7 Surprising Watches That Made It Into Elon Musk’s Personal Collection

Elon Musk’s watch collection mirrors state-of-the-art technology and understated luxury, just like the man himself. The world’s richest person, worth $146 billion, doesn’t always choose the flashiest timepieces you might expect.

My research into Musk’s watch choices shows his unique personal style. His collection has the symbolic TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 1887 SpaceX Chronograph – a limited edition with only 2,012 pieces that ever spread. He also wears a Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic valued at approximately INR 1,26,41,695. This timepiece showcases advanced technology without the flashy gold or diamonds. The TAG Heuer stands out because it was crafted to honor SpaceX’s achievements. The tech billionaire’s seven timepieces range from affordable classics to engineering marvels, each telling its own story.

TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 1887 SpaceX Chronograph

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The TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 1887 SpaceX Chronograph stands out as the most meaningful timepiece in Elon Musk’s collection. This limited edition watch symbolizes Musk’s space exploration dreams and connects his personal style with his professional vision.

TAG Heuer Carrera SpaceX design & features

This Carrera SpaceX features a robust 43mm stainless steel case with finely polished surfaces that include the bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers. The silver dial is a faithful recreation of the Heuer 2915A stopwatch design and has triangle markers at both 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Large Arabic numerals mark 5-minute increments on the dial, matching the font from the original stopwatch that astronaut John Glenn wore.

The watch has these distinctive design elements:

• SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft imagery on the dial at the 3 o’clock register

• “First Swiss Watch in Space” lettering on the dial

• Blue steel hands that match traditional stopwatch styling

• A scratch-resistant smoked sapphire case-back showing the SpaceX logo and spacecraft imagery

The watch runs on TAG Heuer’s in-house Caliber 1887 movement, an advanced automatic chronograph caliber that evolved from a high-end Seiko design. This mechanism powers the chronograph functions and date display while providing about 40 hours of power reserve.

A vintage-style brown leather strap with racing-style perforations adds to its retro-modern look. The watch can handle depths up to 100 meters (10 ATM), making it perfect for daily use.

Why Elon Musk wears the TAG Heuer Carrera SpaceX

Musk chose this timepiece for more than just its looks. The watch has been to space, traveling on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft during a mission to the International Space Station that carried 2,617 kilograms of cargo, science experiments, and crew supplies.

This watch serves a practical purpose in Musk’s life. He uses a productivity technique called “time blocking” to divide his 100-hour work week into 5-minute segments. The TAG Heuer Carrera’s chronograph with 1/5-second indexes helps him track these intervals precisely across his companies.

The watch marks important space milestones. TAG Heuer made just 2,012 pieces in 2012 to celebrate two events: the 50th anniversary of John Glenn wearing a Heuer stopwatch during his historic 1962 Earth orbit and SpaceX’s planned maiden flights and Mars missions. The watch blends heritage with future-focused engineering, much like Musk’s own ventures.

TAG Heuer Carrera SpaceX watch price

The TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 1887 SpaceX Chronograph comes with a premium price tag due to its limited run and special significance. The original retail price in 2012 was around $5,800.

Today’s market prices vary based on condition:

Condition	Price (USD)	Additional Costs
Standard	6,463 – 7,127	Plus shipping
Full set with TAG Heuer refurbishment	7,109	Plus shipping
With new leather strap	6,533	+$2,376 shipping
Like new	8,336	Plus shipping

Prices change based on condition, included accessories, and seller location. With only 2,012 pieces made, each with its own number and engraving, this watch remains a rare piece in Musk’s collection.

This timepiece means more than just another luxury accessory to Musk – it represents his company’s space exploration achievements while helping with his productivity methods. The unique design, space-tested durability, and limited availability make it a perfect fit for an entrepreneur who values both innovation and tradition.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M

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The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M catches attention among the elegant timepieces on Elon Musk’s wrist. This understated yet sophisticated watch became his go-to choice before Tesla’s meteoric rise. He often paired it with his trademark look – designer trousers and a simple black shirt.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra design & features

Luxury meets functionality in the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M (Reference Number: 231.10.39.21.03.001). The watch sports a 38.5mm stainless steel case with domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both sides. Watch enthusiasts can peek at its intricate movement through the transparent caseback.

The watch’s heart beats with a precision-engineered Omega 8500 Caliber self-winding movement that delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability. The timepiece runs for an impressive 60 hours when fully wound, so you can set it aside for extended periods without it stopping.

Key features include:

• Blue dial with distinctive “Teak concept” pattern

• Stainless steel bracelet

• Date function at 3 o’clock position

• Water resistance up to 15 bar (150 meters)

The Aqua Terra series serves as Omega’s versatile “go-anywhere, do-anything” model. It strikes a perfect balance between dressy and sporty looks. The watch makes up for its lack of a diving bezel with a polished one that adds to its refined appearance.

Why Elon Musk wears the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

Musk frequently sported the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra with its blue dial and stainless steel bracelet during the mid-2000s. These years marked what many call the “nascent Tesla days”.

The timepiece reflects Musk’s practical nature. He steered clear of flashier options and complicated tourbillons, showing his pragmatic approach to accessories. The versatile watch suited his packed schedule of meetings and evening events.

Musk’s choice of an Omega has subtle ties to space exploration – a field that drives his professional dreams. Omega’s connection with NASA runs deep, with their Speedmaster making history as the first watch on the moon. The brand’s space legacy struck a chord with his SpaceX vision, even though he chose the simpler Aqua Terra model.

The watch’s blend of elegance and durability matches Musk’s love for precision engineering. He found an ideal accessory that showed reliability and understated luxury – perfect for someone building revolutionary companies rather than showing off wealth.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch price

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M (Reference Number: 231.10.39.21.03.001) came with a price tag of about INR 4,43,398. Similar models in the American market vary in price:

Model Type	Approximate Price (USD)
Standard Aqua Terra	6,200.00
Aqua Terra 41mm Steel	7,400.00
Aqua Terra Worldtimer 43mm Steel	11,200.00

Watch collectors can find pre-owned Aqua Terra models starting around $3,000. Newer stainless steel versions with advanced co-axial movements typically sell between $5,000 and $7,000 in the secondary market.

The Seamaster Aqua Terra delivers great value in the luxury watch segment. It comes with Master Chronometer certification, superior precision, and outstanding anti-magnetic properties that guard against fields up to 15,000 gauss. A 5-year warranty adds to its appeal for discerning collectors like Musk who value both performance and subtle elegance.

Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic

The Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic in Elon Musk’s collection shows his love for advanced engineering and design. Many call it “the billionaires’ secret handshake” – this high-tech watch proves Musk doesn’t mind splurging on ultra-luxury horology.

Richard Mille RM 029 design & features

Richard Mille’s signature style shines through the RM 029 with its distinctive tonneau-shaped case. The watch measures 48mm by 39.70mm, with a thickness of 12.60mm. Despite its size, this remarkable timepiece remains comfortable to wear while breaking traditional watchmaking rules.

The Caliber RMAS7 movement powers the RM 029. This skeletonized automatic winding mechanism displays hours, minutes, seconds, and features a large date window at 4 o’clock. The team tested numerous movement patterns before selecting the final design that creates such a captivating visual effect.

Key technical features include:

• Variable-geometry rotor that adapts to the wearer’s activity level

• Grade 5 titanium baseplate and bridges with Titalyt® treatment for exceptional rigidity

• 32 jewels with a 4Hz frequency and impressive 55-hour power reserve

• Water resistance up to 50 meters thanks to Nitril O-ring seals

The watch’s skeletonized dial reveals its complex inner workings through scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Richard Mille skips the traditional casing ring. The movement sits on chassis rubbers held by four titanium screws – a design borrowed from Formula 1 racing cars.

Buyers can choose from titanium, white gold, and rose gold versions. The watch’s three-part case construction boosts durability. Everything stays secure with 12 spline screws made of grade 5 titanium and stainless steel washers that resist wear.

Why Elon Musk wears the Richard Mille RM 029

Musk’s choice reflects his engineering mindset. The RM 029’s Formula 1-inspired build and advanced materials line up perfectly with his passion to redefine the limits of technology.

This watch stands out by showcasing technical excellence rather than just gold and diamonds. Photos from recent years show Musk sporting the large tonneau-shaped watch with its eye-catching skeleton dial on a black rubber strap.

Musk seems genuinely interested in the brand. He has been seen at Richard Mille events, suggesting he values their innovative approach to watchmaking beyond just collecting status symbols.

The Richard Mille RM 029 in Musk’s collection demonstrates his dedication to excellence. The watch’s bold looks and uncompromising performance mirror how he runs Tesla and SpaceX.

Richard Mille RM 029 watch price

The Richard Mille RM 029 comes with a hefty price tag that matches its exclusive status and technical complexity. The original standard version cost around USD 176,000 at authorized dealers.

Current market prices vary based on materials and limited editions:

Model	Price Range (USD)	Notes
Titanium	120,000 – 185,000	Generally more expensive than gold versions
Rose Gold	145,000 – 175,000	Popular variant
White Gold with Diamonds	210,000+	Richard Mille RM 029 Le Mans Classic
RM 029 Le Mans Classic	280,000 – 355,000	Limited to 150 pieces
Japan Limited Edition	269,345+	Only 50 pieces worldwide

Musk’s RM 029 is worth about USD 250,000 or INR 1,26,41,695. The watch is no longer in production, so you can only find it on the secondary market, which drives prices up.

The watch’s limited availability, complex engineering, and brand exclusivity make it available only to celebrities and high-profile individuals. But for Musk, the appeal lies more in the watch’s exceptional engineering than its price tag.

Rolex Datejust 36mm

Elon Musk wore a classic timepiece that seems worlds apart from his futuristic companies, long before Tesla and SpaceX made him famous. His Rolex Datejust 36mm shows a traditional luxury choice that stands out in his tech-focused watch collection.

Rolex Datejust design & features

The Rolex Datejust 36mm shows pure elegance with its balanced 36mm case. This iconic model changed watchmaking in 1945 by adding both an automatic winding mechanism and automatic date display. Musk likely owned a reference 16200 model with an Oyster bracelet.

The Datejust has several unique features that make it easy to spot:

• Fluted bezel – Started as a way to screw the bezel onto the case for water resistance, now it’s a signature Rolex design element

• Oyster case architecture – Monobloc middle case with screw-down case back and winding crown

• Cyclops lens – Magnifying glass over the date window at 3 o’clock position

• Sunray finish dial – Creates soft light reflections that shift as you move your wrist

The Datejust’s elegant exterior houses some impressive machinery. Modern versions use the Caliber 3235 movement that runs for about 70 hours and keeps time within -2/+2 seconds per day. You can swim with this watch thanks to its 100-meter (330 feet) water resistance, but deep diving isn’t recommended.

Why Elon Musk wears the Rolex Datejust

Musk’s history with the Datejust goes back to his early days. Photos show him wearing the watch in 2004 while standing next to an early SpaceX rocket. Some evidence suggests he might have owned it as early as 1994 during his time at Queen’s University.

The Datejust brings together prestige, reliability, and tradition – qualities that balance Musk’s forward-thinking nature. This well-known symbol of success might have represented his dreams of achievement in his early business days.

As his success grew, Musk seems to have switched to more advanced watches. In spite of that, keeping this classic timepiece shows his respect for traditional watchmaking among other innovations.

Rolex Datejust watch price

The Rolex Datejust 36mm costs less than many ultra-luxury watches but still needs a serious investment. Current Rolex models vary in price based on materials and features:

Model Variation	Approximate Price (USD)
Oystersteel	7,750.00
Oystersteel and white gold	9,550.00
Oystersteel and yellow gold	14,400.00 – 15,550.00
Oystersteel and Everose gold	14,600.00
With diamonds	17,200.00 – 19,950.00

When Musk bought his Datejust, new models typically cost between USD 7,000.00–USD 10,000.00. Today’s pre-owned market offers vintage Datejust references like the 16220 for around USD 6,100.00.

Rolex’s lasting prestige and quality help this watch hold its value well. Recent stainless steel Datejust 36mm models sell for USD 9,400.00 to USD 16,600.00.

This watch isn’t the priciest in Musk’s collection, but it tells an interesting story about his relationship with traditional luxury. The Datejust reminds us of his early entrepreneur days, before he moved on to more technically advanced timepieces.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak One Drop Edition

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The most charitable piece in Elon Musk’s watch collection might be the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak One Drop Edition. This unique timepiece links Musk to both fine watchmaking and worldwide humanitarian efforts.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak design & features

The Royal Oak One Drop Edition shows remarkable craftsmanship with black ceramic used throughout its case, pushpieces, screw-locked crown, and integrated bracelet. This watch stands out from regular Royal Oak models with its deep blue dial that features a bold vertical satin-finished design instead of Audemars Piguet’s signature Tapisserie guilloché pattern.

Key technical specifications include:

• 41mm case diameter with 12.4mm thickness

• Caliber 4401 in-house movement with flyback chronograph functionality

• 70-hour power reserve and 4Hz frequency

• Water resistance up to 50 meters

• Blue snailed chronograph counters that complement the main dial

The watch features a titanium sapphire caseback with “Unique Piece” engraving that highlights its one-of-a-kind nature. Through this window, you can see the caliber 4401 movement adorned with Geneva stripes, circular graining, and polished chamfers.

Why Elon Musk wears the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

This Royal Oak has a special connection to Musk through its charitable origins. The One Drop foundation created it to help provide safe drinking water to underprivileged regions worldwide. The watch represents both horological excellence and humanitarian values.

The One Drop foundation “strives to provide needy nations and people across the world with long-term access to potable water”. This mission strikes a chord with Musk’s interests in sustainability and solving global challenges. His substantial wealth now allows him to support meaningful causes through his watch purchases rather than just collecting timepieces.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch price

The Royal Oak One Drop Edition stands as the crown jewel in Musk’s collection. The watch sold for an incredible $1.10 million at the La Cuvée One Drop 2022 philanthropic event in Las Vegas. Such a price tag makes it more of a museum piece than a luxury accessory.

Regular Royal Oak Chronograph models cost substantially less:

Royal Oak Variant	Approximate Price (USD)
Steel Reference 26331	24,300
Rose Gold	56,600
Platinum Unique Piece	112,000
One Drop Edition	1,100,000

The One Drop Foundation received all net proceeds from this remarkable sale. This makes the watch more than a status symbol – it represents a contribution toward better global water access, which aligns perfectly with Musk’s companies’ goals to advance humanity.

Richard Mille RM 005

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The RM 029 isn’t the only Richard Mille in Elon Musk’s collection. He also owns the RM 005, which holds a special place in the brand’s history as their first automatic model from 2004.

Richard Mille RM 005 design & features

The RM 005’s tonneau-shaped case measures 37.8mm by 45mm and stands 11.5mm at its highest point. These dimensions make it a versatile piece that fits comfortably on both small and large wrists.

The watch’s heart is the revolutionary Caliber RM 005 movement that brought several groundbreaking features to watchmaking:

• Variable-Geometry Rotor – This patented system lets the movement adapt its winding to the wearer’s activity by adjusting the six-position rib placement

• Semi-Instantaneous Date Change – The date display shifts gradually over minutes instead of snapping at midnight like traditional watches

• Titanium Construction – Grade 2 titanium with black PVD coating is used in the baseplate, bridge, and balance cork to create a lightweight yet durable structure

The watch’s skeletonized movement delivers a 55-hour power reserve that exceeded industry standards when it launched. A transparent sapphire caseback reveals the precision mechanism with its 32 jewels and 28,800 VPH frequency.

Why Elon Musk wears the Richard Mille RM 005

The RM 005 matches Musk’s engineering mindset perfectly. Watch experts have spotted him wearing either the RM 005 or RM 029 in photos, both watches showing distinctive skeletonized dials with dot indices.

The watch’s advanced features reflect Musk’s own approach at Tesla and SpaceX, especially its adaptive rotor system that responds to the wearer’s movements. Its titanium construction mirrors the aerospace-grade materials used in his space ventures.

Richard Mille RM 005 watch price

The RM 005 offers a more attainable way to own a Richard Mille compared to other models in Musk’s collection:

Case Material	Price Range (USD)
Titanium	89,000 – 110,000
Rose Gold	109,500 – 128,995
White Gold	111,000 – 139,869

Diamond-set versions can reach $180,000. UAE markets list limited editions between 500,000-550,000 AED (about $136,000-$150,000).

The RM 005 gives collectors their first taste of Richard Mille’s exceptional engineering, which explains why it fits so well in Musk’s collection of technically advanced timepieces.

Rolex Submariner (Rumored)

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The iconic Rolex Submariner stands out in Musk’s rumored watch collection. This timepiece rarely comes up in discussions about the tech mogul’s priorities, yet some sources mention it occasionally.

Rolex Submariner design & features

The Submariner boasts a strong 41mm case that stays waterproof up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) and features a unidirectional bezel with 60-minute graduation. The watch’s Chromalight display ensures clear visibility in any condition and produces an intense blue glow in darkness – essential for deep sea diving. Rolex’s Triplock winding crown with three waterproof zones sits inside the Oyster case, which has lateral shields to protect against impacts. The watch runs on either caliber 3230 (no date) or 3235 (with date) movements that feature the blue Parachrom hairspring, making it resistant to magnetic fields and temperature changes. The Oysterlock clasp’s innovative Glidelock extension system offers 10 notches of about 2mm each to fit over diving suits.

Why Elon Musk might wear the Rolex Submariner

Sources suggest that while Musk doesn’t frequently wear Rolex watches, he has been seen with a Submariner. This choice matches his focus on durability since the watch thrives in extreme conditions, similar to his innovations. The Submariner’s minimalist yet elegant design complements Musk’s understated style perfectly. Many CEOs and leaders choose this watch because it balances sophistication with reliability.

Rolex Submariner watch price

The standard Submariner (no date) in Oystersteel costs USD 9,100, while the Submariner Date starts at USD 10,250. Premium options include steel and yellow gold models at USD 16,150 and all-yellow gold versions at USD 40,600. The white gold Submariner Date with blue bezel tops the range at USD 43,700.

Comparison Table

Watch Model	Case Size	Movement Type	Key Features	Materials	Price Range (USD)	Notable Characteristics
TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 1887 SpaceX	43mm	Caliber 1887 automatic	Chronograph, SpaceX logo, 100m water resistance	Stainless steel	5,800 – 8,336	Limited edition of 2,012 pieces; Space-tested
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M	38.5mm	Omega 8500 Caliber	Date function, 150m water resistance	Stainless steel	6,200 – 11,200	Blue “Teak concept” dial pattern; 60-hour power reserve
Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic	48mm x 39.70mm	Caliber RMAS7	Oversized date display, 50m water resistance	Titanium, gold options	120,000 – 355,000	Skeletonized dial; Formula 1-inspired construction
Rolex Datejust 36mm	36mm	Caliber 3235	Date display, 100m water resistance	Oystersteel, various metals	7,750 – 19,950	Cyclops lens; Fluted bezel
AP Royal Oak One Drop Edition	41mm	Caliber 4401	Flyback chronograph, 50m water resistance	Black ceramic	1,100,000	Unique piece for charity; Blue vertical satin-finished dial
Richard Mille RM 005	37.8mm x 45mm	Caliber RM 005	Variable-geometry rotor, Semi-instantaneous date	Titanium	89,000 – 150,000	First automatic Richard Mille model
Rolex Submariner (Rumored)	41mm	Caliber 3230/3235	300m water resistance, Chromalight display	Oystersteel	9,100 – 43,700	Unidirectional rotating bezel

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s watch collection tells an amazing story about his rise from a startup founder to a tech titan. Despite his immense wealth, his choice of timepieces shows a man who cares more about engineering excellence and practical use than flashy status symbols. His collection gives us a glimpse of how his personal style has grown with his success.

The TAG Heuer Carrera SpaceX Chronograph stands out in his collection. This watch works as a practical tool for his time-blocking method and symbolizes his space exploration dreams. He started with classic luxury pieces like the Rolex Datejust and Omega Seamaster. Later, he moved to technically advanced Richard Mille watches that showed his growing love for innovative engineering.

His choice of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak One Drop Edition tells another story. This million-dollar watch shows how he uses his wealth to support humanitarian causes, connecting his style with giving back to society.

These seven timepieces paint a picture of Musk’s complex personality – practical yet forward-looking, respectful of tradition yet innovative. His collection mixes subtle classics with technical masterpieces, just like his businesses combine old industries with groundbreaking ideas.

The most surprising thing about Musk’s collection is how modest it is. Even with his massive wealth, he picks watches that mean something rather than just expensive showpieces. This practical mindset fits someone who splits 100-hour workweeks into precise blocks and tackles humanity’s biggest problems instead of showing off wealth.

Musk’s watch collection works as a timeline you can wear. It tracks his path from a promising entrepreneur to a global innovator, with each watch marking important moments in his remarkable story.