Say you were young and famous with a LOT of money to spare; what would you spend it on? Most celebrities choose to collect cars or art, but John Mayer has another passion: beautiful watches. Keep reading to learn all about Mayer’s collection and why it is that he collects watches.
Born a Watch Man
You might say it all started with that one special watch, as is the case with many collectors. That watch was a Star Wars Armitron digital with images of C-3PO and R2D2. John Mayer treasured this watch, and probably still does, but it is said he believes you are born a watch person. You either feel it, or you don’t. Even when you are watch-less for some time you can still be a watch person, understanding the beauty of it and loving the feeling of wearing one on your wrist. So for John Mayer, it was a logical step to start collecting watches once he became a famous singer-songwriter and guitarist.
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Rolex Enthusiast
Mayer’s interest in watch collecting only really began once he bought his first great watch: a Rolex Explorer ΙΙ. This was right after Mayer received the paycheck for his breakthrough album Room for Squares in 2001. He loved the heavy feeling of the watch on his wrist; he was fascinated by the way all pieces worked together in harmony. Today Rolex is one of his favourite brands, with the GMT Master on top of the list thanks to its great movement.
IWC and Patek Philippe
On tour, Mayer generally takes only two watches with him. The watch that has travelled alongside Mayer for many years now is an IWC Big Pilot. It even provided Mayer with the stage nickname “Big Pilot” on his first tours. Another of his loves is the IWC Aquatimer Jacques Cousteau divers watch; not the most valuable one in his collection, but one he is really attached to and takes with him on holidays.
A brand you can see John Mayer wear on stage or in daily life quite often is Patek Philippe. In an online column Mayer roots for the Patek Philippe 5396G Limited Edition for Tiffany & Co, claiming it is “a message to collectors everywhere that Patek Phillipe will continue to create instant classics”.
More Than Jewellery
For Mayer, watches are more than jewellery and more than fascinating mechanics; they give him a sense of “feeling at home wherever you are”. To look at it, to feel it on the wrist, gives a sense of grounding. After a concert, the best way for Mayer to relax is to look at collectors' guides. Collecting has become a big part of his life, which is why he owns millions of dollars worth of watches by now. His favourite watches are the ones that do not shout “I am luxurious, I am extraordinary!” He prefers the ones that take another watch enthusiast to notice they actually are incredibly special or rare, like the Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 issued to Comex for example.
As an experienced vintage Rolex collector, John Mayer also gives some advice on which watches to look out for. The Rolex Explorer ΙΙ Reference 16550, for example. With a white dial that has most likely turned to a beautiful custard colour over time, or with a black dial if you have a little less money to spare. Another one is the Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 in 18kt Gold – definitely, a men’s watch, although sometimes worn by women as well. If you are a watch enthusiast like John Mayer, keep an eye on our Exclusive Watch Auction and our Rolex Watch auction to find a timepiece that makes your heart skip a beat!