Watches are more than just tools to tell time. They have become a way to show off style and personality. The way we dress can really affect how people see us. This is especially true for folks like U.S. Presidents, who are leaders not just at home, but also to people around the world.
Like the British Royal Family or political world leaders, U.S. Presidents are often expected to show off a cool, smart style that makes people trust them in their job, or maybe I'm wrong?
In this blog post, I'm going to talk about US Presidents luxury watches, like Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and more. It makes sense that a U.S. President would want to wear a watch that looks as important as their job. Dressing in a way that shows respect is a big part of being a President. That's why many U.S. Presidents, like Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama, have been seen wearing Rolex watches.
So, get ready to learn and enjoy reading! But before you start reading, here is the chronological list of some of the US Presidents from loc.gov
46th | 2021 - Now | Joe Biden |
45th | 2017 - 2021 | Donald J. Trump |
44th | 2009 - 2017 | Barack Obama |
43rd | 2001 - 2009 | George W. Bush |
42nd | 1993 - 2001 | Bill Clinton |
41st | 1989 - 1993 | George Bush |
40th | 1981 - 1989 | Ronald Reagan |
39th | 1977 - 1981 | Jimmy Carter |
38th | 1974 - 1977 | Gerald Ford |
37th | 1973 - 1974 | Richard Nixon |
1969 - 1973 | Richard M. Nixon | |
36th | 1965 - 1969 | Lyndon B. Johnson |
1963 - 1965 | Lyndon B. Johnson | |
35th | 1961 - 1963 | John F. Kennedy |
34th | 1953 - 1961 | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
33rd | 1949 - 1953 | Harry S. Truman |
1945 - 1949 | Harry S. Truman | |
32nd | 1945 | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
1941 - 1945 | Franklin D. Roosevelt | |
1933 - 1945 | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
US Presidents Luxury Watches - Joe Biden
Allow me to begin with a particular wristwatch frequently seen on Biden's wrist - the Rolex Datejust 41mm reference number 126200 with a blue dial, a smooth bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet.
A memorable occasion when he wore this watch was during a meeting with CEOs from the private sector at the White House in Washington DC, back in March 2022. Notably, President Joe Biden also sported his Datejust on the day of his inauguration.
Market price: ~$13,000
Joe Biden also has another Omega timepiece. In this photo, he's seen wearing a $6,300 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch with the model number 311.30.42.30.01.006.
The watch has a black face, covered with a tough glass that doesn't easily scratch. It has small seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour dials, along with a stopwatch hand in the middle. The black edge, which shows speed calculations, is part of a 42 mm metal case and is worn with a matching bracelet.
Like UK's Prince William, US President #46 also possesses a first-generation Omega Seamaster 300M Mid-Size 2561.80.
It features a more traditional case, a scalloped bezel, and 'lyre' lugs, reminiscent of the 1964 Seamaster 300.
Its unique wave pattern dial, found on the majority of the models, marks this generation's signature style.
Market price: ~$3,000.
From what I can gather, a $300 Seiko 7T32-6M90 is one of Biden's favored watches.
This model, which was on the market in the 90s and early 2000s, is quite a rarity these days. Biden has been spotted with it on numerous occasions, including public meetings and campaign rallies. The watch sports a mixed silver and gold bracelet and case. After winning the presidency, Biden was observed wearing this same watch during his victory speech to the nation.
Joe Biden made history as the first US president to wear an Apple Watch in the White House, please correct me if I'm wrong.
It's worth noting that only his two immediate predecessors could have potentially done so, as the Apple Watch was launched in 2014.
However, it's common for presidents to choose their watches with a thought for the message they send. By choosing an Apple Watch, Biden signals an embrace of modern technolog.
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US Presidents Luxury Watches - Donald Trump
Donald Trump served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2021.
During his presidency, he was spotted sporting a classic rose gold Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1968.
This 35mm square watch features a silver dial with vertical satin finish. Its hour markers contrast nicely with the square frame, while the baton hands add to its simplicity.
Market price: ~$18,850.
First off, it's amusing to see him sporting the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3738 while golfing. This yellow gold watch with a unique case shape - neither a perfect circle nor square - is visible on his wrist. Launched in 1968, its design is based on the 'golden ratio,' revered in art for its harmony.
Despite being a dress watch, not a sports one, he wears it on the golf course. Thoughts?
Market price: ~$16,000.
Based on my research, his favorite watch seems to be the yellow gold Rolex Day-Date 18038 with a champagne dial, a date window at 9 o'clock, a day window at 12 o'clock, and a presidential bracelet.
Commonly known as 'The President Watch,' the Rolex Day-Date symbolizes the epitome of luxury timepieces.
In my opinion, this watch suits him impeccably. What could be a more fitting choice for someone like Donald Trump?
Market price: ~$15,000.
US Presidents Luxury Watches - Barack Obama
Throughout his presidency, Barack Obama was frequently seen sporting a variety of timepieces. Among his collection, the Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph ‘Special Service’ stood out as a favorite choice.
This watch held special significance as it was a gift from the Secret Service on his 46th birthday, featuring the Secret Service seal positioned at 12 o'clock. Notably, the Jorg Gray timepiece is remarkably affordable, with the non-commemorative edition retailing for just $390 USD.
One of the coolest Presidents ever, in my opinion, is a Cellini man! He was spotted wearing the 39mm white gold time-only Rolex Cellini 50509.
This watch is simple, yet elegant. In my eyes, it is a perfect fit for a President.
Market price: ~$12,000.
US Presidents Luxury Watches - George W. Bush
Former President George W. Bush is well-known for his preference for a straightforward Timex Easy Reader, a dress watch that proudly displays an American flag at its apex. Some of these timepieces only had a date display, while others featured both the day and date.
The watch's case was predominantly gold in color, probably a plating considering it was a Timex piece, and it was coupled with a black alligator leather strap.
Market price: ~$40.
US Presidents Luxury Watches - Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton owns an A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange "Pour le Merite" manual-wind watch with a reference number 260.028. The timepiece features a 40.5mm 18k white gold case, which encases a black dial.
The watch comes with a brand new black alligator strap, adorned with an 18k white gold tang buckle. Its functions include hours, minutes, and small seconds.
Market price: ~$80,000.
Bill Clinton owns a prestigious Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Alarm Navy SEALs Q183T770, a limited edition watch known for its exquisite craftsmanship.
Featuring a 44mm titanium case surrounding a black dial, it's adorned with a black rubber-clad titanium bracelet and a folding buckle for a sleek and modern appearance. This watch, limited to just 1,500 pieces, symbolizes elegance and resilience and aligns with the rigorous standards associated with the Navy SEALs.
Market price: ~$9,000.
US Presidents Luxury Watches - Ronald Reagan
President Reagan was notably fond of Rolex watches, often seen wearing what appears to be a stainless steel Rolex Datejust with a Jubilee bracelet, as captured in this old image. Interestingly, he was among the rare presidents who have been photographed with a Rolex on their wrist during their term.
Indeed, Reagan was consistently seen with a Rolex throughout a significant part of his life. The widespread belief has remained firm over time that a Rolex Datejust was indeed Reagan's watch of choice.
US Presidents Luxury Watches - John F. Kennedy
In the picture, the charismatic President Kennedy wears an Omega Ultra Thin Ref OT3980, a gift from Florida Senator Grant Stockdale. Given in 1960 during the tight election against Nixon, the watch, inscribed with a dedication on the back, symbolized Grant's confidence in Kennedy's presidential bid. After purchasing it for $350,000 in 2005, the Omega Museum now houses this watch.
Jacqueline Kennedy, JFK's wife, praised it as the "most elegant wristwatch", replacing a previous one she'd bought for her husband.
Let me share an intriguing story about President John F. Kennedy that involves the renowned actress and singer, Marilyn Monroe. Monroe is well-known not only for her beauty and talent but also for her association with several influential figures of her time, one of whom was Kennedy. One of the notable instances of their association is when Monroe gave Kennedy a Rolex Day-Date as a gift. This wasn't an ordinary present but a timepiece that held significance and was a symbol of appreciation and friendship. This generous act by Monroe not only left a mark on their personal relationship but also impacted the horological world.
The watch Monroe gifted has been since informally dubbed 'The President' by Rolex collectors, adding a layer of history and charisma to the already esteemed Rolex Day-Date.
US Presidents Luxury Watches - Franklin D. Roosevelt
The CT60, an original creation from Tiffany & Co., was presented to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt on his birthday in 1945.
The watch, equipped with day, date, month, small seconds, and chronograph functionalities, graced Roosevelt's wrist during the historic Yalta conference. Also, reportedly, he wore the watch throughout the last months of his life.