For many, the name Vladimir Putin instantly conjures images of Russia's resolute president, whose leadership has been a defining force for the nation. However, beyond politics and global strategies, there's an intriguing facet to Putin that often escapes the limelight: his exceptional taste in watches. Recognized not only for his presidential duties, Putin has made a mark in the horological world, amassing a collection that is truly breathtaking.

Indeed, one of the very famous world leaders isn't just a casual collector. He is a genuine connoisseur like Donald Trump and some of the other US Presidents and the kings from around the globe. His assortment boasts timepieces from the crème de la crème of luxury brands: Patek Philippe, IWC, Breguet, A. Lange & Söhne, and Blancpain, to name a few.

For most, a watch serves the simple function of time-telling, but for aficionados like Putin, it's a statement, an heirloom, a work of art. 

Let's find out the extraordinary of Vladimir Putin watch collection!

Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, loves fancy watches. One of his best is the Blancpain Léman Grande Date Aqua Lung 2850B-1130A-64B. 

This steel watch has a big 43mm size, black dial, and glow-in-the-dark hands. It can stay underwater up to 300 meters and lasts 72 hours without winding. This watch shows Putin's love for luxury and practical things. It's rare, looks great, and is a top pick in his collection. Simply, it's one of Putin's best watches.

Market price (Nov 2023): ~$20,000.

Putin owns an amazing Patek Philippe  Perpetual Calendar 5039J in 18k yellow gold with a hobnail bezel. 

This luxurious Putin watch features intricate complications that allow it to keep accurate time and track a variety of calendar features, including the phases of the moon. Putin's particular model is incredibly rare and valuable, with only a limited number ever produced. Its classic design and highly polished finish make it a true statement piece, perfect for the Russian President's impeccable sense of style.

The market price in Nov 2023 is around $55,000.  

The most powerful man in Russia, Vladimir Putin, is also an avid watch enthusiast. My favorite piece from Putin watch collection is the F.P. Journe Chronometre Bleu 1304CS. This exquisite timepiece boasts a case made of tantalum, a rare dark grey metal with blue overtones. Tantalum is highly prized for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and its biocompatibility.

Because I really like this one, let me just copy paste the text I got from FP Journe:

The Chronomètre Bleu offers an uncluttered approach to high precision, with irreproachable chronometric properties. It is innovative, with a 39 mm case made of tantalum, a rare dark grey metal with blue overtones, so named for the "torment of Tantalus" in reference to the Greek mythology. Tantalum is a metal rarely used in watchmaking because it is very hard and difficult to fashion (its fusion temperature is 3016° and its density 16.65 g/cm3). It is also valued for its extremely high resistance to corrosion and wear, and its biocompatibility.

The blue chrome dial, which perfectly complements the colour of the case, has been redesigned with the latest trends in mind, and features cream-coloured hands and large Arabic numerals.

The Chronomètre Bleu’s 18k rose gold mechanical movement with manual winding oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Twin barrels, in the classic configuration of precision watches, work in parallel to deliver stable power for most of the watch’s 56-hour autonomy. The F.P.Journe freespurng chronometer balance, with inertia adjustment via four opposing weights, is dynamically adjusted in six positions.

Market price (Nov 2023): ~$100,000.

Another cool watch that was seen on his wrist is the rare A. Lange and Söhne 1815 Up/Down ref. 221.025 in platinum. The 39mm watch was created to commemorate Ferdinand A. Lange's birth year. It is equipped with the recognizable up/down power reserve indicator, which was first employed in vintage pocket watches and maritime chronometers. 

The watch's deep-blue monochromatic dial and the platinum case are a match made in horological heaven. The high-quality materials, precise engineering, and limited release of the watch make it a highly desirable collector's item. In conclusion, Putin's A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down ref. 221.025 in Platinum is a flawless combination of beauty and functionality. Its unique design, impeccable movement, precise engineering and higher standard of quality make the watch a must-have for watch collectors worldwide and a coveted piece in Putin's watch collection.

The market price in November 2023 is around $27,000. 

In 2017, acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Stone, known for cinematic masterpieces like "Platoon," "JFK," "Wall Street," and "Natural Born Killers," was given an unprecedented opportunity: to conduct and film multiple interviews with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. These interactions culminated in a riveting 4-part series for Showtime titled "The Putin Interviews."

Throughout the episodes, eagle-eyed viewers might catch the occasional glimpse of Putin's wrist, sparking interest in the watch choices of one of the world's most powerful men. The anticipation reached its peak in the final episode, where the audience got a clear view of the luxurious IWC timepiece that Putin was sporting, revealing yet another facet of the enigmatic Russian leader's personality and taste.

Market price (Nov 2023) is between $3,000 - $4,000.

Although not often seen, it is still easy to see the moment on the wrist of Russian President Putin is the Breguet Marine Automatic Big Date 5817ST. This watch sells for about $15,500.