The Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger Watch Collection

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, born on July 30, 1947, is not only a globally recognized Austrian-American actor, businessman, filmmaker, politician, and professional bodybuilder but also a notable figure in the world of luxury timepieces. Known for his iconic roles in action films and his stint as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, Schwarzenegger's diverse achievements have garnered him immense fame. Time magazine even listed him among the world's 100 most influential people in 2004 and 2007, highlighting his widespread impact.

Apart from his on-screen and political fame, Schwarzenegger is a name that resonates in the watch community. His passion for watches, shared with close friend and fellow Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone, has led to an impressive collection that attracts watch enthusiasts worldwide. As I explored Arnold Schwarzenegger watch collection, I was struck by its unique diversity.

His collection stands out in the celebrity world. While many celebrities lean towards famous brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak, Arnold Schwarzenegger watches showcase a remarkable variety that reflects his personal style. It's clear that his selections go beyond the usual, embodying his individuality.

So, let's dive into the details and explore the Arnold Schwarzenegger watch collection, a true reflection of his diverse and dynamic character.

I want to start the blog post with this timepiece. I don't know why but I really like the color of the dial. In the picture, we see Arnold Schwarzenegger wearing a 55mm Jacob and Co. Napoleon Quadra Tourbillon in 18k rose gold. It features a four time zone with four tourbillons and is limited to only 18 pieces worldwide.

Retail price: $600,000.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-American icon whose last name distinctly rings of German origin, naturally pays homage to his heritage. One way he does this is through his choice of timepieces. In this instance, he is seen sporting a watch hailing from Germany: the Laco Watch Pilot Original Friedrichshafen 861753.

This 45mm watch stands out with its dark sandblasted stainless steel case. Paired with a rugged brown calf leather strap accented with rivets, it exudes an aura of vintage charm and durability.

Now, a little history about Laco to appreciate this timepiece better: The Laco Pilot Watches Original series are meticulously crafted reconstructions of the observation watches, or Beobachtungsuhren (B-Uhr for short), from the 1940s. These watches, distinguished by their commanding 55mm diameter, were not just timepieces but also important navigational instruments.

At that time, only a select few companies received the permission from the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) – the former German ministry for aviation – to manufacture these pilot watches. The precise requirements set by the RLM were met by just five manufacturers: IWC, Laco, Lange & Söhne, Stowa, and Wempe. Together, they birthed a horological classic, which has since become a key inspiration for countless wristwatches.

Retail price: €1,130.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was spotted sporting a rare and distinctive timepiece, the Panerai Radiomir PAM00341 Special Edition “Egiziano” (Egyptian). This discontinued model, with a hefty 60mm titanium case, was originally designed in the 1950s for the Egyptian Navy, who required an “indestructible watch” for their underwater raid units. Boasting a water resistance of up to 100 meters, it aptly met this requirement.

However, the Egiziano is not just a robust piece of timekeeping. It's a piece of history, with only 500 units ever produced globally. Its scarcity and unique backstory make it a sought-after treasure in the vintage watch market.

Retail price: $27,700.

Market price: ~$30,000.

Arnold was also spotted sporting the rare U-BOAT U-1942, a discontinued model with only 29 pieces ever made. This behemoth of a watch boasts a whopping 65mm diameter and is entirely handcrafted, reflecting an unmatched level of skill and attention to detail.

The U-1942 features a robust titanium case, a leather strap, and a massive scratch-resistant rotational diver's bezel. This combination makes for an impressive, durable timepiece that's just as suitable for rugged adventure as it is for casual wear.

What sets this watch apart is its innovative winding crown design. Built in two parts, the first part is attached to the movement stem, while the second is hinged to it, creating a flexible joint. This ingenious design allows the crown to protrude significantly from the watch case. Not just a stylistic choice, this feature also enhances practicality, making the winding process and time-setting easier and more comfortable. All in all, the U-BOAT U-1942 is a testament to creative engineering, intricate craftsmanship, and bold design choices.

Retail price: $40,000.

This is a special watch called the Royal Oak Offshore  "Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy" made by Audemars Piguet. They only made 1,500 of them. 

The watch has a hard case made of ceramic and titanium, with rose gold buttons to use the stopwatch function. The background of the watch is black with a special pattern from the Royal Oak brand. It also has hour markers made of rose gold.

The watch works automatically, thanks to a machine inside it made by Audemars Piguet. This machine also helps the watch to show the date and work as a stopwatch. 

The watch has a strong strap made of aramid fiber, which is a type of strong and heat-resistant synthetic fiber.

There's a special message engraved on the back of the watch to honor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a famous bodybuilder and actor. This watch is very rare and a great piece for anyone who collects Royal Oak watches.

The tennis legend Novak Djokovic also has this model in his collection.

Market price: ~$30,000.

This is a picture of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger from the 1980s, just after he became famous from his role in "Conan The Barbarian". In the picture, he is wearing a gold Rolex GMT-Master watch with a special type of chain called a jubilee bracelet. The watch is 40mm in size.

Price: ~$28,000.

The Rolex GMT-Master ‘Concorde’ ref 1675 comes in yellow gold on a jubilee bracelet. It features a brown tritium nipple dial surrounded by a faded brown bezel.

This watch is an exceptionally preserved and unpolished example of a GMT-Master in 18k gold with an extremely rare straight hour and minute hands nicknamed the "Concorde" due to its appearance in a Rolex advertisement about Concorde pilots from the late 1960s.

Other people who have this watch are the Instagram boss, Adam Mosseri and German actor Horst Tappert.

Market price: ~$50,000.

Schwarzenegger was also seen wearing a unique pilots watch, the Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aeronof Type 20, which he bought in 2012. This rare watch is made with a titanium case and is quite large at 57.5mm, which seems fitting for Schwarzenegger. This watch is so special that only 250 of them were ever made.

Market price: ~$13,000.

Breaking news comes from Arnold on 18 January 2024. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger Stopped at Munich Airport  an Undeclared Audemars Piguet Watch!

Reportedly, he was asked to pay €26,000 for the watch’s value, €4,000 in taxes, and a €5,000 fine. With a net worth of €500 million, Schwarzenegger effortlessly settled the amount. After over 3h interrogations, he was escorted to a bank to pay half the fee in cash, and then continued on to Austria. 🇦🇹💰

According to CBS News, Schwarzenegger was heading to an auction hosted by his Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative at the Austrian World Summit. The watch, a unique AP piece made specifically for him, was meant for auction. Unfortunately, no specific info about this timepiece.

Now if you are wondering the watch on his wrist in the picture, it is the Royal Oak Offshore 26470OR.