April 15, 2025 |
You can tell a lot about a man from the watch he’s wearing. Luckily for us, the gents on these pages know what to choose when it comes to the best wrist candy. So indulge yourselves in their tales of how they acquired their favourite timepieces and learn all about the horology masterpieces that are their dream buys.
Mark wears Royal Oak Selfwinding watch by AUDEMARS PIGUET; portrait by CARLOS RUIZ
Mark Ronson, producer, musician and DJ
Which watch are you currently wearing?
I’m wearing a stainless steel Royal Oak, a gift from Audemars Piguet when I began my role as [the brand’s] music ambassador. That was three years ago and it’s a role I genuinely treasure. Over the years we’ve done some incredible projects – from recording and writing Too Much with Lucky Daye to curating the final night of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
What made you want this watch?
It holds both aesthetic and symbolic value for me. It’s not just a beautifully designed piece – it’s one of the most iconic designs in history – but it also represents these meaningful collaborations.
What do you love most about this watch and why is it your favourite?
I have two favourites – this stainless steel Royal Oak and my 1980s gold Royal Oak. Picking between them feels impossible, as they serve different purposes. This stainless steel version, though, is my most versatile. It’s understated enough to wear daily, but still feels incredibly special. If I had to call anything in my collection a “daily watch”, this would be it. That said, some watches are just for special occasions. I also have a special-edition Alyx watch, which rounds out my top three favourite pieces.
Who would you trade watches with?
If I had to pick someone, it’d probably be John Mayer. He has one of the most insane collections and such a great eye for it. Plus, he really knows what he’s talking about when it comes to watches.
Are you always on time?
Yes, I am surprisingly punctual, especially for someone in my line of work. As a producer, it’s part of my job to keep everything running smoothly and on time. The artists, of course, get to be fantastic and late.
Nicholas wears vintage 1971 1158 CHN Carrera watch in yellow gold by TAG HEUER; portraits by NICHOLAS BIEBUYCK
Nicholas Biebuyck, heritage director, TAG Heuer
What watch are you wearing?
A Heuer Carrera reference 1158 CHN dating from the 1970s.
Tell us about your watch.
It’s a chronograph made of 18k gold that launched in 1970 to celebrate Heuer listing on the Swiss Stock Exchange. It would go on to be the watch that then-CEO Jack Heuer would present to the Ferrari F1 drivers during the sponsorship of the team from 1971 to 1979.
How did you come to own it?
It’s actually part of the TAG Heuer Museum collection and is one of the watches that we have serviced and maintained to allow them to be wearable as movie props or for collaborators and ambassadors. It was purchased at auction some years ago.
What’s the story behind it?
It was previously owned by Sergio Vezzali, who was the mechanical [engineer] for Clay Regazzoni, the Swiss Formula 1 driver, when he was with Ferrari. In 1976, Clay gifted the watch to Sergio as a token of his gratitude.
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
I love the design, as it’s emblematic of the 1970s. The size is perfect on the wrist and it has some interesting elements, such as the crown at 9 o’clock, due to the movement inside. Beyond the aesthetics, the solid-gold Carrera is the perfect testament to the indelible and inseparable link between TAG Heuer, F1 and motorsport at large. TAG Heuer is the watchmaker that is synonymous with many of the greatest drivers of all time, and many chose to wear exactly this watch.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
It’s really a watch for special occasions, such as our big events of the year. For many drivers in [the ’70s] period it represented a good luck charm and a totem of their success. I feel these connections when I am wearing it, it really has a mystical quality. The great thing about the Carrera is that you can dress it up and down. I can wear it with a classic, dark blue tailored suit from my great friends at Anglo-Italian in London, or with jeans and a T-shirt while driving.
What would be a dream watch for you to own?
We are lucky to have many incredible watches in the TAG Heuer collection, but I am still chasing ones with a direct connection to drivers and the world of racing. I would love to acquire the watch owned by the Ferrari technical director Mauro Forghieri, the race director Peter Schetty, or even just see the watch that was given to Enzo Ferrari.
Teo wears Casquette 2.0 watch in titanium and gold by GIRARD-PERREGAUX; portrait by JAMES ANASTASI
Teo van den Broeke, author and consultant
What watch are you wearing?
The Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0 in gold and titanium.
Tell us about your watch.
The one I wear every day is a classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36, which I bought when I signed my first book deal, but recently I’ve been wearing this watch from GP in more casual scenarios because it’s playful. It reminds me of Casio TV remote control watches of the ’90s, which I was obsessed with. I love the futurism and it looks great with most things.
What’s the story behind it?
The watch was originally released in 1976, the same year that David Bowie starred in The Man Who Fell to Earth and that Nasa unveiled its first ever space shuttle [Enterprise]. The watch was recently re-released and it feels very appropriate for now. It’s kind of future-focused but it has a nostalgic edge.
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
I love it because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The watch world can be quite po-faced, but this piece is fun while also being a thing of beauty.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
I wear it more at the weekend and I prefer it with denim and black cashmere.
What would be a dream watch for you to own?
I would love a vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava dress watch.
Erik wears vintage 1974 Cellini Trapezoid watch by ROLEX customised by Patcharavipa; portrait by ERIK TORSTENSSON
Erik Torstensson, co-founder and creative director, Frame
Which watch are you currently wearing?
It’s a customised Rolex Cellini Trapezoid from 1974.
What made you want this watch?
I had been looking for a dress watch for a while but, typically for me, wanted to eschew the ubiquitous. By good fortune I came across this jeweller, Patcharavipa, which had customised an old Rolex. It was perfect – my aesthetic but also a limited edition of one, as they do not repeat what they do. Their refinement was both modern and classic at the same time, and unique.
How did you come to acquire it?
Aside from the endless years looking for something that I truly coveted, it is the age-old tale of “saw it, messaged them and received it”.
Is there a story behind this particular watch?
Yes, it’s about not compromising and the unrelenting research to find the perfect dress watch… for me.
Tell us about some of your favourite watches in your collection.
It’s a collection of two! While I collect other things, I am a highly curated minimalist when it comes to watches. I have two – they serve different purposes and to me they are perfect.
What do you love most about this one?
It’s quiet but has an opinion. It is one of a kind. All the qualities I most admire.
On what occasions do you wear this watch and what do you typically wear it with?
As it’s a dress watch I mainly wear it with my suits from Husbands, Paris. But I also like to use it in a more casual way.
What would be your ideal or dream timepiece?
I own my dream timepiece. Lucky me.
Who would you ever trade watches with?
[The late Italian industrialist and owner of Fiat] Gianni Agnelli.
Are you always on time?
I most often am, I think it’s rude not to be. Saying that, I don’t use these watches for timekeeping – my phone assumes that responsibility. My watches are mainly for decoration.
Yinka wears M.A.D.1 RED watch in steel, sapphire crystal and mineral glass by MB&F; portrait by CHRISTINA FRAGKOU
Yinka Ilori, artist
What watch are you wearing?
An M.A.D. edition from Max Büsser [aka MB&F].
Tell us about your watch.
Max Büsser only these watches once a year. In order to get it you releases have to enter a raffle.
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
I think it’s definitely a watch that people notice. The rotor rotates. I’ve been in meetings and people have been like, “What’s that? Is that moving?” It kind of looks like an axe, like a free axe on the rotor. I love that movement, it’s quite playful.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
I wear it to the gym, I wear it out, I wear it with a T-shirt. I can wear it with anything.
What would be a dream watch for you to own?
Charlie wears Navitimer B01 Chronograph watch in stainless steel by BREITLING; portait courtesy of CHARLIE CASELY-HAYFORD
Charlie Casely-Hayford, designer
What watch are you wearing?
I’m wearing my Breitling Navitimer B01. This watch is rooted in family meaning for me. Growing up, my old man [fashion designer Joe Casely-Hayford] wore a Breitling for over 30 years. It’s the one accessory he always wore consistently, and that made a lasting impression. The larger Navitimer is a perfect fit – it complements my frame and feels effortless.
Tell us about your watch.
It’s crafted with functionality in mind – its roots go back to when pilots relied on it for in-flight calculations. The chronograph dial is both technical and timeless. I appreciate how it balances form with function. It’s not just for show. That blend of aesthetic and purpose-driven design resonates with how I approach my work in fashion.
How did you come to own it?
My dad always had a Breitling and it felt natural for me to follow suit. The Navitimer was the choice that fit me best, both in scale and style. My dad’s Breitling Cosmonaute, which he bought in the early ’90s, has this amazing legacy. It was the same model worn by a cosmonaut on my old man’s sixth birthday in 1962 – I guess it really stuck with him all those years… and on top of that we share the same birthday. For me, the Navitimer is more than just a watch, it’s a connection to that family history.
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
I love its reliability and timeless aesthetic. The Navitimer 01 isn’t trend-led, it’s enduring, functional and has personality. It’s also become part of my daily ritual. I’m someone who values quality over quantity, so wearing a piece that feels like an extension of myself rather than an accessory is essential. It’s a steady presence that feels authentic, regardless of the outfit.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
I wear it almost every day because I prefer a minimal approach to dressing. I don’t accumulate much, I invest in a few things that work for any situation. This watch has that adaptability, blending seamlessly into both casual and formal looks. Whether I’m in a tailored suit or streetwear, the Navitimer feels right – it’s my version of keeping things consistent, a way to slow down amid the pace of fashion.
What would be a dream watch for you to own?
A vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava. Its simplicity is beautiful, almost meditative – there’s nothing excessive, just pure, honest design. I think there’s a lot of elegance in understatement and that philosophy aligns with what I strive to achieve in my own work. Like a finely tailored suit, a Patek Philippe is timeless, a piece you wear with intention and pass down to the next generation.
Emmanuel wears Day Date 1803 watch in white gold and diamonds by ROLEX; portrait by JATU SHAW
Emmanuel Lawal, founder, creative director, Forestalgia
What watch are you wearing?
It’s a Rolex Day-Date 1803 in white gold with a factory diamond dial on an original Rolex alligator strap.
Tell us about your watch.
It’s loud and quiet, which speaks to my character. The size is 36mm, which fits my wrist perfectly, and there is something about the vintage white gold Rolex buckle on a leather strap that feels absolutely right.
How did you come to own it?
I’m a modern man, rarely do I collect vintage or antiques. I was sat on a flight from Geneva to London and the man to my left had on the 1803 in solid gold – and a presidential bracelet too – and it caught my attention. My curiosity kicked in so I checked if the watch came in white gold, as I don’t wear gold, and the first image my search showed me is the exact watch I wear today. Watches own people, not the other way around.
What’s the story behind it?
It’s the watch that presidents wore and wear, and it’s synonymous with success stories.
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
The first owner bought this watch back in 1975 when the world was making huge changes, especially in politics. Fast forward to today, the very same watch is owned by the son of Nigerian parents who came to England to find refuge and reward. This watch is a reminder that change is necessary, progressive and beautiful with the right love and leadership.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
Believe it or not, even with the diamonds this timepiece is really inconspicuous, so I wear it more than any other watch. My day-to-day wear revolves around jeans and loafers, and joggers and T-shirts – and the 1803 ticks both boxes.
What would be a dream watch for you to own?
That’s a loaded question, there are too many to mention but I’ll give you two. The Cartier Cheich, produced in 1983, and the London special Cartier Crash, produced in 2021, both in white gold.
Alexander wears Royal Oak Extra-Thin Jumbo watch in yellow gold by AUDEMARS PIGUET; portrait by CHRISTINA FRAGKOU
Alexander Werz, Karla Otto partner and founder of AWVI Life
What watch are you wearing?
A special watch, my latest one – a Royal Oak in gold from Audemars Piguet.
Tell us about your watch.
It’s my second one from Audemars Piguet. I think that when you go into the design of watches, the most important designer is Gérald Genta [who was Swiss]. He had his own brand but designed for Hublot and Patek Philippe. He also did all the watches, or the most important watches, for Audemars Piguet.
How did you come to own it?
I already had one in metal, which I wear frequently, but then I saw it in gold. The watch was talking to me as I was looking around the store and I said, “Should I, should I not?” Of course, I did. I think it’s a fantastic watch to wear.
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
I just love the design. It’s very flat, so it’s ready to wear. I love it on my wrist as I don’t have a very big wrist, and I recently changed from big watches like the Daytona Rolex, a heavy one, to [lighter watches]. This one is very light to wear and very sophisticated. At the same time, it’s sporty, so I like to mix it up.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
I always said that for men it’s the only jewellery we can wear on our wrist. I wear it mostly in Switzerland or Germany. But I think you should wear watches with everything you have. It’s not that I particularly change up the watches. I wear my beautiful vintage Cartier Santos and a smaller one, which is very beautiful with a suit, but I like to wear my watches when I go to the gym, or in the morning with a sweater, but also with a suit because it just feels very good on my wrist. I like to be sporty but at the same time elegant, so I can wear it with a suit but also wear it casual with a T-shirt. Smaller watches look more sophisticated. They look good with my skin type. It embraces my wrist and my look in general. I think it’s really something where it raises your style. It’s a daily joy to have a nice watch on your wrist. And especially if you keep it simple, it’s a great way to express personal style.
What would be a dream watch for you to own?
Another Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Taken from 10 Men Issue 61 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
Text CLAUDIA CROFT and PAUL TONER
