Let's dive into the world of horology as seen through the lens of none other than the legendary NBA superstar, Michael Jordan. Known worldwide for his monumental career in basketball, Jordan's interests off the court are equally compelling, particularly his passion for luxury timepieces.
Michael Jordan is also an avid watch collector with a selection that mirrors his taste for precision and luxury. His selection spans a broad spectrum of the horological landscape, featuring esteemed brands from A. Lange and Söhne to the futuristic designs of Urwerk.
His passion for horology is a shared interest among many top-tier athletes like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, etc.
In this blog post, you will find out what watches does Michael Jordan wear.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - A. Lange & Söhne Datograph 403.435
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - A. Lange & Söhne Datograph 403.435
It features a flyback chronograph, allowing for the resetting of the stopwatch hands to zero and immediate restart in a single operation, and a precisely jumping minute counter - both testaments to Lange's technical ingenuity.
The watch is also equipped with a patented, oversized date display, one of the brand's hallmark complications.
Encased in platinum, the watch features a black dial with rhodiumed gold hands and hour markers, creating a stark contrast that enhances readability. The sapphire-crystal case back allows a view of the beautifully decorated manual winding Calibre L951.6 movement.
In the grey market, it trades for ~$100,000.
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Michael Jordan Watch Collection - IWC Big Pilot's Annual Calendar Antoine De Saint Exupery IW502706
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - IWC Big Pilot's Annual Calendar Antoine De Saint Exupery IW502706
The IWC Big Pilot's Annual Calendar Antoine De Saint Exupery IW502706 is a remarkable tribute to the famed author and aviator.
This luxurious timepiece is renowned for its annual calendar complication that displays the month, date, and day in three separate windows on the dial. Housed in an 18k rose gold case, its sunburst brown dial pays homage to Saint-Exupéry's aviation roots, while the white numerals and indices ensure excellent legibility.
The case back features an engraving of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, further emphasizing the connection to the legendary aviator. This watch embodies IWC's commitment to precision and craftsmanship, making it a perfect choice for watch enthusiasts and admirers of Saint-Exupéry's work.
Retail price: $36,000.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Ceramic J003035211
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Ceramic J003035211
The timepiece features a stylish ceramic case, an innovative material known for its robustness and luster, coupled with a black dial that showcases the brand's iconic "figure 8" design.
The watch is also recognized for its grande seconde complication, a signature of Jaquet Droz, with the bottom circle of the "8" housing a sweeping seconds hand that offers an engaging visual interplay.
Retail price: $14,600
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Urwerk UR-220RG
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Urwerk UR-220RG
This luxury watch showcases Urwerk's signature avant-garde design and mechanical ingenuity.
The UR 220RG features a striking rectangular case crafted from precious materials and a sophisticated rose gold finish.
Its dial exhibits a unique satellite time display system, where revolving hour markers indicate the time visually captivatingly. With its intricate complications and attention to detail, the Urwerk UR 220RG exemplifies the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, making it a coveted choice for discerning watch enthusiasts.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Rolex Daytona 6241 Paul Newman Dial
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Rolex Daytona 6241 Paul Newman Dial
MJ also has a very rare Rolex Daytona 6241 boasting a black Paul Newman dial. The Paul Newman dial variants of Daytona watches have gained significant popularity in recent times, particularly after the sale of Paul Newman's personal Daytona watch. However, securing one can still prove challenging, and the prices associated with them remain quite steep.
Determining the price of this particular timepiece can be exceptionally challenging, as it is frequently sold through auctions where the starting bids rarely commence around $140,000.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Richard Mille RM032 Diver Flyback Chronograph
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Richard Mille RM032 Diver Flyback Chronograph
The Richard Mille RM032 Diver Flyback Chronograph boasts a multitude of features, including a flyback chronograph, annual calendar, and running seconds. Its robust 50mm rose gold case is designed to withstand depths of up to 300 meters, making it a reliable companion for deep-sea exploration.
The skeletonized automatic winding movement reveals the intricate craftsmanship that is synonymous with Richard Mille. Combining practicality with luxury, the RM032 is a statement piece that underscores the adventurous spirit of the wearer.
Its market price is around $190,000.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Automatic Skeleton EX0745
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Automatic Skeleton EX0745
In the sports documentary "The Last Dance," Michael Jordan showcases a standout piece from his watch collection, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli, reference no. EX0745. This titanium timepiece, finished in black, features an intricate skeleton dial revealing 167 components.
Uniquely, its band is made from actual tires of a Formula One race-winning car. Despite the steep $72,000 price tag, this watch fits seamlessly into Jordan's life of luxury and his post-retirement role as principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Rolex Daytona Platinum 116506
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Rolex Daytona Platinum 116506
Michael Jordan, with his discerning eye for luxury, has been spotted wearing a Rolex Daytona in platinum, the watch that football player Erling Haaland also has.
This watch features an ice blue dial exclusive to Rolex's platinum models, which lends an air of understated sophistication. Contrasting the ice blue dial, the watch boasts black subdials – a chronograph feature that measures elapsed time in seconds, minutes, and hours, a testament to Rolex's meticulous craftsmanship.
The Daytona's 40mm case is crafted from 950 platinum, a robust yet elegant material, and it houses a Calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex.
Current market price (May 2023): ~$140,000.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Rolex Sky Dweller 326934
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Rolex Sky Dweller 326934
The Rolex Sky-Dweller that Michael Jordan wears is a testament to the watchmaker's dedication to technological excellence and sophisticated design. The watch features a black dial that showcases a dual time zone and an annual calendar, marked by a distinctively red indicator for the current date, adding to its functionality.
The unique fluted bezel is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it also serves as the command center for setting and adjusting the time, date, and reference time, a true embodiment of Rolex's innovative spirit. Encased in 18ct white gold, the Sky-Dweller is secured on Jordan's wrist by the Oyster bracelet.
Current market price: ~$22,000.
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time 670-88
Michael Jordan Watch Collection - Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time 670-88
The Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral 670-88 is an exceptional timepiece, masterfully combining functionality and elegance. At its heart lies the Caliber UN-67 automatic movement, driving a dual time system and an alarm with a unique 'cathedral gong' chiming feature, which rings with a sonorous, harmonious tone, setting it apart from other alarm watches.
The dial showcases a 24-hour alarm setting, a countdown indicator, and a dual time system with instant timezone adjustor. Housed in a 42mm 18-karat rose gold case, it exhibits an intricate guilloche pattern on its silver dial and a distinctive subdial for the second time zone.
Retail price: $59,000.