A few ideas come to mind when most people think of Donald Trump. A larger-than-life personality or perhaps his flamboyant lifestyle, or even his a-little-too-orange tan. However, we rarely hear much about his preference for wristwatches. However, that is as flashy, and attention grabbing as the man.
From luxury brands to individually branded timepieces, his watches have been a phenomenal part of his public persona. What do his collections tell about himself? Here's everything you need to know about Trump's wristwatch collection.
1. The Rolex President: A Classic for a Classic
The Rolex Day-Date, often called the Rolex President, is perhaps the most iconic piece in Trump’s wristwatch collection. There’s a reason why this watch is synonymous with power and influence — it's been worn by presidents, kings, and some of the wealthiest men in the world. For Trump, the Rolex President is the perfect symbol of his desire for status and recognition.
The Rolex Day-Date is made from 18-karat gold, surrounded by a bezel paved with diamonds. And that crown? A work of art if you ask us.
Not for the faint of heart, this watch is bold and unapologetically expensive, much like Trump. He wears this iconic watch a lot in interviews and at rallies. That's the kind of watch somebody who draws attention would wear. Someone who likes the spotlight, who makes a statement.
2. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse: Timeless Luxury
Another example of the rarer, more sophisticated pieces in his collection, the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, is elegant, subtle, and, therefore, often associated with understated luxury. The most iconic aspect of this watch remains in the shape of its case, which is oval, said to represent the proportions inspired by what is known as the "golden ratio," a concept found in nature, in art, and in so much design.
This Golden Ellipse from Trump's collection is in complete contrast with his other ostentatious pieces. A timepiece which speaks of subtle sophistication appeals to those with a discerning eye and who appreciate good craftsmanship without wanting it broadcasted. It would then be a bit more in line with his calculating side. While not as loud as a Rolex, it certainly holds its own in terms of quality and exclusivity. It speaks to something of refined taste that doesn't need to be flaunted.
3. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1968
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1968 comes in as another timepiece that adds a dimension to this collection of Trump's. This watch is so delicate, and minimalist, yet detailed, with an importance and value placed on the excellence of precision. This one celebrates craftsmanship. It just so happens that its very ultra-thin design has put on display the company's ingenuity in manufacturing an extremely high-performance watch piece still carrying prestige. At just 4.1mm thick, Ultra-Fine 1968 stands as a testament to Vacheron Constantin's mastery over watchmaking.
This particular piece is something interesting for Trump. Since he has often been accused of loud, over-the-top displays of wealth, Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1968 is much quieter. Still, it's unmistakably luxurious.
A Vacheron Constantin is a symbol of historic craftsmanship and brand prestige, and Trump probably understands the value of such a timepiece. It's just one of those subtle, sophisticated additions to his watch collection.
Trump’s Own Timepieces: A Business Move or a Statement?
In addition to owning luxury watches, Trump has also entered the world of watchmaking with his own branded timepieces. His Trump-branded watches, such as the Victory Tourbillon and Fighter models, have generated a lot of controversy.
Priced between $800 and $100,000, these watches are sold through his various business ventures and have even been marketed as part of his Victory Tour after his presidential win in 2016.
They're extremely shiny and have been made to be seen and heard; they also sport Trump's logo. So they're pretty much every symbol of luxury, but do they cut the mustard?
Well, watch aficionados were pretty quick to note that these timepieces didn't quite cut it to Swiss standards from brands like Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet. People tend to view them more as a marketing gimmick than serious luxury timepieces.
But here's the thing — Trump has always been about marketing. Whether it is the real estate empire, his reality show, or his presidency, Trump knows how to sell a brand. His watches are just another extension of that brand.
The Trump watch line is not about competing with other brands like Rolex or even dual timewatches for that matter; it has to do with offering something more unique, reflecting his placement in the market.
The Tourbillon Controversy: A Case of Too Much Flash?
Let's discuss the Victory Tourbillon for a moment.
The $100,000 price tag may ring a few alarms given the fact that this watch supposedly has a tourbillon mechanism - although highly intricate, one of the world's most prized movements - solely meant for high-luxury watches. Tourbillons are normally used on elite timepieces. The crème de la crème have them as part of their high-end collections - Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, among others.
But here's the kicker.
A good many watch experts have snorted in disbelief at the concept of a Trump-branded tourbillon. For one thing, the craftsmanship behind such pieces just doesn't appear to be quite to par for the attention paid by those usually at this price level. In fact, there have been several reports saying that the Victory Tourbillon is not made in Switzerland but rather in China. For the price, that's a hard pill to swallow for many watch enthusiasts.
The controversy surrounding the Victory Tourbillon is over not just the watch but rather what the watch represents. One of many examples of just how the Trump name and persona can sell a product that hammers into the idea of high-class value without necessarily paying out for the same quality standard.
The Fighter Watch: Flashy, But Is it Worth the Hype?
The other piece that completes Trump's wristwatch legacy is the Fighter model. A watch marketed as a symbol of strength, resilience, and power, it's a very flashy timepiece with a bold design and oversized case. Like its namesake, the Fighter watch does not shy away from the limelight. At $800, it's well within access.
This naturally brings to the question of how it would compare with other timepieces in its range. And for $800, one gets a timepiece of quartz movement instead of being mechanical. While the style can be bold, the overall craftsmanship is still often under criticism as compared to its more exacting counterparts with other brands which sell at such a point.
But again, not really the issue. A fighter watch is a statement, kind of like Trump's other watches: it's more an image than the quality itself. For the Trump brand, it's about the sale of luxury, strength, and power rather than creating an item horologically perfect.
Time Well Spent?
At the end of the day, Donald Trump’s wristwatches aren’t just about telling time — they’re about making a statement. His collection, from the Rolex President to his own branded pieces, speaks volumes about his larger-than-life personality, his flair for self-promotion, and his understanding of luxury.
Love him or loathe him, there’s no denying that Trump’s wristwatches are an extension of his brand.
They’re bold, they’re flashy, and they’re unapologetically expensive. And in the world of Trump, that’s exactly the point. Time may be ticking away, but when you’re Donald Trump, you’re always on your own schedule!
