The Watches of the Statesmen

Choosing a watch is a particular challenge for heads of state, as every detail is closely examined by the public - and interpreted accordingly. A luxury model can quickly make a bad impression and represent inappropriate enrichment and greed. A cheaper, more conservative version, on the other hand, can send a positive message to the people - or be labelled as tasteless. Today, watches are therefore no longer as popular among politicians as they once were. However, the watch era is far from over and many politicians have had or have their absolute favourites. If you take a look at the wrists, you will see that some true stars of the scene can be found there and accompanied important historical moments. The icon of the 1968 generation, Ernesto Che Guevara, for example, wore a Rolex Submariner on his wrist. The robust but elegant Swiss watch reliably supported the revolutionary through the class struggle. Below we reveal the most iconic examples of important statesmen and their special relationship with fine timepieces - both in the present and in the past.

Undisputed champion: Vladimir Putin

When you think of politicians and watches, you probably think first of Russia's head of state Vladimir Putin - and rightly so. Putin's collection is estimated to have a total value of over 450,000 euros. His diverse collection includes exclusive watches from A. Lange & Söhne, Blancpain and Patek Philippe. A Turbograph with tourbillon, chronograph and rattrapante function, as well as a perpetual calendar from A. Lange & Söhne, a Blancpain Aqua Lung Grande Date and a Perpetual Calendar example from the Grande Complication series from Patek Philippe are just some of his unique treasures. However, Putin is not only known for his watches themselves, but also for his unusual way of wearing them: the statesman always wears them on his right wrist and even set a trend among the Russian elite a few years ago. In addition, he is said to have given Blancpain timepieces to a few lucky citizens on his tours. However, his impressive selection of elegant classics has also brought criticism to the head of state. With an annual income of around 140,000 euros, Putin should not be able to maintain such an opulent lifestyle, said the astonished opposition. It is possible that some of the watches were gifts - but this would also be a delicate matter for the politician.

The European time zone

British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) relied on Breguet for his entire life. He was particularly fond of No. 765, also known as the "Turnip", a pocket watch with a flyback chronograph and minute repeater. His own grandfather, John Spencer-Churchill, commissioned the watch with a yellow gold case and white enamel dial in 1890. The Turnip stood by Churchill in good times and bad and can be admired today in the Imperial War Museum in London. For the 2017 film "Darkest Hour" with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, Breguet even recreated the watch, albeit in a slightly modified form: the case was narrower and the technology reduced. Let's move on to Italy: When Silvio Berlusconi was still in office, he liked to show off his Vacheron Constantin - worth around half a million euros.

This makes the watch one of the most expensive in the world. However, before his political career, the former prime minister had already made a name for himself in industry for decades and was considered to be as wealthy as few others. So investing in the Vacheron Constantin Partimony Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar was probably no big deal for the Italian. If you take a look at France, one thing in particular stands out when it comes to watches: Nikolas Sarkozy is known to be a real watch connoisseur. His favorites include a Patek Philippe 3940G, a Girard-Perregaux 1966 and a Rolex Daytona with a black dial. The former president certainly has taste when it comes to high-quality timepieces - and an exquisite collection to match.

The French brand Lip may also be a household name for many watch fans. The company has had a decisive influence on the history of the entire watch industry: the "GDG" model from 1952 adorned the wrist of Charles de Gaulle. The former President of France is said to have loved Lip's watches. In 1958, a version was even named after him. The timepiece with its cushion-shaped case, domed glass and raised hour indices is sure to delight all vintage fans to the highest degree. In 1990, the model was completely redesigned. The timepiece now houses a fine movement from Ronda, a Swiss brand. But modernization has also made its way into other areas: a high-quality strap made of genuine leather and the contemporary lightning bolt in the logo and on the clasp have been added. General de Gaulle must have looked down from above on this occasion and was delighted at the stylish continuation of the special design. Former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer had to live to an incredible 79 years before he got his famous gold Rolex. The wristwatch was a gift from Switzerland that a messenger from Rolex founder Hans Wildorf gave to Adenauer in September 1955. His name was even engraved on the back of the elegant piece of jewelry.

An agency photo from April 19, 1957 proves that he was certainly taken with the timepiece. The picture shows the former German politician at his desk, the sleeve of his suit rolled back just far enough so that the watch can be clearly seen. Understandable - it would be a shame to hide the elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust in eighteen-carat yellow gold. A treasure that one can be proud of - especially if one is a man who has done such immense service to his country. 44 years after Adenauer's death, the Rolex, including the original case and the personal letter from Hans Wilsdorf, was auctioned off at a Geneva auction house. The value was previously estimated at around 66,000 euros - but the fine timepiece was sold for an impressive 142,000.

Luxury in the USA

Important American personalities have always had a great love for luxurious timepieces. John F. Kennedy relied on Omega watches during his lifetime. Otherwise, the 35th President of the United States also liked to choose Cartier: in 1957, his wife Jackie gave him a fine Cartier Tank for his birthday. In addition to his initials, the case back of the watch also had his family crest and the date of their wedding engraved on it.

People's favorite Barack Obama is known for his good fashion sense. His style is imitated by many fans. He also shows a sense of style when it comes to fine accessories: before he became US President, his favorite watch was a TAG Heuer 1500. However, this model series is no longer produced today as it was replaced by the Aquaracer collection. After taking office, Obama decided, probably for strategic reasons, to go for a more down-to-earth companion that his bodyguards had given him: a special model by Jorg Gray with the US Secret Service logo on the dial. After Obama was seen wearing the watch on his wrist, the model was immediately sold out at Jorg Gray - style doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. The current US President Donald Trump has always liked to stand out from the crowd. So it's no wonder that he tried his own thing when it came to watches: the successful entrepreneur and politician launched a watch collection under his own brand some time ago. However, it was not a success. Now he prefers to go back to tried and tested classics, including a Patek Philippe Ellipse with a blue dial and a Rolex Day-Date, both in yellow gold.

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