Lifestyle -- 6 hours ago
There’s no question that today’s society is well and truly obsessed with the notion of celebrity. Wherever we go we’re confronted with billboards, magazines and mobile advertisements with their idolised faces glaring back at us. But the phenomenon has been around a while now, for decades we have subconsciously been aware of what these prominent people say, think and even wear.
No more so than with their watches and although being powerful means more than flashing a bit of metal, a well-chosen timepiece certainly helps. We thought we’d delve a little deeper and explore how some of the world’s most influential people tell the time.
THE POLITICIAN: BARACK OBAMA, , The President of The United States is (arguably) the most influential person on the planet. He’s also one of the most photographed and as such his watch is seen by millions on a weekly basis. His weapon of choice is a Jorg Gray chronograph, which features the USA Secret Service logo at the 12 o’clock marker.
THE WATCH,
Jorg Gray JG6500 Chronograph, £315 from Jorg Gray
THE POP CULTURE IDOL: JOHN LENNON, , A man of taste, expression and flair, John Lennon could only own a Patek Philippe. This photo was taken two months before his untimely death and shows off the triple date moonphase of his classic timepiece. It’s impossible for any watch to match the legendary status of a man who helped mould the face of modern music and culture. But if any watch is up to it, then this Patek would get our vote.
THE WATCH,
Similar model: Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Grand Complications Ref. 5159J-001, £POA from Patek Philippe
THE SCIENTIST: ALBERT EINSTEIN, , One of the greatest minds to have ever lived, Albert Einstein graced the world with his intelligence and wit for 76 years before his passing in 1955. His watch wasn’t too bad either. A yellow gold tonneau shaped Longines piece, his watch was elegant and subtle – perfect for the modern gentleman, then.
THE WATCH,
Similar model: Longines La Grande Classique, £880 from The Watch Gallery
THE MUSICIAN: ELVIS PRESLEY,
Elvis was a huge fan of the unusual-shaped Hamilton Ventura when he was asked to wear it during filming of Blue Hawaii. He liked it so much that he began donning it away from the camera too and today the striking timepiece has become synonymous with the star.
THE WATCH,
Hamilton Ventura, £580 from Jura Watches
THE STYLE ICON: STEVE MCQUEEN, , Our resident style icon Steve Mcqueen was well known for his signature pieces, one of which was a blue-dialled Tag Heuer Monaco watch. He wore it on-screen for his seminal movie Le Mans, as well as off-screen, although he ended up presenting it as a gift to his financial advisor, who purportedly got him out of a sticky situation or two.
THE WATCH,
Tag Heuer Monaco Steve McQueen, £POA from Tag Heuer
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
