When it comes to buying your first or next watch, it’s helpful to search around and look for some inspiration. Of course, it’s always interesting to see what’s on the wrists of women in the spotlight. Which are the most popular brands? What size do most celebrities go for? What style makes the most appearances on the red carpet? Read on to find out what’s adorning the wrists of five famous females.
#1 Heidi Klum – Panerai Radiomir
Is the German supermodel really part of the Paneristi community? The answer is a resounding yes! Heidi Klum has been known to wear a rose gold Panerai Radiomir ref. PAM00103 on a leather strap. This combination is particularly intriguing for a number of reasons.
First, Panerai is without a doubt a “love it or hate it” manufacturer. The distinct case shape and crown make every Panerai timepiece unmistakable, but these unique looks divide the watch community into two camps: love it or hate it. Klum is clearly not afraid to be bold; she’s opted for a 40-mm watch, which is by no means a modest choice!
The automatic, COSC-certified OP VII caliber ticks away inside the watch’s 18k rose gold case. The movement is based on the 680 Elite caliber from Zenith. Large, luminous Arabic numerals make the watch easy to read and the elegant yet simple pillow-shaped case tops off the overall look. The watch’s thin lugs are reminiscent of the original Radiomir’s case design from the late 1930s, an era when Panerai was supplying the Italian Navy with high-precision timepieces. The case is mounted on a black alligator leather strap, which matches the dark dial.
If you love the distinctive Panerai look and are looking for an automatic watch that is both casual and elegant (thanks to rose gold!), the PAM00103 may be the ideal watch for you. However, Klum’s exact watch is a special edition timepiece with a limited run of 250 pieces, which makes it a bit pricier than other models. Expect to pay upwards of 10,000 EUR (approx. 11,800 USD) for this reference.
#2 Michelle Obama – Cartier Tank Francaise
Cartier can count a large number of famous personalities to their long list of clients. Countless celebrities, from Andy Warhol to Princess Diana have fallen in love with the French design house. They’ve also appeared to win the hearts of some prominent First Ladies. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was known to wear the rectangular Cartier Louis Tank, as was former First Lady Michelle Obama.
More specifically, Michelle Obama has been seen wearing the Tank Française, a modern interpretation of the classic model. This watch comes with the option of a date display at 6 o’clock and features a slightly curved case that is more of a square than a rectangle.
The Tank’s design is absolutely timeless and can more or less be worn with anything. It’s perfect for a day in the office or an evening out. There are also solid gold and two-tone steel and gold versions for those looking to make more of a statement.
If you’re looking for an automatic movement, however, you may be disappointed. The Française is powered by a quartz caliber. While it may not be the watch for mechanical movement lovers, it could be the right choice for those who don’t want to worry about adjusting the time.
If you are interested in getting that First-Lady-look, be sure to check out all the different sizes and variants of the Tank Française online. The options are endless!
#3 Natalie Portman – Richard Mille
Next up is a combination that few would have thought possible: Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman and the Richard Mille RM 19-01 Tourbillon!
Richard Mille has skyrocketed to fame in recent years thanks to the brand’s ability to strike the right balance between arguably crazy designs, celebrity collaborations, astronomical prices, and tight availability. The most well-known models from this manufacturer are probably the timepieces that have been spotted on the wrists of Pharrell Williams, Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone, and Rafael Nadal. They are bright, oversized, and beyond extravagant. With that in mind, it comes as a bit of a shock to see an RM on the wrist of Harvard grad Natalie Portman!
It must be said that this sighting probably wouldn’t have happened if not for an official collaboration between the two parties. The manufacturer approached the actress with an offer to co-create a special edition RM 19-01.
The extraordinary design was inspired by the mythical powers associated with spiders (wouldn’t Spiderman actor Tobey Maguire have made a better partner?!) The tonneau-shaped case – a typical Richard Mille characteristic – is set with pavé diamonds surrounding a skeletonized dial. While the look is rather futuristic, Richard Mille opted for a traditional manually-wound movement with a power reserve of 48 hours.
While the RM 19-01 Tourbillon falls into an unattainable price range for most people, it serves as a great example of how collaborations between manufacturers and celebrities don’t always produce the results you’d expect. Nevertheless, it is certainly an exciting pairing that led to the creation of 20 very special watches.
#4 Jessica Meir – Skagen SKW6175 & Timex TWC013900
Let’s now turn to a different type of “celebrity.” When NASA astronaut Jessica Meir isn’t donning an Omega Skywalker X-33 at work (or in space!), she has been seen wearing a Skagen SKW6175 and a Timex TWC013900.
These choices are interesting because they are completely different in terms of design.
Skagen is a subsidiary of Fossil. According to their brand statement, Skagen stands for Danish design and simple looks. This resonates with many Bauhaus principles, something that is evident in the SKW6175’s look. Both the case and dial are kept nice and simple, which contrasts beautifully with the steel bezel and mesh bracelet. The 40-mm watch makes an ideal unisex timepiece that is perfect for anyone wanting a streamlined look.
The Timex, on the other hand, is an absolute tool watch. The chronograph from the American manufacturer is housed in a brass case that measures 42 mm in diameter. There is also a date display at 4 o’clock. The watch certainly lives up to its label as an “Expedition Chronograph” with its leather strap and tan indices and subdials. Plus, the watch’s quartz caliber ensures accurate timekeeping to the end of its battery life.
Jessica Meir is the perfect example of very different watches working on the same wrist. Both the 40-mm Skagen and 42-mm Timex suit the astronaut perfectly!
#5 Sophie (Turner) Jonas – Rolex
Ever wonder what Sansa Stark would wear on her wrist? Well, if actress Sophie Jonas (née Turner) had her way, it would be an 18k gold Rolex Datejust with a white dial and Oyster bracelet.
The Game of Thrones star is often seen wearing this classic Rolex model. She perfectly demonstrates how traditional Rolex timepieces – even solid gold ones – can suit any outfit.
This is in large part due to Rolex’s timeless designs. The lines of the Oyster case have been perfected over the course of decades, and the choice of a white dial gives this watch added versatility.
The Datejust features a date display at 3 o’clock beneath a magnifying lens. No matter the diameter, every Rolex Datejust is outfitted with an in-house automatic movement.
Rolex’s top-selling collection truly has something on offer for everyone. If you click or leaf through the current Rolex catalog, you will find Datejusts in a range of sizes (31 mm to 41 mm), materials (white, yellow, and rose gold as well as steel and two-tone), and countless dial variations with different colors, layouts, and indices.
Vintage Datejusts are just as interesting. “Birth-year” models, i.e., watches from the year you were born, are particularly popular. Rolex is known for their long-lasting, robust timepieces that continue to run reliably for decades. Buying an older Rolex gets you a watch with vintage charm, good value retention, a personal connection, and a timeless design.
Ladies, Be Bold!
A timepiece can say a lot about someone’s personality. It’s even more intriguing to see what individuals pick when they know thousands, if not millions, of people will see what’s on their wrist. The beauty of the watch world remains the sheer diversity of what’s out there; from stainless steel to rose gold, tool watch to dress watch, and everything in between, there is certainly something to suit every taste!
Read more
3 Things to Know Before You Buy a Gold Rolex Datejust