- Inside the rarefied world where timepieces become statements of intellect, power, and legacy
Time, Reimagined
In the universe of billionaires, time is not chased it is commanded. And nowhere is this philosophy more elegantly expressed than on the wrist. Luxury watches, especially at the highest level of horology, are not mere instruments of timekeeping. They are manifestos in metal, mechanical declarations of how the ultra-wealthy perceive longevity, precision, and permanence.
To understand billionaire watches is to understand a mindset, that values engineering over ornamentation, legacy over fashion, and intellect over excess.
The Ideology
For billionaires, watches are chosen with the same deliberation as investments or acquisitions.
A mechanical watch mirrors their worldview:
- Built patiently, not rushed
- Designed to outlive trends
- Dependent on mastery, not mass production
In elite circles, a watch is a coded language. A perpetual calendar or tourbillon is not explained; it is recognized. Jewellery may sparkle, but watches converse—quietly, confidently, and only with those who understand.
Anant Ambani’s Jacob & Co Watch
When Anant Ambani appeared wearing a Jacob & Co,Vantara piece, the watch world took notice. Estimated at ₹150–200+ crore, this is not subtle wealth, it is intentional spectacle. Hundreds of baguette-cut diamonds are not simply set on the case, they are embedded into the very movement.
Rare, jewel-laden, and produced in almost mythical quantities, the Jacob Billionaire is where haute horology collides with high jewellery. If traditional billionaires whisper, this watch speaks fluently & unapologetically of a new generation comfortable with visibility.
The Exquisite Collection–Brands and Value Range
- Jacob and Co – ₹100–200 crore
- Patek Philippe – Rs 8–25+ crore
- Richard Mille- ₹20–60 crore
- Audemars Piguet- Rs 5–12 crore
Why These Watches Costs are Exuberant
The price tags are not inflated, they are earned & deserve becoz of
Extreme scarcity: some models exist in single digits worldwide
Human craftsmanship: A single watch may take 2–5 years, involving master watchmakers whose skills take decades to acquire.
Mechanical genius: complex complications built without electronics
Exotic materials: Sapphire cases, titanium alloys, carbon composites, diamond-set movements—not just dials.
Investment gravity: Many watches appreciate faster than gold, driven by global auctions and collector demand.
In essence, these watches compress style, skill and rarity into something billionaires can wear.
Why Billionaires Prefer Watches Over Jewellery
Jewellery displays wealth.
Watches translate power.
A great watch is:
- Functional yet discreet
- Recognised by insiders, invisible to outsiders
- Highly in demand at global auction markets
- Timeless across generations
Jewellery often gets redesigned, divided, or melted down. A watch, by contrast, retains identity, provenance, and story.
Conclusion
Billionaire’s do not wear watches to know the time. They wear them to honour engineering, signal legacy, and express a philosophy where patience, precision, and permanence still matter. In an age obsessed with speed, the billionaire’s watch stands still—quietly proving that true power doesn’t rush, doesn’t shout, and never fades.
Business Correspondent
Ananth Peravally is a Sales & Marketing professional with over 30 years of experience in the FMCG sector. He has worked across leading Indian and multinational organizations, including Parle, Kellogg’s, Godfrey Phillips, GEF, and Bunge. He has been instrumental in the launch, growth, and turnaround of key brands, notably Kellogg’s Chocos, GPI’s Four Square Cigarettes, GEF’s Freedom Rice Bran Oil, Bunge’s Fiona Sunflower Oil in different states of South & West India. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and PGDMM. Expert in brand building, go-to-market strategy, and sales execution in competitive consumer markets.
The theory of costly watches is excellent. The article explained all details of it.
It has become fashion now-a-days in wearing costly watches in rich community. I feel it’s not only for time watching. But there are many innovative features have come up in security point of view. And people who have surplus money they go for it for fancy. It’s human tendency. A good write up on innovative idea.