Iconic Musicians, Their Watches & Affordable Alternatives

Indiefferential February 17, 2024 Culture

Many musicians use their "old reliable" watches to know when they're about to hit the stage, and when you dress to impress, a smartwatch is not your first option. Some of the most famous musicians in the world have a watch collection but you don't need a million dollar budget to wear a stunning watch during your live performance. Here we have a list with some of the most famous musicians and their watches along with affordable (to the orginal watch) for you to consider.

John Lennon | Patek Philippe Ref. 2499

Lennon's Patek perpetual calendar chronograph, which is said to have been given to him on his 40th birthday in 1980—shortly before he was killed—has since been lost to time and its current location is unknown. There are only two pictures of him sporting the watch. The Berny is a similar crhonograph watch which also has a moonphase with not too much going on on the dial.

Affordable Alternative

Berny with swappable bezel:
$209

Keith Richards | Cartier Panthère

Throughout his 1980s peak, the go-to watch for rock 'n' roll's most lasting bad boy was an unexpectedly timeless gold Panthère de Cartier. A rectangular choice which will surely stand out in every occasion. Richards has owned and worn numerous watches over the years, including numerous Cartiers.

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Affordable Alternative

Berny with swappable bezel:
$118

Eric Clapton | Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 “The Oyster Albino”

Eric Clapton, is well-known for his collection of Rolex watches. Among his many unique possessions are a few silver-on-silver examples of the reference 6263 Daytona, which is one of only four known examples with dial and subdial colors matching. This particular example sold for $1.4 million at auction in 2015.

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Affordable Alternative

Alpha Chronograph: The Alpha Chronograph is an intriguing concept because it features a manual winding movement in addition to having an aesthetic reminiscent of a classic Daytona "Paul Newman." Additionally, the transparent caseback allows you to observe the Seagull mechanical movement in action.
$245

Kanye West | Cartier Crash

Ye gained notoriety in 2019 when he donned a tiny, surrealist watch. Even though the Crash has long been a collectors' dream, West's wearing of one during the period of Swiss sports watches with diamond encrustations foreshadowed the present surge in secondary Cartier models, especially the Crash. Unfortunately, there are not many alternatives to this due to the unique design.