What kind of watch does Donald Trump wear?
He would say that the watches used by today's POTUS reflect the overall "image" of it.
For the most part, they represent what a lower to middle class person would describe when asked about a "luxury watch". And having seen the pictures of Trump's penthouse in New Tork, well, I fully understand the "vibe."
However, there is a BIG caveat. When someone in the position of Donald Trump uses something, he doesn't just do it himself. He has to follow what the public image of him requires. So I would venture to claim that Trump's watches represent not only himself, but what his supporters would imagine he is wearing.
And actually, he has some models that reveal a different character.
But let's examine one by one, shall we? I promise it won't be long, since Donald Trump isn't really a watch enthusiast, as we'll see.
First of all, Trump doesn't wear the fashion watches named after him. Leave these products to his followers, and also to the company that makes them fold, so that he can find them only as a curiosity. And well, I can tell you what: they are pretty ugly.
Here's what one of them looks like, copied by the Bulgari Octo Finissimo. A catchy gold-colored watch that mounts a quartz movement, with Trump glued on every part, even the hands. It's so ugly and kitsch that it could turn into a statement. Yes, this is Mr. Trump's style, for better or for worse, and even if I don't appreciate it, I have to admit that it remains consistent.
But now let's go to the watches that have seen him wear.
It has been through a couple of phases of watch use. But let's say, we have to admit that Mr. Trump is fascinated with yellow gold.
One of the watches that he used to constantly wear is the Rolex Day-Date. Trump's is (obviously) in yellow gold, and he wore this watch before starting his presidential campaign. This one features a bracelet that is known as the President. It was introduced in 1956 and designed specifically for the Rolex Day-Date: it features three dome-shaped links in a row and is fitted with a Crownclasp.
This watch is not the first on the wrist of a US president, it appeared first on the wrist of Lyndon Johnson.
In addition to this Rolex, Trump has been seen wearing a couple of other watches. And I have to admit I was surprised.
During election time, he was often seen wearing a classy 1968 Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine in rose gold, a very elegant watch and very different from Rolex (or for God's sake, Trump watches).
The above VC has a very slim case, just 5.4mm thick, and is equipped with the Caliber 1120 automatic movement. Trump wore this Vacheron Constantin watch on election night 2016.
Another watch he has worn is the following:
This is a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse in yellow gold with a blue dial and integrated bracelet, designed in 1968 by the great watch designer Gerald Genta. He was seen using it (or something similar) on several occasions.
And this one surprises me even more than the VC. Apart from the fact that he is playing golf with a dress watch, but anyway.
A young Donald Trump, in 1999, in Famous Faces, Watch Auction for Charity donated his Senna by Universal Geneve chronograph. This up.
The Senna line was launched in 1998 by Universal Geneve in collaboration with the Formula 1 family of drivers with the aim of celebrating his legacy with the Ayrton Senna Foundation for underprivileged children. Mr. Trump's piece, Ref. 198.310, was an 18-carat yellow chronograph with day-date complication with a COSC-rated movement.
And from whatever perspective you look at it, any watch lover would look at this watch and express doubts about it, especially when he compares it to the others that he can see above. Remember that in 1998, Universal Geneve, once a proud and famous manufacturer, was sadly in decline. Also, a little more research online shows that Trump possibly did not give anything away of his own: he simply signed a deal to give away the watch, courtesy of Universal Geneve.
He has a couple of watches that he bought at auctions or was given to him publicly, but other than the times that he bought them, or gave them away, there have been no times that he has been seen wearing them. Zero.
So the limited number and lack of variety in their "collection" seems to indicate that the current POTUS does not have a great love for watches, nor any kind of express taste in them, unlike some of the other holders of the same title. in the past or in other countries.
I mean, it is estimated that Mr. Trump has a net worth of about $ 3 billion. Sure he could afford to buy fancy watches if he wanted to, right?
However, only three watches have publicly adorned his wrist. This fact seems to support my theory: Mr. Trump doesn't have a great interest in watches, even if he owns some pretty good pieces.
As a note to my readers, I primarily write about luxury and high-end objects such as watches, furniture, and design - so if you are interested in those fields, be sure to check out my other answers and follow me. And a good positive feedback is always welcome!
If you are a Facebook or Instagram user and you like watches, I select a page / profile called "The Watchonomicon". I am posting daily images of cool watches, links to articles, and other cool things about watchmaking.
