Iced Out Watches: To Bling or Not to Bling?

Okay, sure, you have money to throw, but on an iced out watch? If that’s what you’ve thought all about these bedazzled wrist candies all this while — you’re not alone. 

Rappers and Hollywood celebrities are obsessed with them, and it seems like everyone owns one except us. Did we not get the memo or something? This guide is going to answer all your burning questions about hip hop iced out watches and whether or not they’re as great of an investment as they look. 

What’s the Deal with an Iced Out Watch, Anyway? 

You’re at a swanky party, the music’s pumping, the drinks cold, and the lights dim. That’s exactly when something catches your eye. You glance down and BAM! 

It’s your iced out watch catching light. Heads turn, eyes widen, and you know you've just made an unforgettable entrance. 

Hip hop iced out watches have been making waves in the rapping industry and it’s no surprise why. We’ve seen Young Thug, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane and even 50 Cent rocking these diamond chains as signs of wealth, style and status. This obviously forces us to believe that iced out watches are less about timekeeping and more about portraying you’re ‘all that’. 

Hey, if you have all that cash lying around, why not? 

The right sort of watch says a lot about you. More than words ever can. This is especially true if you’re someone in the music industry looking for your big break. 

Pick up any music video of a rapper, there’s got to be chunky gold chains, a hot set of wheels and an iced out watch. Back in the day, we’re talking the 90s, wealth had to be shown. Or it simply wasn’t there. 

With the fashion industry rapidly transitioning, sneakers now being worn with suits and ties being obsolete, iced out watches only make sense. 

How Much Does It Cost To Ice Out A Watch?

Now, before you run off to bedazzle your wrist, we’ve got to talk numbers. Let’s be honest, rappers may have all that wad of cash lying around but we certainly don’t! 

The cost to ice out a watch can vary widely depending on the brand and the amount of bling you want to add. You’re looking at anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. Yep, you read that right! 

If you're eyeing an iced out Cartier watch, you could easily spend upwards of $50,000. And for those dreaming of a fully iced out Rolex or Audemars Piguet, the prices can climb even higher, often reaching into the six-figure range. 

Can you really put a price on that bling life, though? 

Do Iced Out Watches Hold Value?

Sure, an iced out Cartier watch sounds good and looks even better. The juicy part, though? Not all iced out watches hold their value. 

While brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe generally retain value well, adding aftermarket diamonds can sometimes decrease the watch's resale value. If the icing’s been done by the brand itself, then, however, it’s a different story. 

The bottom line is that adding diamonds and customisation can actually make them harder to sell later on. That’s because it’s all about personal preferences and the market’s taste. 

If you’ve got the money to spend, however, would resale value really be something you bother with? We think not. 

Are Iced Out Watches Worth It?

Down to the million-dollar question, aren’t we? Are iced out watches worth it? 

Don’t hate us for this, but we’re going to go with a super diplomatic answer which is: it depends entirely on what you’re after. 

If you’re looking for a piece that screams luxury, then absolutely, it’s 100 % worth it. However, if you’re more concerned with resale value and practicality, you might want to think twice. 

Iced out watches are all about the glitz and glamour, and for many, that’s more than enough reason to splurge. They also happen to be great conversation starters, which is great if you struggle with the ladies. 

We warn you though — not too many people are happy about hip hop iced watches. We’re not too sure why though, is it the gross display of wealth? 

Or is it not respecting the craft of horology? We’ll leave that up to you to decide. 

Does Rolex Make Iced Out Watches?

You bet they do! In fact, iced out Rolex watches are probably the most well-known in the market. Datejust, Day-Date, and Pearlmaster are some of their more dress-oriented diamond watches. 

However, Rolex didn’t just stop there. Sports iced out watches are just as sought after, some of which include Daytona, Submariner, GMT-Master II, and Yacht-Master models. When it comes to bedazzling your Rolex, you get to choose between dials, bezels, cases, bracelets and everything in between! 

Our Favourite Hip Hop Iced Out Watches

1. Patek Philippe Nautilus Iced Out Watch

This iced out Patek watch is in a league of its own and is probably one of the most iconic watches out there. With a waitlist of up to 8 years (what?!), this stunner is studded with over 4,000 diamonds! 

You get to choose between incredible colours such as gold, rose gold, silver and the cherry on top? It’s fully iced out. The bezel, case, bracelet, dial: everything sparkly! 

2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Iced Out Watch

You’d be lying if you said you’ve seen anything more beautiful than the Audemars Piguet iced out watch. This custom iced out watch is both sporty and sophisticated, pairing great with a two-piece suit or shorts and a tee. Your pick! 

3. Rolex Daytona Iced Out Watch

Our list of favourites would be incomplete without the mention of a Rolex watch iced out, so here we are, rolling out the Daytona. Originally designed for the motorist inside you, a studded Daytona sure knows how to party! 

The three counters, bezel and minute track are all just some of the reasons why this watch is so iconic. If you’ve seen the regular Daytona, you can just imagine how fine she is when she’s iced out. 

The best part? We’ve seen stars like Post Malone, Mark Wahlberg, and David Beckham rocking this Rolex watch iced out as an everyday fashion statement. 

Factory Vs. Aftermarket Iced Out Watches 

The long-standing feud between purists and enthusiasts rages on. Does it really matter, though? 

For purists, a factory-iced-out watch retains the design and functionality of the standard models. On the other hand, an aftermarket watch is a base model embellished by a third-party jeweller. 

Sounds harmless, right? 

Well, the issue for purists lies in the execution. While there may be some talented gem setters out there, the aftermarket scene can't claim the same level of craftsmanship. Usually, third-party jewellers have to break down the watch before setting the stones. This modification by anyone other than a highly qualified engineer significantly drops the watch's value. 

It's easy to see why: aftermarket icing out raises authenticity questions and may alter the original's structural design and functionality. Take for example the infamous Cartier iced out watch. Despite being heavily iced out, it received heavy backlash from fans and the watch community for ruining a perfectly good watch.

Final Verdict 

Girls and guys, we’re afraid the jury’s out for this one. 

While iced out watches are the epitome of luxury, they do tend to have lower resale values. They’re also incredibly expensive and may have to be busted down if you’re opting for an aftermarket icing out. 

If you’re still not convinced whether an iced out watch is for you, we’ve got the same preloved luxury watches without the studs at Love Luxury. From the Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi to Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, we have something for everyone!