Key Takeaways:
- Mark Zuckerberg was recently seen wearing a Ulysse Nardin Royal Sapphire Ruby watch, a timepiece valued at $328,000 and limited to just eight pieces worldwide.
- In just over a year, the Meta founder has rapidly established himself as a serious horology enthusiast with a collection of rare and complex watches.
- His collection includes high-end timepieces from niche and avant-garde watchmakers like Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, De Bethune, and H. Moser.
- Zuckerberg’s choice of a less mainstream brand like Ulysse Nardin could signal a new wave of interest in the historic Swiss watchmaker.
Mark Zuckerberg is quickly cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most prominent watch collectors. The Meta CEO was recently spotted wearing an exceptionally rare Ulysse Nardin Royal Sapphire Ruby during a taping of the a16z Podcast, showcasing his growing passion for high-end, unconventional timepieces.
The watch, valued at a staggering $328,000, signals a deep dive into the world of horology, moving beyond more common luxury brands into the realm of true connoisseurs.
A Closer Look at the $328,000 Timepiece
The Ulysse Nardin Royal Sapphire Ruby is a masterclass in modern watchmaking. Limited to only eight pieces, its 44mm case is machined from a single block of lab-grown sapphire, giving it a striking, transparent appearance.
Inside, the hand-wound UN-79 movement is a visual spectacle, featuring bridges made from white sapphire and lab-grown ruby spinel that make the components appear to float within the case. A flying tourbillon sits at the 6 o’clock position, and the watch boasts an impressive 100-hour power reserve. This combination of advanced materials and mechanical complexity makes it exactly the kind of piece that would attract a tech mogul.
From Tech Mogul to Horology Icon
While many collectors spend decades building their portfolios, Zuckerberg has assembled an impressive collection in record time. His journey into watch collecting began just over a year ago, but his choices demonstrate a sophisticated and daring taste.
His collection is already known to include pieces from revered watchmakers such as Patek Philippe and F.P. Journe. He has also shown a preference for niche, independent brands that are highly respected by enthusiasts, including De Bethune and H. Moser.
The “Zuck Effect” on Niche Brands
By wearing a Ulysse Nardin, Zuckerberg is shining a spotlight on a brand that, while founded in 1846 and known for its technical innovation, has not reached the same mainstream recognition as some of its peers. Historically celebrated for its marine chronometers, the brand is also behind avant-garde designs like the “Freak,” which pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.
Zuckerberg’s co-sign could introduce a new generation of buyers to the brand, proving that his influence extends far beyond the tech world and into the exclusive domain of haute horlogerie. His latest acquisition solidifies his status not just as a wealthy tech founder, but as a serious and influential watch collector.
Image Referance: https://www.gq.com/story/watches-of-the-week-11-15-25