The Watches of the Statesmen

Choosing a watch is a particular challenge for heads of state, as every detail is scrutinized by the public – and interpreted accordingly. A luxury model can quickly make a bad impression and represent inappropriate enrichment and greed. An inexpensive, more understated version, on the other hand, can send a positive message to the people – or be labeled as tasteless. This is why watches are no longer as popular among politicians today as they once were. However, the era of watches is far from over, and many politicians have had or still have their absolute favorites. A quick glance at the wrists reveals that some true stars of the scene can be found there, accompanying important historical moments. The icon of the 1968 generation, Ernesto Che Guevara, for example, wore a Rolex Submariner on his wrist. The robust yet elegant Swiss watch reliably supported the revolutionary through the class struggle. Below, we reveal the most iconic examples of important statesmen and their special relationship with fine timepieces – both present and past.

Undisputed champion: Vladimir Putin

When you think of politicians and watches, you probably think first of Russian head of state Vladimir Putin – and rightly so. Putin's collection is estimated to have a total value of over 450,000 euros. His diverse collection includes exclusive watches from A. Lange & Söhne, Blancpain, and Patek Philippe. A Turbograph with tourbillon, chronograph, and rattrapante function, as well as a perpetual calendar from A. Lange & Söhne, a Blancpain Aqua Lung Grande Date, and a Perpetual Calendar from Patek Philippe's Grande Complication series are just a few of his unique treasures. Putin is not only known for his watches, but also for his unusual way of wearing them: The statesman always wears them on his right wrist, even setting a trend among the Russian elite a few years ago. He is also said to have given Blancpain timepieces to a few lucky citizens on his tours. However, his impressive selection of elegant classics has also brought the head of state criticism. With an annual income of approximately 140,000 euros, Putin shouldn't be able to maintain such an opulent lifestyle, the astonished opposition argued. It's possible that some of the watches were gifts—but this would also be a sensitive issue for the politician.

The European time zone

British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) relied on Breguet throughout his life. He was particularly fond of the No. 765, also known as the "Turnip," a pocket watch with a flyback chronograph and minute repeater. His own grandfather, John Spencer-Churchill, commissioned the watch with a yellow gold case and white enamel dial in 1890. The Turnip stood by Churchill through good times and bad and can be admired today in the Imperial War Museum in London. Breguet even recreated the watch for the 2017 film "Darkest Hour," starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, albeit in a slightly modified form: the case was narrowed and the technology pared down. Moving on to Italy: When Silvio Berlusconi was still in office, he liked to show off his Vacheron Constantin—worth around half a million euros.

This makes the watch one of the most expensive in the world. However, before his political career, the former prime minister had already made a name for himself in industry for decades and was considered as wealthy as few others. Therefore, investing in the Vacheron Constantin Partimony Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar was probably no big deal for the Italian. If you look at France, one thing in particular stands out when it comes to watches: Nicolas Sarkozy is known to be a true watch connoisseur. His favorites include a Patek Philippe 3940G, a Girard-Perregaux 1966, and a Rolex Daytona with a black dial. The former president certainly has taste when it comes to high-quality timepieces – and a correspondingly exquisite collection.

The French brand Lip may also be familiar to many watch enthusiasts. The company has had a decisive influence on the history of the entire watch industry: The "GDG" model from 1952 adorned the wrist of Charles de Gaulle. The former French president is said to have loved Lip watches. In 1958, a version was even named after him. The timepiece, with its cushion-shaped case, domed glass, and raised hour markers, is sure to delight all vintage fans. In 1990, the model was completely redesigned. Now, the timepiece houses a fine movement from Ronda, a Swiss brand. But modernization has also made its way into other aspects: A high-quality genuine leather strap and the contemporary lightning bolt in the logo and on the clasp have been added. General de Gaulle must have looked down on this occasion and shared in his delight at the stylish continuation of the special design. Former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer had to live to the age of 79 before he acquired his famous gold Rolex. The wristwatch was a gift from Switzerland, delivered to Adenauer by a messenger from Rolex founder Hans Wildorf in September 1955. His name was even engraved on the back of the elegant piece of jewelry.

An agency photo from April 19, 1957, proves that he was certainly fascinated by the timepiece. The picture shows the former German politician at his desk, his suit sleeve rolled back just enough to clearly see the watch. Understandable – it would be a shame to hide the exquisite Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust in eighteen-carat yellow gold. A treasure to be proud of – especially when you are a man who has rendered such immense service to your country. Forty-four years after Adenauer's death, the Rolex, including the original case and the personal letter from Hans Wilsdorf, was auctioned at a Geneva auction house. Its value was previously estimated at around 66,000 euros – but the fine timepiece sold for a whopping 142,000.

Luxury in the USA

Important American figures have always had a passion for luxury timepieces. John F. Kennedy relied on Omega watches during his lifetime. The 35th President of the United States also occasionally opted for Cartier: In 1957, his wife Jackie gave him a fine Cartier Tank for his birthday. Engraved on the caseback of the watch were his initials, the family crest, and their wedding date.

People's favorite Barack Obama is known for his good fashion sense. His style is imitated by many fans. He also demonstrates a sense of style when it comes to fine accessories: Before becoming US President, his favorite watch was a TAG Heuer 1500. However, this model is no longer produced, having been replaced by the Aquaracer collection. After taking office, Obama opted for a more down-to-earth companion, probably for strategic reasons, which he had received as a gift from his bodyguards: a special model from Jorg Gray with the US Secret Service logo on the dial. After Obama was spotted wearing the watch on his wrist, the model at Jorg Gray's store immediately sold out – style doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. The current US President, Donald Trump, has always liked to stand out from the crowd. So it's no wonder that he tried his own thing with watches: the successful entrepreneur and politician launched a watch collection under his own brand some time ago. However, it wasn't a success. Now he prefers to return to tried-and-tested classics, including a Patek Philippe Ellipse with a blue dial and a Rolex Day-Date, both in yellow gold.

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