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Dive watches are almost more at home out of the water than I am in it—that is to say, they have become a true mainstay of the watchmaking world and often figure as the primary lynchpin of many brands’ collections, with their charm having gone well beyond the interest of recreational divers.

It’s not for nothing that the affectionate term “desk diver” is so frequently thrown around: everybody, and I do mean everybody, loves a good dive watch. (If you don’t yet, trust me, you will.)

Unfortunately, many of the best dive watch icons, like the Rolex Submariner and the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, come with incredibly steep price tags, leaving many of us collectors with more modest means shivering in the kiddie pool while the big dive beasts are way out in the deep end.

You can’t get your hands on one of these icons for less than $2,000. You just can’t. Thankfully, you don’t have to because many other brands here have you covered. From the classy vintage styling of the Lorier Neptune to the avant-garde glow of the Christopher Ward Lumière, here are 10 of the best dive watches under $2,000—and, really, 10 of the best dive watches ever.

History of Dive Watches

Before we get into these dive watches, we need to consider where they came from and how they’ve evolved over time. Sure, they’re not always the go-to for divers these days, but many of them were originally designed to be of maximum usefulness to divers and still reflect that purpose today.

In the 1950s, recreational scuba diving was just starting to take off. It was an exciting era of exploration, with professional pioneers like Jacques Cousteau plumbing the hidden depths of our watery world. But naturally, with a limited oxygen supply comes the need to time just how long you’re underwater—enter the dive watch, an absolutely essential dive companion in these early days. If your dive watch broke or was running poorly, or if you even just misread it, you could die. Dependability and legibility were of the utmost importance.

To fill this critical role, brands introduced purpose-built legends that still enjoy tremendous popularity today. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was the first true dive watch, and it was quickly followed by the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster.

Most of these models featured a special dive bezel, which can be rotated to align an arrow at the top with the time you enter the water, and from there, a marked scale shows the elapsed dive time when paired with the minutes hand.

Waterproofing, of course, was essential, and without strong case seals, water could enter the watch and prevent it from running. Finally, the markers and indices were usually made large and prominent and were almost always lumed so they could glow and present the time even in the darker ocean depths.

The 10 Best Dive Watches Under $2,000

So today, even though these watches aren’t always exploring the ocean depths quite as frequently as they were back in the ’50s, they still feature the same quintessential design elements and recall the same spirit of adventure. If you’re looking for something durable and beautiful to carry you through life’s stormy seas, look no further than this list!

DOXA Sub 200 Professional on Bracelet – $1,090

I’ve had the opportunity to write about the DOXA Sub 200 a few times before as well and if you’re looking for a dive watch with some fantastic tradition and heritage behind it for under $2,000, you absolutely cannot beat the Sub 200.

I picked the orange dial color (which DOXA calls “Professional”) for this list as it’s DOXA’s iconic hue (meant to best reflect light in the ocean depths, so this is a real-deal diving watch), but there’s also a variety of other excellent options. 

Everything is maximally legibl,e and the colors, with the matte black hands and bezel, the off-white lume plots, and the bright orange dial, work shockingly well together for such an unusual color palette. Plus, the beads-of-rice bracelet just oozes with vintage charm and class.

Longines Hydroconquest – $1,775

Quality Swiss brand name? Check. Excellent dive watch design? Double check. Durable, everyday wearable watch that can go from the office to the ocean depths to a luxuriant soirée? Triple check. I love a heck of a lot about this watch.

The hands are just perfect, large and sporty with ample lume. The lugs are long, allowing the watch to sprawl out over the wrist with a balanced appearance that’s more than just a blocky dial squatting just behind your hand. 

The Oyster-style bracelet and oversized numerals aren’t my favorite, I must confess, but the well-proportioned structure of the case and lovely sunray dial more than make up for it. My favorite option is the blue-on-blue, but there are plenty of options for you to find your own.

Unimatic U1 Classic – $665

Italian watchmaking as a whole is drastically underrated, from Panerai to smaller brands like the design-focused Unimatic. Don’t cringe at the words “design-focused,” fellow watch fans, for the U1 Classic is an excellent dive watch with some serious watchmaking chops to go along with its minimalistic and elegant style. 

Its matte black dial and bezel, for some reaso,n work shockingly well with the off-white lume and brushed steel case, and Unimatic kept things as low-key as possible by placing the dial text under the hands so that it almost looks like it’s unbranded at first glance. 

My only complaint is that the rotating bezel doesn’t feature a time scale, but only the dot at the top, so you’ll need to use the dial itself to track elapsed time. It’s just not quite as intuitive. For that reason, this watch makes a superb daily wear diver, but I’d opt for a more informative one if you’re going on real dives.

Lorier Neptune Series IV No Date – $499

I love the Lorier Neptune. I’ve covered it several times already for all sorts of different articles with different subjects, and I just keep coming back to it. It’s one of the very few modern vintage-inspired releases that manage to be completely original and nearly perfectly executed at an affordable price. 

One of my favorite details on this watch is the lume plots, which are a lovely bright white, since Lorier chose to reject any use of fauxtina, which would force a fake vintage look on us. Even more than that, they went as far as 3D-printing the lume to create a puffy vintage look, which is something I haven’t heard of any other brand trying. It’s pioneering and creates an absolutely perfect look. I find this detail to be representative of the whole watch: perfectly executed, with a powerful focus on getting every little bit just right.

IFL Watches Gravity Concept – $1,290

What’s better than a classy Seiko 5 dive watch with a Jubilee-style bracelet, “Batman”-colored bezel, and automatic mechanical movement?

Try this: the IFL Watches modded version with a handpainted dial. The colors of the dial work perfectly with the color scheme of the rest of the watch, so it feels like it was always meant to be there as a special artistic version released by Seiko. It’s a work of art on your wrist, but not in the way of simply printing a popular painting onto a watch dial and selling it as an art piece. 

This is handpainted class that starts with the watch, already a great piece on its own, and adds something extra to make it all the more beautiful and fascinating.

Even the 4:00 crown position, usually something I hesitate to accept, feels like it works so much better because of the orientation of the astronaut on the dial, who appears to be reaching out towards it. It’s just a really dang good watch.

Christopher Ward Trident Lumière – $2,390

The Trident Lumière is Christopher Ward’s latest dive watch, and its French name makes it clear that the best-known British brand chose to laser in on the theme of light here. The indices and hands are molded from Globolight XP, a special type of lume that glows a brilliant blue at night and which can be shaped and molded into solid blocks like almost no other type of lume can. 

I love the way a well-lumed watch glows when it’s been exposed to sunlight, and I love watches that play with the concept of using lume for more than just visibility. This watch exemplifies that to the extreme, and I’m all for it. Sure, it’s a bit over our budget—but I just really couldn’t leave this one out.

Micromilspec Offshore – $1,815

A lesser-known but high-class dive watch from Micromilspec, the Offshore manages to be at once traditional and cutting-edge, drawing from watchmaking icons but presenting a fresh and unique image. The bezel is perhaps its most striking feature, clearly Royal Oak-inspired but without ripping it off, and I love the complex harmony of curves and angles. 

The dial has of course a wavy pattern which is deeply engraved and provides rich texture. Finally, I love the accent color of yellow on blue, which pops so well. Note as well the Offshore runs on the very respectable Swiss made Sellita SW200-1 with a custom rotor, so it’s got some serious watchmaking chops.

Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 – $1,125

The Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 couples a very rich and elegant dial with Tissot’s superb Powermatic movement, which is an automatic workhorse with 80 hours of power reserve and a Nivachron-alloy balance spring for antimagnetic resistance. 

Honestly, when I first found out the Powermatic movement was that good, I was shocked—we’re talking about a watch that goes for barely over $1,000 here and it’s getting a longer power reserve than most Rolexes! But Tissot didn’t stop there.

The aqua green color of the dial, with a lovely fumé gradient, pops very well against the monochrome bezel and case, and the wave engraving on the dial is much more irregular than the Micromilspec we just looked at, in a very pleasing way.

Jacques Bianchi JB200 Poulpro Blue Edition – $1,165

The professional dive watch manufacture out of Marseille absolutely crushed it with this one. The first JB200 was issued to the French Navy in the 1980s, so Maison Bianchi has been making military-grade dive watches for a long time now. With the Poulpro, they decided to get much more playful with their hardcore watchmaking chops, featuring a playful octopus front and center on their dial. 

The octopus feels unobtrusive, thanks to the lightness of its lines, while filling the dial’s negative space in a fun way. Its green emission Super-LumiNova, coupled with the blue watch dial and body, gives you a very aquatic-feeling watch. Plus, it runs on the prestigious Swiss-made Soprod P024. I’m a huge fan of this watch.

Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer in Blue – $1,310

I can’t get over the vintage, multicolored charm of this watch. Just look at how busy that dial is, with so many different things marked and presented for your use.

All of the colors come together harmoniously, with none of them intruding on the overall blue color palette but still drawing the eye to the information it presents. I mean, this watch is by far the do-it-all older brother of the mechanical dive watch world. 

You’ve got a GMT hand plus a worldtimer bezel, so you can figure out what time it is anywhere on the globe. Perfect for planning your next dive in the Bahamas or off the coast of Italy. And as soon as you get in the water, Mido’s got you covered too, with an extended decompression timing scale so you can avoid the bends as you make your return from the watery world to dry land.

And wearing this, you can look so dang good doing it, too. This is my ultimate “I’m on a beach on the French coast in the summer” watch, but I would totally rock it year-round, too.

Conclusion

Dive watches are probably the single most diverse genre in all of watchmaking, and they’re a distinct favorite for many—myself included. Sure, I’d sooner use that dive bezel for timing a cake in the oven than how much time I’ve spent underwater, but that’s the beauty of a good dive watch.

They channel that sense of underwater adventure and bring it into every moment of your life. So whether you’re a diver or not, you can find your next everyday wearer on this list, at an affordable price!

You’ve probably seen the numbers making a ring around some of the finest chronographs—or watches with a timer function—on the market today. The mysterious label “tachymeter” took you to a Google search. And now you’ve unluckily fallen into my waiting trap. 

By now, you’re already a minute into reading this article! Or maybe you just saw this one on Exquisite Timepieces’ lovely blog and thought it sounded interesting—welcome! In any case, I promise to keep this one short and sweet, to provide the answers you’re looking for with just a little more information to sweeten the pot.

What Is a Tachymeter and How Does It Work?

Let’s take a look at one of the most iconic chronographs ever made: the Omega Speedmaster. Examine closely the ring around the dial, which is printed with numbers, little tick marks, and the word Tachymètre (which is French for, you guessed it, tachymeter). 

Now, a tachymeter bezel (that’s the name for the ring around the dial) is always paired with a chronograph watch. That’s because you need the chronograph to use the tachymeter! Let’s break down how you’d go about using it.

What a tachymeter is designed to tell you is your current speed. It doesn’t use any units, which means that you can use it to calculate kilometers per hour, miles per hour, or even millimeters per hour if you like. 

Here’s how it works. Let’s imagine you’re driving down the highway. Right as you pass a mile marker, you’ll want to start the chronograph (using the top button of the chronograph if there are two buttons, or if there’s only one, just press that button) and watch the seconds hand start to move over the dial.

Keep your eyes on the road (especially if you’re driving in this imaginary scenario) and wait until you’ve gone one full mile, by watching the mile markers as you go by. Just as you reach the final one, hit stop on the chronograph (the top button again). Now take a look at your watch.

The final position of the seconds hand will tell you your speed using the tachymeter bezel! For example, if you drove that full mile in 55 seconds, then the tachymeter will tell you that you were driving an average of 65 miles per hour. If you did it in 45 seconds, then it was more like an average of 80 miles per hour.

The kicker is that you can use this for any unit of measurement just based on how you track your distance. If you’re in Europe and watching the kilometer markers go by, your final result is whatever number you end up with, just with the units of kilometers per hour! You do need to be careful though, that whatever speed you’re doing is within the reach of the tachymeter. 

On the Omega Speedmaster, you won’t be able to track anything higher than 500 units per hour. If you’re driving a Lamborghini at top speed around the racing track, you won’t be able to keep track of your speed in millimeters per hour. If you’re timing a snail’s progress, you might be more able to use that one. 

Likewise, you can’t do anything lower than 60 units per hour—no following that same snail’s progress in miles per hour!

What Can I Use a Tachymeter For?

For the most part, tachymeters are used for tracking speed in automobile races. The scale on the bezel is usually suited perfectly to follow even the most high-speed races in miles or kilometers per hour, or for tracking your own speed in that scenario that I suggested as you drive down the highway.

However, tachymeters aren’t limited to just racing and driving! You can use them to follow the airspeed of an airplane, to track how fast your zippy little drone can cover ground, to time how fast your baseball pitch is, and much more. You’re only limited by your imagination!

History of the Tachymeter

Before I wrap this article up, I want to touch on the history of the tachymeter, which is as fascinating as it is convoluted. I’ve seen no fewer than three different origin stories for this lovely contraption: 1913 with the first wristwatch chronograph by Longines; 1821 by the watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec; and 1816 by Louis Moinet. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to confirm or deny any of the three claims. 

Personally, I find it unlikely that the tachymeter was first invented when the chronograph made its transition to the wrist, as it had existed for a long time before in pocket watch form and such a simple invention as the adaptation of chronograph time to a speed rating would certainly have been thought of.

Between Moinet, the inventor of the first chronograph—which was indeed in 1816, and which did not originally include a tachymeter, although one of his later creations may have—and Rieussec, I’m not able to distinguish. 

Regardless, it’s clear that the tachymeter has been around for well over a century now, and its history is a long and storied one. If this story is ever resolved for good, I’ll be sure to write up another article for those of you who are interested!

Conclusion

The tachymeter is one of the most useful inventions for a watch, simple and yet profoundly effective, more than worth the dial or bezel space it consumes.

It is perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the most iconic chronographs of our day, including the Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster. Frankly, a chronograph without it just feels bare!

When it comes to wristwear, Donald Trump doesn’t exactly shy away from the spotlight, and I guess we’d expect nothing less. Known for his love of gold (in every form), the American president’s watch collection leans into big-name brands and flashy cases, but also not without a few surprises. From a classic Rolex to a refined Patek Philippe and even some unexpected curveballs, Trump’s timepieces tell a story that’s every bit as bold as the man himself.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3738

One of the more surprising pieces in Donald Trump’s collection is the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 3738, a refined, almost understated dress watch that he’s been spotted wearing on the golf course of all places. First introduced in 1968, the Golden Ellipse is celebrated for its unique ovular case shape, designed according to the golden ratio, which gives it a naturally elegant balance.

Trump’s version, likely from the early ’90s, features a yellow gold case measuring just 31 by 35.5mm and an integrated beaded bracelet so it’s decidedly dainty by modern standards. The striking blue gold dial, paired with gold hands and hour markers, adds a bold yet tasteful pop of color. It’s an odd choice for tee time, since most of us wouldn’t risk scratching such a dressy piece on a golf course, but we can’t blame him. It’s beautiful, rare, and quietly sophisticated, and a nice insight into Trump’s surprising appreciation for delicate proportions.

Rolex Day Date “President“ 18038

By far the boldest piece in Trump’s watch lineup is the Rolex Day Date “President” Ref. 18038—and let’s be honest, it suits him perfectly. Crafted in full yellow gold with a matching champagne dial and Rolex’s signature three-link President bracelet, this watch radiates status, power, and plenty of flash. Originally launched in 1956, the Day Date was the first wristwatch to spell out both the date and the day of the week, a functional flex that helped it earn a spot on the wrists of presidents like Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson.

Trump’s version, introduced in the late ‘70s, reflects both classic Rolex design and unapologetic opulence. It’s not subtle, but then again, neither is he. Described by Rolex as “the ultimate watch of prestige,” it’s hard to think of a timepiece more on-brand for the real estate mogul-turned-president.

Rolex Day Date 40 Olive

In a truly modern presidential moment, Donald Trump received a rose gold Rolex Day Date 40 live on stream from internet personality Adin Ross in August 2024. The occasion, which began as an interview and quickly turned into a high-end unboxing, featured Ross gifting Trump a Tesla Cybertruck alongside the Rolex, making headlines across both watch and streaming circles.

The Day-Date 40, slightly larger than the 36mm version he’s known to own, features an elegant olive green dial with Roman numerals, a color combo that’s become one of the most sought-after in recent years. While Trump accepted the gift with his usual flair, he hasn’t yet been spotted wearing it publicly.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1968

Another surprisingly elegant choice in Trump’s watch collection is the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1968, an ultra-thin, square-shaped dress watch that stands in quiet contrast to the two flashier Rolexes above. Crafted in pink gold, Vacheron’s proprietary rose gold alloy, this model measures just 35mm across and a mere 5.4mm thick.

Powering it is the hand-wound calibre 1003, one of the thinnest mechanical movements ever made, bearing the prestigious Geneva Seal. The silver-toned dial keeps things minimal, with slim hands and delicate hour markers that reflect old-school Swiss finesse. Trump notably wore this watch on election night in 2016, a subtle, almost reserved pick for such a high-stakes evening. But for all its restraint, it still speaks to his appreciation for craftsmanship and legacy brands.

Azad Power Tourbillon

Back in 2009, during his Celebrity Apprentice heyday, Donald Trump was gifted a limited edition Azad Power Tourbillon. Don’t worry, we’d not heard of Azad before today either. The watch was a bold, skeleton-dialled piece from a New York-based brand. Only 30 pieces were produced, and the gesture was meant to celebrate Trump’s role on the reality show.

The watch itself is a stark departure from the refined classics in his collection boasting a large, aggressively styled case and a visible tourbillon complication on the dial. Retailing at just under $10,000, the Azad is flashy, niche, and unapologetically loud. While it’s unclear whether Trump actually wore it beyond promotional appearances, it’s one of the more curious additions to his horological lineup compared to his usual gold-heavy dress pieces.

Ronald Reagen’s Colibri

One of the more curious pieces in Donald Trump’s collection isn’t flashy, complicated, or even particularly valuable but a humble Colibri quartz watch once owned by Ronald Reagan. Trump won the watch at a 1999 Antiquorum charity auction, placing the highest bid at $7,000 which was several times its market value.

The 32mm gold-tone piece is unmistakably ‘80s in style and, frankly, not the kind of watch you’d expect in a billionaire’s rotation. What makes the purchase even more surprising is Trump’s prior criticism of Reagan; in 1987, he publicly slammed the former president’s policies in full-page newspaper ads. But whatever his feelings at the time, Trump clearly saw something worth preserving. This likely wasn’t about horology but about history.

Donald Trump’s Own Signature Watch Collection

And finally, in true Trump fashion, the former president once put his name on a line of watches. Launched in 2005, the Donald J. Trump Signature Collection was sold exclusively at Macy’s and included about 20 quartz-powered models. Despite Trump’s own taste for high-end brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin, this collection appeared relatively low quality in its execution, albeit one 18-karat gold, diamond-encrusted timepiece featuring a spinning tourbillon movement.

The marketing copy promised “solid, great-looking and above all, accurate” timepieces, but the public didn’t bite. Sales flopped, and the line was pulled from shelves within a year. It’s a baffling detour from his usual luxury preferences, but a classic example of Trump’s brand-first approach to business. Today, these watches are rare curiosities more for what they represent than how they’re made.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s watch collection offers a fascinating glimpse into his personal taste for the extravagant, with an affinity for gold, luxury brands, and occasionally unexpected choices. While he’s no avid collector, Trump sticks to a few iconic pieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin, choosing mostly high-end, dress watches that match his bold personality.

However, some of his rarer acquisitions, like the Azad Power Tourbillon or Ronald Reagan’s Colibri, are rarely seen on his wrist, making them curious additions to his otherwise polished collection. In the end, Trump’s watches reflect a blend of opulence, ambition, and a bit of unpredictability, much like the man himself.

Conor McGregor is as famous for his flash as he is for his fights. He’s a man who doesn’t do subtle, and his watches prove it—loud, luxurious, and often drenched in diamonds. Each one feels like an extension of his bold, brash, built-to-stand-out personality. He’s also got a clear soft spot for green dials – maybe a quiet nod to his Irish roots. These watches aren’t cheap, but damn, they’re cool.

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116688

The Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116688 is as bold as they come and perfectly at home on Conor McGregor’s wrist. Crafted entirely in yellow gold with a hefty 44mm case, it’s a watch originally designed for regatta racing so it features a unique programmable countdown timer and mechanical memory – tech that’s incredibly niche, unless you happen to own a yacht.

But let’s be honest, McGregor didn’t pick this piece for the sailing specs. He picked it because it pops with its crisp white dial, bold blue bezel, and serious wrist presence. It’s slightly unconventional, even among collectors, but that’s exactly what makes it so “McGregor.” Flashy, complex, and not built for subtlety.

 Rolex Daytona 116508

The Rolex Daytona ref. 116508 in yellow gold with a green dial has become one of the most recognisable modern Daytonas, though that wasn’t always the case. Released in 2016, it took a while to catch on but gained widespread attention after musician John Mayer discussed it in an interview, giving rise to its unofficial nickname, the “John Mayer” Daytona.

McGregor has been spotted wearing this model, which fits neatly into his preference for bold, standout watches, particularly those with green dials. With its 40mm yellow gold case and striking sunburst green dial, the 116508 blends sporty design with a strong visual presence. It was sadly discontinued in 2023, so now it’s become even more desirable among collectors and fans of the Daytona line.

Chopard L.U.C. Quattro Tourbillon

When Conor McGregor showed up to a Chopard dinner in Cannes,  he brought some serious firepower to his wrist. The watch was a Chopard L.U.C Quattro Tourbillon in white gold, fully set with baguette-cut diamonds from case to dial, paired with a black alligator strap.

This one is a limited edition, a rare fusion of haute horlogerie and high jewelry that runs on Chopard’s in-house hand-wound tourbillon movement, the L.U.C 02.01-L, certified chronometer and Geneva Seal approved, with an impressive 216-hour power reserve. With over 300 diamonds totaling more than 27 carats and a retail price north of $260,000, it’s an undeniably extravagant timepiece.

Patek Philippe 5905P

Conor McGregor made a subtle but striking nod to Ireland with one of the most exclusive Patek Philippes ever produced. The watch is the Patek Philippe 5905P Annual Calendar Chronograph in platinum, made in a limited edition of just 25 pieces for Dublin’s Weir & Sons, one of Patek’s oldest retailers.

Released quietly, this reference isn’t even listed on Patek’s official site. It features a platinum case, a vibrant green sunburst dial, and a green alligator strap. It comes with the day, date, and month displayed in apertures, plus a 60-minute chronograph, nicely balancing complexity with elegance.

Patek Philippe World Time 5131J

The Patek Philippe World Time 5131J is a masterpiece of a watch that stands out for its ability to display the time in 24 different time zones at the press of a button, thanks to the sophisticated calibre 240 micro-rotor movement. It also has a breathtaking cloisonné enamel dial, a work of art that maps the world with vibrant colors and intricate details.

Each dial requires painstaking craftsmanship, where the delicate gold wires outlining the continents are bent by hand, and the enamel is applied with precision. Given the complexity, nearly half of these dials don’t make the cut during production.

Rolex Day Date 128348RBR

Conor McGregor’s choice of the Rolex Day-Date 128348RBR during his 34th birthday celebration in Ibiza speaks volumes about his personal style. The 36mm yellow gold case holds a striking green ombré dial, with its subtle gradient adding depth and character. What makes this piece truly stand out are the diamonds though, that are not just in the bezel, but in the hour markers and across the entire bracelet.

Rolex ‘Eye of the Tiger’ 116588TBR

Easily one of McGregor’s most unusual Rolexes, the “Eye of the Tiger” Daytona 116588TBR is a showstopper in every sense. First introduced at Basel World 2019, this timepiece immediately caught the attention of watch collectors and enthusiasts alike for its wild design and exclusivity. Cast in 18K yellow gold, the dial features a striking tiger-stripe pattern, made even more eye-catching with 243 brilliant-cut diamonds scattered across it. Add to that a diamond-set bezel with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds, and you’ve got a watch that is literally unmissable.

Fun fact, the Rolex “Eye of the Tiger” is part of a select group of off-catalogue Rolex pieces, meaning it’s not something you can simply walk into a store and buy. To get your hands on one, you need to be on Rolex’s VIP list, a status McGregor has certainly earned.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R

Another standout piece in Conor McGregor’s watch collection is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R. Engineered in 18k rose gold, the watch features a bold black dial with the signature horizontal embossing that defines the Nautilus family. The rose gold bezel and hour markers with luminescent coating create a harmonious contrast, giving it a timeless, sophisticated look that stands out without being overly flashy.

McGregor’s love for the Nautilus is clear, as he owns several variations in different metals and dial colors, but this one boasts chronograph functionality helped by a high-performance, self-winding movement.

Philippe Nautilus 5980/1AR

Proof in point that McGregor loves a Nautilus, here’s another one he owns: the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1AR. This version stands out with its striking two-tone design, blending the warmth of yellow gold with the sleekness of steel, paired with a deep blue dial that creates a bold and sophisticated contrast.  

Just like its rose gold counterpart, this piece features the signature horizontally embossed dial, chronograph functionality, a self-winding movement, and water resistance up to 120 meters.

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Casino

Another brand McGregor loves is Jacob & Co, known for pushing the boundaries with complications, materials, and bold case sizes. One of their most innovative pieces and a watch McGregor owns is the $620,000 Jacob & Co. Astronomia Casino. This stunning timepiece features a fully-operational miniature roulette wheel built into the 18K rose gold case, allowing wearers to spin the wheel of fortune at will.

Packed with complexities, the watch includes a double-axis tourbillon, a rotating spherical diamond with the exclusive Jacob Cut, and a lacquered globe. But it’s the roulette wheel that steals the show, spinning beneath the sapphire crystal dome case with green, red, and black enamel inlays, mahogany accents, and a white ceramic ball. Yes, it really is as cool as it sounds.

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette

McGregor’s collection of Jacob & Co. timepieces also includes the jaw-dropping Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette, a watch that takes luxury and horological artistry to new heights. Featuring the intricate Astronomia triple-axis tourbillon movement, this watch showcases a stunning 50mm rose gold case, adorned with 342 baguette-cut diamonds on the dial’s backdrop and 80 more set into the lugs.

The watch’s four-arm movement is a spectacle in itself, with a rotating magnesium earth globe, a faceted diamond moon, and a sub dial that always stays in the proper 12/6 orientation. The design is completed by the sapphire crystal dome, allowing the rotating elements to be fully visible. With a price tag of $1 million USD, this isn’t a watch made for the masses, but people like Conor Mcgregor.

Jacob and Co Epic X Rose Gold

In a picture taken at Jacob & Co.’s flagship store in New York, McGregor can be seen wearing the Epic X in full 18k rose gold with a distinctive green inner ring. This 44mm timepiece is powered by a manual-winding skeletonized movement, offering a full view of its intricate inner workings.

The design of the Epic X is a standout, with the “X” shape visible in both the movement and the case’s lugs. The interconnected vertical bridges of the skeleton movement create a seamless, continuous shape, bringing harmony between the inside and outside of the watch.

Rolex Day Date Anniversary Dial

Another green-dialled watch owned by Conor McGregor is the Rolex Day Date 40 Anniversary Dial. Being seen with one Day Date is impressive, but owning three is a massive flex, and McGregor has been spotted rocking three different Day Date 40 models. The first of these is the reference 228235, made in 18K rose gold with an olive green dial and Roman numerals.

This particular model holds extra significance, as it was launched to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Day-Date collection. It features the iconic fluted bezel and is paired with a President bracelet. The dial’s sunray finish reflects light beautifully, with grooves that create a subtle, ever-changing glow as it catches the light.

Rolex Day Date 228206

The second Rolex Day Date 40 model in McGregor’s collection is the reference 228206, a stunning platinum piece with an ice blue dial. This model features a smooth bezel and baguette-cut diamond hour markers, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to its already striking design.

The ice blue dial, which has become iconic in Rolex’s lineup, contrasts beautifully with the platinum case, making this watch a real standout. This model was discontinued in 2022 and replaced by reference 228236, but its crisp design and rarity still makes it highly coveted.

Rolex Day Date 228238

The final Rolex Day Date 40 model in Conor McGregor’s collection is the reference 228238, crafted in 18K yellow gold with a luxurious champagne dial. Much like his platinum model, this piece also features baguette-cut diamond hour markers but with the iconic fluted bezel. You know you’re doing well in life when you can own three Day Dates.

Rolex Sky-Dweller 326138

Clearly a fan of the Rolex Sky-Dweller, Conor McGregor has been seen wearing several different versions including this striking 326138 model. He even wore it while casually breaking a punching machine, which feels about right. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, it features a rich champagne dial and a brown leather strap for a classic, luxurious look.

The Sky-Dweller is one of Rolex’s most complicated watches, boasting an annual calendar that automatically adjusts for different month lengths, and a clever second time zone display via the off-center 24-hour disc. The fluted bezel isn’t just decorative either but functional too, used to set the various features through Rolex’s Ring Command system.

Rolex Sky-Dweller 336235

The other Rolex Sky-Dweller in Conor McGregor’s watch collection is the bolder, full-gold 336235. While his 326138 pairs a gold case with a leather strap, this version goes all-in with an 18K rose gold case, rose gold Oyster bracelet, and a rich chocolate brown dial to match. It’s a real statement piece.

Like his other Sky-Dweller, this one packs serious technical punch too, featuring Rolex’s Calibre 9001 movement, an annual calendar that only needs adjusting once a year, and a dual-time zone display cleverly built into the dial. The signature fluted bezel also doubles as part of the Ring Command system to set the watch’s functions.

Patek Phillipe Calatrava Skeleton 5180/R

Another standout piece in Conor McGregor’s watch collection is his skeletonized Patek Philippe Calatrava 5180/1R. Crafted in 18K rose gold, it’s powered by the ultra-thin caliber 240 SQU movement which is completely skeletonized, hand-engraved, and designed to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2017.

The level of craftsmanship here is next-level with around 130 hours spent on hand engraving alone, including a first-ever engraved Patek Philippe Seal on the micro-rotor. The case measures a sleek 39mm and is just 6.7mm thick. Even though it originally retailed at around $122,000, these fall significantly under retail on the secondary market, not that McGregor is likely losing sleep over that.

Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts Calatrava 5077/100R

Conor McGregor’s taste for rare Patek Philippe pieces is no secret, and his Calatrava 5077/100R proves it yet again. Part of the 2023 Rare Handcrafts collection, this ultra-exclusive 37mm watch is crafted in 18K rose gold and set with brilliant-cut diamonds around the bezel.

The real star, though, is the dial, a hand-painted underwater scene featuring manta rays gliding across a vivid blue ocean floor. Every detail is meticulously brought to life by Patek’s master artisans, using traditional enameling and engraving techniques that take countless hours to complete. No two dials are exactly alike, making each watch truly one-of-a-kind.

Patek Philippe Ellipse 3738/118

Definitely not the best-known Patek Philippe model, but a beautiful one nonetheless – and clearly one Conor McGregor enjoys – the Ellipse 3738/118 is a perfect example of understated elegance. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, this model features a sleek, single-piece 18K yellow gold case paired with a deep blue, satin-finish Sigma dial.

Applied gold baton hour markers and slender gold hands complete the minimalist aesthetic, while inside, it’s powered by Patek’s ultra-thin Caliber 240 automatic movement, complete with a 22K micro-rotor. The integrated yellow gold bracelet adds a seamless, jewellery-like feel, making it more refined than the other Audemars Piguet watches in McGregor’s collection.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26400SO

Speaking of sporty, it doesn’t get much more athletic than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and Conor McGregor clearly agrees. One of his picks is the reference 26400SO, a serious piece of kit housed in a 44mm stainless steel case with a black ceramic bezel.

The Royal Oak is already one of the most iconic watch designs of all time, but the Offshore line takes it to another level making it bigger, bolder, and built to handle serious action. This model features a crisp white dial with signature “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, black sub-dials, and a tough black rubber strap that completes the sporty look. It’s powered by an automatic chronograph movement and, naturally, comes with a date display too.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26215OR

Conor McGregor also has one of the boldest Royal Oak Offshore models in his collection, the reference 26215OR. Crafted in rose gold and absolutely drenched in factory-set diamonds across the bezel, case, shoulders, and even featuring a pavé diamond dial, this is a piece that makes no apologies.

 True to Conor McGregor’s larger-than-life style, it’s a serious statement piece; it’s loud, rare, and incredibly hard to find. Being an off-catalogue model, even finding a retail price is a challenge, and secondary market appearances are few and far between. But if there’s anyone who can pull off a diamond-drenched, rose gold Royal Oak Offshore with style and swagger, it’s “The Notorious” himself.

Jacob & Co. Rasputin Tourbillon White Gold Erotic

If anyone is going to own a raunchy, diamond-drenched timepiece, then it’s going to be Conor McGregor. Enter the Jacob & Co. Rasputin Tourbillon, a wild blend of ultra-high horology, blinding diamonds, and a cheeky erotic complication hidden under the dial. It’s made from 18k white gold and absolutely encrusted with nearly 30 carats of baguette-cut diamonds.

But the 47.6mm watch doesn’t just sparkle, it seduces. Activate the slide on the side of the case, and not only will you hear the minute repeater chime beautifully, but a hidden, hand-painted erotic scene is revealed behind engraved “curtains.” It’s outrageous, audacious, and brilliantly excessive retailing at nearly $2 million, everything you’d expect from both Jacob & Co. and McGregor himself.

Jacob & Co. Opera Godfather

Last but definitely not least, Conor McGregor was seen wearing the incredible Jacob & Co. Opera Godfather at the premiere of Road House in New York. A true tribute to the iconic film, the Opera Godfather is a full cinematic experience on the wrist with a 49mm case and a miniature hand-sculpted Don Vito Corleone at its heart.

The piece actually incorporates actual visual and musical elements from the movie. Turn the violin-shaped crank, and the watch plays Nino Rota’s legendary theme from The Godfather through a functioning music box. It’s an extremely rare watch created in partnership with Paramount Pictures limited to just 88 pieces and retails for $364,000.

Conclusion

Conor McGregor’s watch collection is a true reflection of his extravagant tastes and larger-than-life personality. It’s pretty clear he’s drawn to pieces that are bold, intricate, and brimming with luxury, often showcasing a love for solid gold, lots of diamonds, and striking green dials.

He’s also not afraid to sport rare and complex movements that are as much about horological mastery as they are about making a statement. Whether it’s a diamond-encrusted Rolex or a limited-edition Patek Philippe, McGregor’s selections make it clear: he has expensive taste, but more importantly, great taste.

If you ever find yourself amongst watch enthusiasts, you might learn that there are certain “genres” of watches that are needed to round out a collection. There is also category overlap, with some watches checking multiple boxes. 

Most collections necessitate a GADA, or “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” watch. For some, this may be a field watch, or a dive watch, or even a tool watch.

For me, I’ve always believed that the integrated steel sports watch was the perfect GADA candidate. It’s the kind of watch that works with everything, without ever feeling out of place. 

The Tissot PRX is the perfect example of this: robust, durable, stylish, and—perhaps most important…it’s affordable. A watch not only for the elite. A watch for the people.

From Conventional to Avante Garde 

The year was 1972. To not own and regularly wear a wristwatch would have been seen as peculiar. Wristwatches were a staple accessory, adorning the wrists of blue-collar workers and executives alike. 

In 1972, watches were mechanical and had a “classic” aesthetic, often with round cases, simple dials, and leather straps. And then came the Royal Oak—changing everything. I have to admit, if I were to close my eyes and envision a luxury sports watch, it would be the Royal Oak every time. 

Designed by Gérald Genta and released in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first true luxury sports watch. This iconic design inspired and legitimized an entirely new genre—one that broke free from the conventions of delicate and derivative dress watches. 

The Royal Oak didn’t just shift tastes; it ushered in an avant-garde era of watchmaking, shifting the entire industry in new and exciting directions. And you might be asking yourself right now: Why so much on the Royal Oak? I thought this was about the Tissot PRX.

As previously mentioned, the Royal Oak inspired an entire genre of watches—the integrated steel sports watch. Tissot, being a titan of the Swiss watch industry, though with far more accessible prices, released the Seastar “PRX” in 1978. 

It would be hard to argue that this quartz timepiece was not directly inspired by Genta’s Royal Oak, and though it had a relatively short shelf life due to the quartz crisis, Tissot revived the iconic watch in 2021 with the PRX. The watch has been a huge commercial success for them, and I personally am an enormous fan of the modern iteration. It truly is the “people’s watch.”

Case

Along with the bracelet, the case of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is the star of the show. Available in two sizes, 40mm and 35mm, the PRX is appropriate for virtually all wrists, both men and women.

Given that integrated bracelet watches typically have much shorter lug-to-lug measurements—44mm and 39mm in this case—they’ll actually wear smaller than their dimensions might lead you to expect. 

So, if you usually wear a 38mm, don’t shy away from the 40mm PRX. Across the lineup, the stainless steel case is beautifully brushed with polished chamfered edges, offering good contrast and superior light play. 

There are PVD-coated yellow and rose gold options, too. There are even models with 14k gold fluted bezels, if you wanted something a bit more dressy. Finally, if you are into “exotic” materials, the recently released black and grey marbled forged carbon case is an absolute stunner. You have to see and hold it in person to really appreciate it! 

The PRX does not have a screw-down crown, though its crown is signed with Tissot’s signature “T.” It still offers a robust 100m of water resistance, more than virtually anyone using the watch will ever need. 

Beyond that, the exhibition caseback offers a clear picture of the Powermatic 80 automatic movement. Sapphire crystals are used for the dial across the model range.

Offering a bit beyond the “spec sheet”, here, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical of the PRX before holding one in the flesh. The fit and finish are beyond anything I expected in the sub $1000 range. You really have to see one in person to appreciate the full breadth of these watches! 

Dial

The PRX Powermatic 80 offers a variety of colors and a brilliantly executed waffle dial. Every shade of blue is available, from deep to ice blue and even a new gradient blue dial. There are greens and gold and white and black and on and on. Too many to list here, but there is certainly a color for every palette. 

I myself am partial to the green dial—but green is my favorite color, so I am biased. The only dials without the waffle texture are those with the 18k fluted bezel, available in a “sunburst” untextured blue, silver, or brown dial. The forged carbon PRX has a black carbon dial, untextured as well.

Baton indices line the outer portion of the dial, in lieu of Arabic numerals. The indices are filled with Superluminova for superior low-light visibility, which is an absolute necessity for my everyday watches. 

A date—not color matching, which sort of irks me, but isn’t the end of the world—window is located at the 3 o’clock, regardless of model. Baton-style hands, also filled with a healthy amount of lume, allow for easy visibility and time-telling.

Movement

I remember when Swatch Group first released their Powermatic movement. Industry professionals were upset when Swatch acquired ETA and released the Powermatic movement, fearing a monopoly on Swiss watch movements. The Powermatic, with its impressive 80-hour power reserve, was seen as far superior to standard off-the-shelf Swiss movements, which typically offered just a 38-hour reserve. 

This Powermatic 80, exclusive to Swatch Group, features a modified ETA 2824-2 base, optimized for longer autonomy while maintaining high accuracy. If you flip the PRX Powermatic 80 over, you can view the movement.

It’s not necessarily the most beautiful movement in the world, but it is functional and pretty damn accurate to boot: +/- 15 seconds per day, which is far superior to most watches—be them Swiss, Japanese, or otherwise—within the sub $1,000 price range.

Straps

I always suggest buying the PRX Powermatic 80 on the bracelet, which has a beautifully articulated and crafted stainless steel integrated design. Sure, you can buy the watch on the rubber strap or leather strap, but the star of the show is the bracelet, and it is much more expensive to source than a strap would be. 

Another thing worth mentioning: You can’t simply buy any strap for these watches. Though the 40mm version has a lug width of 21mm, and the 35mm version has an 18mm lug width, the integrated design requires a proprietary strap from Tissot.

On-Wrist Experience

Sublime. Next question.

I’ve handled many integrated steel sports watches—from AP and Bvlgari to Maurice Lacroix and Oris. Sure, wearing a $30,000 watch has that extra “wow” factor, and I was very skeptical when Tissot first released the PRX. 

At the price point, I was expecting something clunky and unrefined, like many of the cheap fashion watches that try, but fail, to imitate luxury integrated steel sports watches.

I was given a 40mm blue-dialed PRX to try for a week. I loved it so much. It maintained +6 seconds per day, which was totally impressive, and I took it swimming, golfing, hiking, and desk diving. 

It performed through every task, and after a while, it became “part” of my wrist, so much so that I purchased my own 40mm green dialed version.

I have also tried the 35mm version, and it didn’t look too small or dainty on my 6.5-inch wrists, so I am sure almost anyone could pull it off (bear-wristed fellas need not apply!).

Price & Availability

The PRX Powermatic 80 lineup now includes both 40mm and 35mm versions with waffle dials, priced at $725 and $695, respectively, when purchased on the integrated stainless steel bracelet.

If you opt for a leather or rubber strap instead, you can shave a bit off the price, though I’d argue the bracelet is half the appeal. 

For something a little more elevated, the 18k gold fluted bezel models come in at $1,850 and trade the waffle for a clean sunburst dial.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the forged carbon PRX is the boldest of the bunch—matte, marbled, and coming in at $995. All versions feature the Powermatic 80 movement, sapphire crystal, and 100m of water resistance. 

The integrated design wears comfortably in both sizes, and the overall quality punches well above its price. Whether you go classic or contemporary, there’s a PRX that’ll feel right at home on your wrist. 

The best place to purchase a Tissot PRX is from an authorized dealer, as this ensures authenticity, warranty, and the best selection of watches. It’s worth mentioning that Tissot is quite popular, so finding an AD should be quite easy, regardless of geographic location.

Final Thoughts

Imagine a $700 Swiss watch with an exclusive movement with 80 hours of power reserve, superb accuracy, a date complication, 100m of water resistance, and striking looks and quality. 

I do not think any manufacturer without the resources of the Swatch Group would be able to pull such a feat off, but here we are. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a modern marvel of horology, and it remains…the people’s watch.