When you’re running some of the biggest companies in the country, the saying "time is money" couldn’t be more literal. These influential individuals sport watches that cost anywhere from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions of pesos.
Ahead, discover the luxury timepiece brands worn by some of the country's wealthiest and most influential magnates.
Luxury Watch Brands Worn by Philippine Business Tycoons
Rolex
Starting off with the obvious—the epitome of luxury watches, Rolex. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, Rolex is the most renowned and best-selling luxury watch brand globally. Kevin L. Tan, Vice Chairman, President, and CEO of the Alliance Global Group, sports a Rolex Daytona. Anton Huang, President of the SSI Group, which retails some of our favorite luxury brands, wears a Rolex Submariner.
IWC
When it comes to watches, no one makes them like the Swiss. IWC Schaffhausen, or International Watch Co., founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, combines American engineering with Swiss craftsmanship to create innovative and elegant timepieces. Erramon Aboitiz, a director at Aboitiz Equity Ventures and former President and CEO, exemplifies this with his IWC Big Pilot.
Patek Philippe
Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe has built its reputation through strategic scarcity, producing only a limited number of watches each year, driving demand and exclusivity. Each part of a Patek Philippe watch is hand-finished, even those not visible to the wearer. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who served as President and CEO of Ayala Corporation, and Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, both favor the Patek Philippe Nautilus.
Audemars Piguet
In 1971, Audemars Piguet faced financial difficulties and tasked designer Gerald Genta with creating a unique watch in just one day. Inspired by scuba helmets, Genta designed the Royal Oak, which saved the company and transformed Audemars Piguet into one of the most successful brands in the industry. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of Ayala Corporation, proudly wears an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Richard Mille
Known as the billionaire’s handshake, Richard Mille watches are known for their use of innovative materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, and high-tech ceramics. These lightweight yet durable components not only enhance the watches’ performance and durability but give them a unique and eye-catching aesthetic appeal. Established in 2001, Richard Mille quickly became a favorite among the elite for its avant-garde designs and cutting-edge technology. Alice Eduardo, the older sister of Small Laude and the President and CEO of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, exemplifies this with her Richard Mille RM07-01. Her company has played a pivotal role in building many SM developments and casinos in the Entertainment City.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
