When it comes to extravagant wealth and luxury, few names resonate quite like Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. Known for his immense fortune, palatial estates, and a car collection said to rival museums, the Sultan’s taste in watches is equally extravagant—yet largely shrouded in secrecy. However, over the years, whispers and rare glimpses into his horological preferences have revealed a collection that reflects his opulence, power, and exceptional access to the world’s most exclusive timepieces.
A Billionaire's Obsession with Bespoke Horology
The Sultan of Brunei doesn’t just buy watches—he commissions them. Many of the pieces in his collection are custom-made, often with features not available to the public, created by some of the finest watchmakers in Switzerland and beyond. While photos are rare due to the ultra-private nature of his lifestyle, accounts from insiders, former staff, and private dealers paint a clear picture: the Sultan owns one of the most valuable and exclusive watch collections on the planet.
Notable Brands in the Sultan’s Collection
1. Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is arguably the crown jewel of the Sultan’s collection. It is said he owns dozens—if not hundreds—of Pateks, many with complications like perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and tourbillons. Some of these models are believed to be one-of-one creations, tailored with his royal crest and custom dials.
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Notable Watch: A custom Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon in yellow gold, engraved with the Brunei royal emblem.
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Rumoured Price: £1.5–£2.5 million
2. Rolex
While Rolex is mainstream compared to other haute horology brands, the Sultan’s Rolex pieces are anything but ordinary. He’s known to have owned gem-set Daytonas, vintage Paul Newman models, and several Day-Dates with factory-set diamonds and emeralds.
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Notable Watch: Rolex Daytona Leopard, factory-set with diamonds and orange sapphires, often given as gifts to family members and dignitaries.
3. Audemars Piguet
The Sultan is rumoured to own multiple Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks, including ultra-rare perpetual calendars and skeletonised tourbillons.
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Notable Watch: AP Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin with a custom dial, commissioned in the 1990s before the model became widely popular.
4. Richard Mille
Modern and ultra-lightweight, Richard Mille has caught the attention of many billionaires, including the Sultan. His RM collection includes tourbillons with precious metals and sapphire cases.
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Notable Watch: RM 56-02 Sapphire Tourbillon – one of the most expensive Richard Mille pieces ever produced, with an estimated value of over £1.5 million.
Royalty-Only Releases
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Sultan’s collection is his access to "royalty-only" releases—watches made exclusively for the royal families of Southeast Asia, including limited runs with precious stones, custom enamel artwork, and engravings. These timepieces will never be listed on any website or appear at auction unless gifted or inherited.
Gifting & Legacy
It’s well known within the industry that the Sultan is generous with his collection. Over the years, he has gifted timepieces worth tens of millions to close relatives, dignitaries, and foreign leaders. Many of these watches are engraved with the Brunei crest or initials, making them both valuable and historically significant.
Final Thoughts
The Sultan of Brunei’s watch collection is the embodiment of discreet luxury—rare, often custom, and virtually priceless. It’s not built for Instagram or red carpet appearances, but for the private joy of a man with nearly unlimited wealth and refined taste. While we may never know the full extent of his horological empire, what we do know places it firmly in the top echelon of global watch collections.
If you’re fascinated by watch collectors at the top of the food chain, the Sultan’s world is as high as it gets.