These Celebrities Are Secret Watch Nerds — And Their Picks Will Surprise You

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Celebrities and luxury watches featuring Daniel Craig, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ryan Reynolds, Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman

Luxury watches have become a staple of celebrity style. But while some stars wear whatever their stylist hands them, others are genuine enthusiasts with collections that would impress even seasoned collectors.

From rare Patek Philippes to understated Cartiers, these celebrities have quietly developed reputations among watch enthusiasts for making surprisingly thoughtful choices.

Here are six celebrities whose favourite watches reveal they're far more than casual collectors.

Daniel Craig — Omega Seamaster Diver 300M "No Time To Die"

Few celebrity-watch relationships feel as authentic as Daniel Craig's connection to the Omega Seamaster.

While the watch gained global recognition during No Time To Die, Craig was reportedly involved in shaping the design itself. The result was a remarkably restrained titanium Seamaster that feels more military-issued than luxury accessory.

At 42mm, crafted entirely from lightweight Grade 2 titanium, and featuring a tropical brown dial and bezel, the watch quickly became one of the most sought-after modern Omegas.

Daniel Craig wearing the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M No Time To Die Edition, the iconic James Bond luxury dive watch

What's surprising is that Craig often wears it off-screen as well.

For many collectors, this is the rare example of a celebrity collaboration that actually improved the watch.

The Watch Nerd Verdict: A future classic that balances vintage military aesthetics with modern engineering.

Ryan Reynolds — Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263

Ryan Reynolds isn't known for flaunting an extensive watch collection, which makes his preference for vintage Daytonas particularly interesting.

One standout is the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263, one of the most collectible chronographs ever produced.

Ryan Reynolds alongside a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263, one of the most collectible vintage chronograph watches

Produced during the 1970s and 1980s, the 6263 features screw-down pushers, a manually wound movement, and the unmistakable vintage Daytona profile that collectors obsess over today.

Unlike modern celebrity watch choices dominated by hype pieces, Reynolds' Daytona demonstrates appreciation for provenance, history, and long-term collectability.

The Watch Nerd Verdict: One of the greatest vintage Rolex references ever made.

Shah Rukh Khan — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar

Shah Rukh Khan's collection is famously diverse, but one watch stands above the rest: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar.

Combining Gérald Genta's legendary Royal Oak design with one of horology's most respected complications, the watch displays the date, day, month, leap year, and moonphase while requiring virtually no adjustment until the next century.

Shah Rukh Khan wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, a luxury sports watch with high horology complications

It's technically brilliant while remaining instantly recognisable.

For a celebrity whose career has spanned decades at the top of the entertainment industry, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar feels like a fitting choice.

The Watch Nerd Verdict: High horology disguised as a sports watch.

Deepika Padukone — Chopard Happy Sport

Deepika Padukone's style is defined by effortless sophistication—a quality perfectly mirrored by the Chopard Happy Sport.

Introduced in 1993, the Happy Sport revolutionized luxury watchmaking by combining stainless steel with diamonds, allowing Chopard's signature floating diamonds to dance freely between two sapphire crystals. The result is a watch that feels playful yet undeniably refined.

Deepika Padukone wearing the Chopard Happy Sport watch, a luxury Swiss timepiece known for its signature floating diamonds

Like Deepika herself, the Happy Sport strikes a rare balance between glamour and versatility. Whether paired with couture on the red carpet or a minimalist daytime look, it remains unmistakably elegant.

The Watch Nerd Verdict: One of the most iconic women's luxury watches ever created.

Brad Pitt — Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition

Brad Pitt's approach to watches mirrors his approach to style: timeless, confident, and never dictated by trends.

One of the most interesting pieces associated with the actor is the Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition, a faithful revival of one of Breitling's most celebrated aviation chronographs. Inspired by the original 1953 model, the watch combines vintage pilot-watch aesthetics with modern Swiss engineering, creating a piece that feels equally at home in a collector's safe or on the wrist of a Hollywood icon.

Brad Pitt wearing the Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition, a vintage-inspired aviation chronograph watch

Pitt famously wore the platinum version throughout Bullet Train, where the watch became a subtle character in its own right. Rather than opting for an obvious status symbol, he chose a timepiece steeped in aviation heritage and collector appeal.

With its highly legible dial, oversized chronograph registers, and unmistakably vintage proportions, the AVI 1953 captures everything enthusiasts love about classic tool watches.

The Watch Nerd Verdict: A collector's chronograph that proves heritage never goes out of style.

Nicole Kidman — Omega Ladymatic

Nicole Kidman's watch choices tend to favour elegance over extravagance.

Among the most notable is the Omega Ladymatic, a collection that combines traditional Swiss watchmaking with refined jewellery-inspired design.

Nicole Kidman wearing the Omega De Ville Ladymatic, an elegant luxury women's watch with Swiss automatic movement

Unlike many women's luxury watches that prioritise appearance alone, the Ladymatic houses a sophisticated automatic movement visible through a sapphire caseback.

It's a watch that rewards closer inspection—much like the finest pieces in any serious collection.

The Watch Nerd Verdict: One of the most underrated mechanical watches designed for women.

The Common Thread? They Collect What They Love

The most fascinating thing about celebrity watch collections isn't how expensive they are.

It's how personal they are.

Daniel Craig chooses functional military-inspired design. Ryan Reynolds appreciates vintage Rolex history. Deepika Padukone champions timeless elegance. Shah Rukh Khan embraces technical mastery.

Different tastes. Different styles.

The same passion.

Because true watch collectors don't buy watches to impress others.

They buy watches because every great timepiece tells a story.

And the best collections are built one story at a time.

Looking For A Watch Worth Talking About?

At Johnson & Co, we curate exceptional timepieces for collectors who appreciate craftsmanship, heritage, and value.

Whether you're searching for your first luxury watch or your next grail piece, our specialists can help you find a watch with a story worth wearing. Contact Us Here. 

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