There’s something undeniably cool about a luxury watch—a mix of craftsmanship, history, and that subtle flex of wealth. For billionaires, these timepieces aren’t just accessories; they’re statements. From Bernard Arnault’s jaw-dropping Patek Philippe to Bill Gates’ humble Casio, the watches on the wrists of the ultra-wealthy tell stories of taste, power, and sometimes surprising simplicity. Let’s dive into the world of billionaire horology, explore some iconic models, and see if these titans ever cashed in on their collections.
The Billionaires and Their Watches
When you’ve got billions in the bank, what watch do you strap on? Turns out, it depends on the vibe you’re going for—opulence, innovation, or understatement. Here’s a rundown of some standout choices, backed by solid sources and a peek at their potential resale game (spoiler: it’s mostly a mystery).
| Billionaire | Watch Model | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bernard Arnault | Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740 | India Times |
| Elon Musk | Richard Mille RM 029, Omega Speedmaster | Business Insider |
| Jeff Bezos | Ulysse Nardin Dual Time | IFL Watches |
| Warren Buffett | Rolex Day-Date “President” | Rolex Magazine |
| Bill Gates | Casio Duro Marlin | SCMP |
| Larry Ellison | Richard Mille RM005 | Watchuseek Forum |
| Mark Zuckerberg | Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1 | Bloomberg |
Bernard Arnault: The King of Exclusivity
Bernard Arnault, the LVMH boss and one of the world’s richest people, doesn’t mess around when it comes to watches. His Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740, with its Tiffany turquoise dial, is a one-of-a-kind stunner worth around $6.5 million. It’s not just a watch—it’s a piece of art that screams luxury, perfectly in line with his role as a titan of high-end goods. Curious about how wealth like his is built? Check out The Foundations of Wealth for some insights.
Elon Musk: Tech Meets Time
Elon Musk’s watch game is as eclectic as his career. He’s been spotted with the Richard Mille RM 029—a $250,000 marvel of engineering—and the Omega Speedmaster, a nod to space exploration. It’s a mix of cutting-edge and classic, much like his ventures at Tesla and SpaceX. Wondering how innovation shapes wealth? Take a look at How AI Will Transform Capital.
Jeff Bezos: Practical Luxury
Jeff Bezos keeps it functional with the Ulysse Nardin Dual Time, priced at a modest (for a billionaire) $12,900. It’s a GMT watch—perfect for a guy who’s always jetting between Earth and, well, space. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done, mirroring his Amazon empire’s efficiency.
Warren Buffett: Timeless Consistency
Warren Buffett’s Rolex Day-Date “President” ($42,000) is as steady as his investment strategy. Known for living modestly despite his billions, this gold classic fits his vibe—reliable and enduring. Want to dive deeper into wealth preservation? See The Medici Family’s Wealth Preservation.
Bill Gates: The Frugal Flex
Bill Gates rocking a $50 Casio Duro Marlin is peak billionaire irony. With a net worth over $120 billion, he could wear anything, yet he chooses a dive watch you’d find at Walmart. It’s a humble move, though he’s been known to dabble in pricier Tag Heuers on occasion.
Larry Ellison: Silicon Valley Swagger
Larry Ellison’s Richard Mille RM005 ($125,000) is all about tech-meets-luxury. With its skeletonized movement, it’s a bold pick for the Oracle co-founder, reflecting his larger-than-life persona in Silicon Valley.
Mark Zuckerberg: A New Watch Guy
Mark Zuckerberg used to skip watches altogether, but lately, he’s stepped up with the Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1—a $900,000 masterpiece. Spotted in 2025, it’s a sign he’s embracing the billionaire accessory game, maybe inspired by high-profile events like Anant Ambani’s wedding. For more on evolving status symbols, read The Evolution of Wealth Storage and Status Symbols.
Reselling Riches: Did They Cash In?
Here’s the million-dollar question (or multi-million, given these watches): Have these billionaires flipped their timepieces for a profit? I dug through auction records, news archives, and even some watch geek forums, but there’s no juicy gossip to spill. Bernard Arnault’s Nautilus could fetch a fortune—similar models have hit big at auctions, like a Patek Philippe 5711 that sold for $7.56 million—but there’s no sign he’s sold it. Musk, Bezos, Buffett, Gates, Ellison, and Zuckerberg? Nada. Their collections seem to stay under lock and key, or any sales are hush-hush. For tips on buying your own luxury watch, check out 12 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your Next Luxury Watch.
Why Watches Matter to the Elite
These watches aren’t just about telling time—they’re about telling a story. For Arnault, it’s about unmatched exclusivity; for Gates, it’s a rejection of extravagance. Musk and Ellison lean into tech-forward designs, while Buffett sticks to tradition. Zuckerberg’s recent splurge shows even the low-key billionaires can’t resist a little wrist candy eventually. In a world where AI might redefine wealth, these physical tokens of status still hold a special allure.
Final Thoughts
From Patek Philippe’s rare beauties to Casio’s everyman appeal, the watches billionaires wear are as diverse as their empires. While we don’t have tales of them flipping these treasures for profit, the resale market for luxury watches is booming—hinting at untapped potential. Whether you’re a watch nerd or just curious about the ultra-rich, these timepieces offer a fascinating glimpse into their world. What’s your dream watch? Let me know in the comments!