watch even made it to movies like The Hunter and The Towering Inferno but was mostly noted for appearing in private shots of the star.
There’s another Submariner connected with Steve McQueen that he presented to stuntman Loren Janes. Engraved on this Submariner was the message, ‘To Loren, the best damn stuntman in the world. Steve.
6. Roger Federer – Rolex Datejust
Tennis legend Roger Federer has been Rolex’s ambassador for years, and the player pays them back by winning numerous tennis tournaments while wearing a Rolex on his wrist. While there are numerous Rolex watches in Roger’s collection, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust II is one of his absolute favourites.
The tennis champion wore it in 2009 while lifting the trophy after he broke the all-time Grand Slam record against Pete Sampras. Roger claims that this Datejust II reminds him of this iconic Wimbledon moment. He wore the Rolex Datejust II 116334, featuring a 41mm stainless steel case, an 18ct white gold fluted bezel, a silver dial with Arabic numerals and a steel Oyster bracelet.
As reflected in his taste, Roger Federer is not only a remarkable tennis player but also a true style and fashion icon.
7. Jay-Z – Rolex Daytona
Famous American rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has a rather expensive taste in watches. His collection includes timepieces from the world’s top brands, including Rolex. Jay-Z was spotted wearing a Rolex Daytona Reference 6270, a truly legendary timepiece made for the Sultan of Oman from 1984-86. Only eight pieces are known to have been made, of which one now belongs to a hip-hop artist.
The Daytona 6270 is so rare that documentation or literature about it is scarce. This 37mm all-gold chronograph features a pave diamond-set dial with gold baton hands, sapphire-set numerals, and a baguette-cut diamond-set bezel. It is powered by the Calibre 727. The dial is a great achievement in itself.
Regardless of which example of the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6270 Jay-Z has acquired, it’s safe to say that the famous artist’s collection now carries a masterpiece.
8. Tiger Woods – Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea
Tiger Woods is one of the world’s most successful golfers. He made his mark at the tender age of 21 after winning the U.S. Masters at Augusta in 1997. He can be spotted in the water when he is not playing gold. Therefore, it only makes sense for him to choose the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea—his perfect match.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Reference 116660 is reliable, robust, and stylish, something that Tiger loves to wear while enjoying the sea. This Sea-Dweller variant looks good on land as well as in the sea and is rated to a depth of 12,800 feet. With such an immense water rating, the watch can easily survive the crushing underwater pressure. It is 48mm in size and looks appropriate in all environments and with different outfits.
Tiger Woods has been seen wearing his Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea for quite a few years now.
9. Brad Pitt – Rolex Daytona
Originally a TAG Heuer ambassador, Brad Pitt owns several stunning Rolex watches, including a GMT-Master II, Explorer, Day-Date, and Yacht-Master. However, we picked the Rolex Daytona’ Zenith’ Ref. 16520 from his extensive collection.
The actor doesn’t reserve his grail watches for red carpets and premieres; rather, you’ll find him wearing them pretty much anywhere else, which isn’t surprising given his stacked collection!
The Rolex Daytona’ Zenith’ Ref. 16520 is one of the brand’s most cherished and is also the first Daytona with an automatic calibre. The Zenith takes its nickname from the Zenith El Primero Calibre. The 40mm watch with a white dial featuring three ringed sub-dials is extremely popular amongst collectors, and it’s seriously difficult to get your hands on one unless you are Brad Pitt, of course.
10. Rihanna – Rolex Datejust
It’s no surprise that Rihanna owns an impressive collection of luxury watches, and the Rolex Lady Datejust is her classic watch. The Barbadian singer is seen wearing the Daytona and the iconic Day-Date on numerous occasions, but she prefers to stick to the two-toned steel and yellow gold Ladies Datejust 36, featuring a gold bezel and champagne dial with simmering diamond markers in most cases.
As a fashion-forward and trend-setting woman, it’s interesting to see Rihanna wear such a classic timepiece that seamlessly transcends as her style evolves. This understated Rolex is versatile and classy, and Rihanna chooses to wear it with a jubilee bracelet.
PARTING THOUGHTS
So, it’s clear that Rolex watches’ enduring appeal isn’t limited to the watch community but transcends to some of the world’s most iconic celebrities as well. These 10 stars have shown on numerous occasions that Rolex is more than just a timepiece. It is a companion of their journey, marking milestones and celebrating victories.
Whether it’s the Daytona’s boldness, the Lady Datejust’s elegance or the Sea-Dweller’s reliability, Rolex continues to be the watch of choice for individuals who truly value excellence and sophistication in craftsmanship.
