Three Watches Billionaires Actually Wear Daily

December 10, 2025 by TSFC Journal

High-net-worth individuals rarely wear watches for hype or attention. Their daily pieces tend to be understated, technically impressive, and practical for a lifestyle built around meetings, travel, and private deal-making. Here are three watches that billionaires consistently choose as daily drivers — pieces that balance prestige, discretion, and long-term value.

1. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A or 5811/1G

The Nautilus remains one of the most quietly powerful statements on a wealthy person's wrist. While collectors chase rare references, billionaires tend to wear the simple time-only variants. With its slim profile, integrated bracelet, and effortless elegance, the Nautilus moves seamlessly between boardrooms, jets, and dinners.

Billionaires prefer the Nautilus because it communicates heritage and success without noise. It's prestige for those who don't need to explain anything.
  • Ultra-thin and comfortable for all-day wear
  • Recognized by insiders, invisible to outsiders
  • Strong long-term value retention

2. Richard Mille RM 67-01 Automatic Extra Flat

While many associate Richard Mille with bold, oversized designs, the model most commonly worn by billionaires daily is surprisingly minimal. The RM 67-01 is thin, extremely lightweight, and engineered for daily abuse — perfect for someone who moves between cars, planes, and offices.

Compared to flashy RM tourbillons, the 67-01 is the “private wealth” version of Richard Mille: high-tech, understated, and ergonomic.

  1. One of the lightest luxury automatic watches ever made
  2. Fits easily under tailored cuffs
  3. Instantly recognized by high-net-worth circles, not the public

3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202 ST

The Royal Oak 16202 is the definition of refined luxury. It’s thin, timeless, and one of the most balanced daily watches ever made. The new caliber 7121 offers reliability while keeping the iconic ultra-slim profile that made the Royal Oak famous.

Among billionaires, the 16202 is considered a “serious operator’s” watch — not loud, not oversized, but instantly respected in private circles.

Timeless Design
The most iconic integrated-bracelet silhouette ever created.
Discretion
Looks elegant, not flashy — ideal for quiet wealth.
Resale Strength
Remains one of the most stable AP references in the market.

The Bottom Line

Billionaires don’t choose watches for hype. They choose pieces that combine discretion, engineering, and prestige — watches that function as tools, not attention-seeking accessories.

The Patek 5711/5811, Richard Mille 67-01, and AP 16202 are worn not because they are expensive, but because they fit the lifestyle of people who value efficiency, comfort, and understated authority.

For high-net-worth individuals, true luxury is subtle. These watches prove it.