From Politics to Timepieces - Barack Obama Watch Collection

Barack Hussein Obama II, born on August 4th, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, holds the unique distinction of being the only US President born outside the contiguous 48 states. His life began when his mother, Ann Dunham, met Barack Obama Sr., a Kenyan native, in a Russian language class at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to marriage within the year, though, by 1964, they would part ways.

Growing up, Obama's life was filled with movement, especially after his mother remarried. This nomadic childhood exposed him to diverse cultures and backgrounds, instilling in him a profound empathy for people from all walks of life. 

Ascending to the esteemed position of the 44th President of the United States, Obama’s presidency stands as a historic chapter, characterized by both applause and critique. Even post-presidency, his influence remains undiminished, with roles both in politics and beyond.

Beyond his political achievements, many admirers and observers alike have noted his impeccable sense of style, particularly his choice of watches. Far from the ostentatious, Barack Obama watch collection leans towards classic and understated timepieces, reflecting his appreciation for quality and timeless design. These watches are not just instruments of time but windows into his persona. Every piece narrates a chapter of his journey, accompanying him through pivotal moments.

 In this blog post, we'll embark on an exploration of Barack Obama's watch collection. Unraveling the tales behind each timepiece, from everyday wear to those for special occasions, we offer insights into a side of Obama often reserved for keen-eyed enthusiasts. Dive in to discover the wrist-bound stories of a former world leader.

The Rolex Cellini holds a special place in former President Obama watch collection. Although he wasn't seen wearing it during his tenure in the White House, many believe he owned the Cellini both before his presidential journey and after. This elegant timepiece stands out with its 39mm white gold frame, white dial, contrasting indices, a textured knurled edge bezel, and a prominent onion crown. The Cellini exudes sophistication without being overly flashy. Currently, it's priced at $15,400.

Interestingly, Obama isn't the only high-profile figure who fancies the Cellini. Pep Guardiola, one of Premier League Managers, shares this taste. Obama sported the Rolex Cellini 50509. This watch, which comes with a white dial and is set in white gold, is priced at $15,200. 

It's clear that post-presidency, Obama's taste gravitated towards the more refined. He's not alone in this transition. Former President Bill Clinton, known for wearing a Timex while in office, later became renowned for his collection of luxury watches, ranging from Panerais and Zeniths to JLCs and even Langes. It's fascinating to see how leaders evolve, not just in their policies but also in their personal style!

Barack Obama received a unique gift from the Secret Service on his 46th birthday: a custom Jorg Gray 6500 watch. What made this watch special was the Secret Service badge proudly displayed right at the 12 o'clock position. The back of the watch also had a unique inscription. But the most surprising part? Despite its presidential connection, the watch wasn't expensive. In fact, a similar version without the badge is priced at just $390.

In 2009, after Obama had been president for nearly a year, someone noticed this watch and shared it online. Suddenly, it became a big deal. It was one of the most searched-for watches that year. Seeing its popularity, Jorg Gray even released a commemorative collection that was sold at the White House gift shop.

However, if you wanted to buy one just like Obama watch, it wasn't easy. The modern collection didn't have the Secret Service logo. At one time, the Secret Service Gift Shop did sell the watch with the logo, but they stopped. You might find a few of these watches out there, but none exactly like Obama's. 

Despite its fame and connection to the president, this Obama watch is quite affordable, running on a simple miyota quartz movement, priced at $450 USD.