Time is money: who could know that better than the most influential women? Whether they really wear their watches to keep track of time or whether they see the timepieces more as a fashion statement, we cannot say. But one thing is certain: when it comes to luxury watches, it is worth taking a closer look at the wrists of successful women.
Angela Merkel: Which watch does the German Chancellor go for?
We start with the woman who has topped the Forbes Top 100 women with the most influence for years: Angela Merkel. Her policies are recognised almost worldwide and her “We can do it” has long since gone down in history. One or two people may therefore be surprised that Frau Doktor Merkel always wears the same watch and is thus comparatively extremely plain on the road. If she wants to know what time it is, Angela Merkel looks at the dial of a Boccia Titanium Model 405-02, which shows down-to-earthness, modesty and authenticity. And let’s be honest: presumably “Angie” simply has far too much on her plate to be able to pay closer attention to the world of luxury watches.
Elizabeth II: The watch of a queen
What Queen Elizabeth wears is commented on, discussed and sometimes even interpreted politically. When she met with Donald Trump, for example, she wore a brooch given to her years before by Michelle Obama. An outcry went through the press: Did the Queen wear this brooch on purpose to express a negative attitude towards Trump? But Queen Elizabeth II not only owns many brooches, she also has a considerable watch collection: for her coronation ceremony in 1952, she wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 Cocktail watch. A real rarity at the time, the watch, set with diamonds, was equipped with the smallest calibre in the world at the time. Another luxury watch of the Queen of England was even chosen as the centrepiece of a museum exhibition. It was the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse (reference 4975). In addition, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and an Audemars Piguet are among the exquisite chronometers owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
Nancy Pelosi: Which brand does the Speaker of the US House of Representatives prefer?
Appointed for the second time as Speaker of the US House of Representatives in 2019, Nancy Pelosi is undoubtedly a busy woman. In recent years, the powerful politician from the ranks of the Democrats has attracted attention for her work against Trump, whose speech manuscript she once even demonstratively tore up. And when it comes to watches, Nancy Pelosi also has a clear opinion: she only wears Apple Watches, which she invariably integrates into her outfits in style and of which she is said to own a huge selection. Why Apple Watches, you ask? According to stories, Pelosi received her first watch of this kind as a Christmas present and was so pleased with it that she stuck with it consistently.
Sheryl Sandberg: Which watch is worthy of Facebook COO?
Everyone knows Mark Zuckerberg, but you may never have heard of Sheryl Sandberg at all. But you should, because Sheryl Sandberg has been part of the Facebook group since 2008 and is appointed COO there. Her hiring was a smart decision: With her on board, the company’s turnover grew by a total of 2400%. Along the way, Sandberg gained notoriety as the author of several books in which she clearly advocates an economically-led women’s movement. The watch this formidable billionaire wears most often in public is probably a vintage Cartier Tank.
Christine Lagarde: The watch of the ECB President
Wherever Christine Lagarde is, all eyes are on her. The current president of the European Central Bank and former director of the International Monetary Fund is considered a true style icon and always presents herself as timelessly elegant and 100% stylish. Perfectly dressed from head to toe, she almost always complements her breathtaking outfits with a luxury watch. She seems to be particularly fond of two pieces of jewellery: One is a diamond-set Bulgari Assioma, the other a Patek Philippe Twenty-4 (4910/10A), which is equipped with a quartz movement and diamonds. Both noble, expressive models that are ideally suited to a woman with the power, success and class of Christine Lagarde.
Oprah Winfrey: talk show host with clear watch preferences
Oprah Winfrey went down in history as the first African-American female billionaire and no one will disagree when we call her a strong, smart and tough businesswoman. You probably know her mainly as the most successful talk show host in the US of all time. She knows how to wow a huge audience and always took the stage as a born entertainer and gifted host. The Oprah Winfrey Show has been off the air since 2011, but Winfrey herself is still “big in business”. After all, she owns the media company HARPO Productions, which she founded herself and still heads as CEO. When it comes to the watch that adorns her wrist, she reaches for a Rado True Thinline most days. Her Chopard La Strada Ladies only comes out of the casket for particularly festive events.
Rihanna: Talented singer and watch collector with a passion
We can’t say it any other way: Rihanna is what you imagine a true multi-talent to be. The singer, producer and entrepreneur, for whom her home island of Barbados has even created her own holiday (Rihanna Day on 21 February), collects watches in her spare time and has now acquired a collection worthy of her. The Lifetime Award winner’s expensive luxury watches include a Rolex Datejust Midsize Bicolor, a Rolex Day-Date II Everose and a Chopard Happy Sport.
Susan Wojcicki: As YouTube CEO, the watch must never stop
Susan Wojcicki’s everyday life consists of a lot of work, because she is the CEO of YouTube and also a mother of five children, so she is definitely a more than busy woman. Time is certainly a scarce commodity in her life – which calls for a functional, chic timepiece. Wojcicki has opted for a Panthère de Cartier, which she wears on her wrist at important events and official occasions. Whether it is a new acquisition or perhaps a beloved heirloom is something the woman of the world has so far kept to herself.