Usher was discovered on Star Search in 1994 and released his first album that same year when he was only 15. To date, he has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, earned dozens of music awards, and has several platinum and one diamond-certified albums. Usher has an eclectic style of music that combines R&B, pop, and other genres. He explains, “I’m a consumer of culture and love mixing styles and inspirations, both in my music and my style.”
Usher has long been a style icon and has a passion for collecting luxury watches. The first brand he really became interested in was Rolex because it represents success. But, he obviously considers watches to be more of a fashion accessory than an actual timepiece since he owns 40 watches, and none of them are set to the right time. His taste in watches is eclectic, ranging from fully iced-out timepieces to simple, everyday watches. Let’s take a peek at his impressive collection.
Rolex Daytona 116528
The Rolex Daytona 116528’s all 18-carat yellow gold construction is quite the head-turner, from its three-link Oyster bracelet to its 40mm case and tachymeter bezel. The contrast of the gold sub-dials really draws the eye in and adds interest to the dial. Another detail that differentiates this version from others of the same model number is the red accents found on the seconds hand and the minute track, located on the outer rim of the dial.
Rolex Day-Date President
The early 2000s brought us one of the catchiest bops of the new Millennium, Usher’s “Yeah.” If you look closely at the album cover for the single, you’ll see an iced out Rolex Day-Date President on his wrist, absolutely dripping in diamonds from the bracelet links to the bezel. The Day-Date has always been associated with class and prestige, so seeing this iced-out version on the wrist of one of the world’s most successful singers isn’t a surprise. Plus, it also isn’t the only diamond-set Rolex President that Usher owns, as examples in both white and yellow gold have also been spotted on his wrist.
Panerai Radiomir Black Seal PAM00292
Usher pulls off this Panerai Radiomir’s 45mm black ceramic case handsomely. A supple leather strap completes the sleek black-on-black look. This Black Seal PAM00292 has the large, luminescent hour markers that Panerai watches are known for, which make telling time, day or night, a piece of cake. The simple color scheme and lines makes this a great everyday watch.
Breitling For Bentley R2636212-G630BRLT
Usher’s Breitling for Bentley is a great watch to pair with dressier outfits. The 42mm 18-carat rose gold case encircles the white Mark VI dial. Three subtle sub-dials are found at the center of the dial and the date window at 6 o’clock. A classy, brown leather strap finishes off this watch and is nicely offset with white stitching. The 42-hour power reserve and 26 caliber automatic movement ensure the watch keeps the correct time, even though that does not matter much to Usher.
Rolex Milgauss 116400
The Milgauss belongs to Rolex’s collection of professional series watches, each developed for a specific niche market. While the Submariner was designed with divers in mind and the GMT Master was made for pilots and other avid travelers, the Milgauss is an anti-magnetic watch, perfect for scientists, medical professionals, power plant workers, and the like. It’s also the ideal watch for days when you want to keep things casual. There are no fancy bells and whistles here, just a classic time-only dial, smooth bezel, and a comfortable bracelet.
Rolex produced a few iterations of the Milgauss ref. 116400, including the example seen on Usher’s wrist (ref. 116400GV) featuring a black dial, bright orange lightning bolt seconds hand, and “Glace Verte” green sapphire crystal.
Cartier Pasha Chronograph
Cartier is a legendary luxury brand recognized by pretty much everyone on the planet. The Pasha is one of the company’s most iconic offerings, featuring a distinctive circular case with a bold bezel, large crown covering, and integrated bracelet (or strap) design. While it was originally designed to be one of Cartier’s sports watches, it is the perfect timepiece for a famous R&B star, and the full-gold chronograph version makes a serious statement on Usher’s wrist. It’s fashion-forward without appearing too contrived, and in addition to offering a fascinating history with serious horological merit, the Cartier Pasha is also just a really classy timepiece.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
The AP Royal Oak is a seriously cool watch, and Usher certainly pulls it off. He owns several Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models, which are defined by the collection’s signature octagonal 8-screw bezel and signature integrated bracelet design. As a fan of bold watches, Usher tends to favor the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, and he has been spotted wearing numerous different examples that span everything from simple stainless steel references to gem-encrusted statement pieces for red carpet events. AP describes the Royal Oak as a “modern icon” – We could say the same thing about Usher.
Usher is clearly a watch lover, and he has an amazing assortment of watches to fit any occasion. Which of these three watches would you wear? Let us know in the comments below.