In the world of high fashion and elite lifestyles, watches are more than just timekeepers — they're powerful symbols of wealth, status, and personality. For celebrities, wearing a rare timepiece is not only about aesthetics but also about owning a slice of horological history. From discontinued grails to ultra-limited editions, here are some of the rarest watches spotted on the wrists of the world’s biggest stars.
1. Jay-Z – Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300G
Jay-Z’s watch game is in a league of its own, but his Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300G is beyond elite. Retailing for over $2 million and produced in extremely limited numbers, this double-faced masterpiece features 20 complications, including a grande and petite sonnerie. It’s the most complicated wristwatch Patek has ever made — and seeing it on Hov’s wrist is a clear flex of both taste and power.
2. Ed Sheeran – Richard Mille RM 27-03 Rafael Nadal
Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is an under-the-radar watch collector, but his collection includes some absolute rarities. The RM 27-03 Nadal edition is ultra-light and shock-resistant, with only 50 pieces made. Inspired by a Matador's cape, the red and yellow quartz TPT case makes it one of the boldest Richard Mille pieces ever released. You’ll rarely see one in the wild — unless you're backstage with Ed.
3. Drake – Jacob & Co. Astronomia Casino
Leave it to Drake to turn heads with one of the most extravagant watches ever made. The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Casino doesn’t just tell time — it has a fully functional roulette wheel under its sapphire crystal dome. With a price tag around $600,000 and very few pieces in existence, it’s a true display of opulence and innovation, tailor-made for the 6 God.
4. John Mayer – Rolex Daytona “Rainbow” in Everose Gold
Musician and serious watch aficionado John Mayer owns what is arguably the ultimate hype Rolex: the Rainbow Daytona in Everose gold. Featuring a bezel set with multicoloured sapphires and diamond hour markers, it’s rumoured Rolex only produces a handful of these per year. Demand far exceeds supply, and secondary market prices have soared beyond £500,000.
5. LeBron James – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther”
LeBron made waves when he sported the controversial but ultra-rare AP Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther.” Limited to just 250 pieces and priced at over £150,000, it features a hand-painted figure of Marvel’s Black Panther on the dial. While it split opinions among collectors, its rarity and the fact that it debuted at a star-studded event hosted by Kevin Hart made it a conversation starter.
6. Pharrell Williams – Richard Mille RM 52-05 Tourbillon “Skull Mars”
Designed in collaboration with Pharrell himself, this Richard Mille is inspired by his fascination with outer space. Limited to just 30 pieces, the watch’s dial features an astronaut's helmet reflecting the Martian surface — all hand-crafted with meticulous detail. With a price tag over £850,000, it’s not just rare — it’s pure art.
7. Conor McGregor – Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette
The UFC star is no stranger to flash, and his Jacob & Co. Astronomia Baguette — a tourbillon with a rotating 3D movement and diamond-set globe — is the epitome of wrist-worn extravagance. This specific model is valued at well over £1 million and is rarely seen outside private collections.
Why Celebrities Love Rare Timepieces
Rarity equals exclusivity — and in the world of luxury, that’s the ultimate currency. For celebrities, watches become a silent language of power and identity. Whether it’s a tourbillon created in single digits or a vintage piece no longer in production, these watches are trophies — worn not just to tell time, but to tell the world who they are.
Closing Thoughts
From Drake’s roulette-inspired Jacob & Co. to Jay-Z’s ultra-complicated Grandmaster Chime, these rare timepieces reflect more than just personal style — they represent a passion for craftsmanship, history, and collecting at the very highest level. For those in the know, the wrist never lies.