Patek Philippe: The Fresh Emblem of Success in Rap Culture.
Expensive and rare, Patek Philippe is still “within reach” of a segment of the elite population. Behind each watch there are often interesting side stories about its owner.
Among rappers, flexing wealth with jewelry and watches is no longer uncommon. It is not even offensive because rap music represents a culture of struggle. Showing off wealth allows rappers to set an example for their fans to follow. At one time, Rolex watches became a symbol of success for rappers, placing them on par with Wall Street financiers. Over time, as rappers’ musical status and social power rose to new heights, they wanted an even bigger symbol.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany Blue” version owned by Jay-Z is no stranger to watch aficionados. Only 170 of these watches were ever produced. Jay-Z, who is known for his impressive Patek Philippe collection, also became the first rapper to own this coveted design.
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| Jay-Z owns an enviable Patek Philippe collection. |
Not only is Jay-Z one of the world’s top hip-hop artists, he is also a successful businessman, “King Midas” who “makes money from money” with everything he touches, from wine to digital music platforms. Jay-Z’s choice of watches clearly shows the collecting taste of a knowledgeable player. He wore a Grandmaster Chime to the 2023 Grammy Awards and not long after, a 1980 Ref. 2499 at an Oscars after-party. The watch is fascinating even to veteran watch collectors, as it was discontinued after 35 years (1950-1985).
Hip-hop grew out of popular culture, but rappers know how to “upgrade” their image by wearing a Patek Philippe. According to statistics from Genius , since 2018, the keyword “Patek Philippe” has created a new popularity in the rap scene, when it was mentioned 140 times and in 1/3 of the songs on the “Billboard Hot 100” list. Patek Philippe is associated with the names of top artists such as Migos, Young Thug and Beyoncé.
Rapper Post Malone opted for a 42mm Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph in platinum with a black dial and black leather strap. The timepiece features an expensive annual calendar complication, as well as a tribute to his career in his billion-view hit Congratulations .
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| Post Malone owns a platinum Patek Philippe. |
21 Savage surprised everyone with the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5270P on his wrist. In contrast to his rugged and rugged fashion sense, the rapper’s watch made waves at Basel World 2018 with its elegant salmon-colored dial and sophisticated features.
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| 21 Savage surprises with its elegant and sophisticated timepiece. |
Patek Philippe sports watches are no exception. On Drake’s wrist is a white gold Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5740/1G-001. The artist’s willingness to spend and learn is clearly shown as this is the first Grand Complication watch model of the legendary Nautilus collection.
Future — who took the rap world by storm in 2024 after inciting the epic rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar — chose to wear a 40.5mm Patek Philippe Nautilus in 18K rose gold with a case surrounding a subtle black and brown gradient dial.
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| It’s not hard to spot the Aquanaut launched at Basel World 2018 on Drake’s wrist. |
According to Nick Marino, Senior Vice President of Content at watch site Hodinkee , the Patek Philippe craze among rappers is understandable. “Rappers are smart. They understand the meaning of status. They may like the young, flashy ‘new money’ watch brands. But I like that they also put their heart into heritage watch brands,” he said.
That’s why Patek Philippe not only appears on rappers’ wrists, but also goes deep into the lyrics of today’s most prominent names such as Travis Scott, Cardi B, Off Set… “By positioning themselves as Patek Philippe customers, rappers are placing themselves in a new elite lineage. That’s power,” Nick Marino added.
