Ed Sheeran is not just one of the world’s most famous singer-songwriters. His luxury watch collection comprises some of the most coveted grails of all time. Read about them here.
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous musicians of his generation. The artist, born in 1991 in Halifax, England, creates music that blends acoustic folk with elements of pop and hip-hop. Not only does the talented “The A Team” singer perform at hundreds of small venues each year, but he sells out entire stadiums in minutes. Cementing his global superstar status are smash hits like “Perfect” and “Photograph” and, of course, his legendary 2014 album “Divide”.
Sheeran has won several accolades throughout his career, claiming multiple Grammy Awards and selling over 200 million records worldwide. But beyond the smash hits and his dishevelled looks, combined with his signature messy ginger hair and casual down-to-earth style, he’s also a discerning watch collector. While his music career has been an open book, his passion for oscillating pinions and micro rotors remains a somewhat subtle flex. In fact, his hoard is a masterclass in taste and variety. It ranges from the humble G-Shock to some of the rarest Patek Philippe watches on the planet.
Indeed, what sets Sheeran apart from most other wealthy showbiz celebrities and their watches is his deep and innate understanding of a beautifully crafted timepiece. A true horologist, after all, is someone who appreciates the craft itself and all its complexities. Let’s say, he’d pass with flying colours if you were to quiz him on his flying tourbillons and minute repeaters!
Of course, Ed could wear a different watch every day of the year for the rest of his life and still live a lavish life. But first and foremost, his love of watchmaking artistry revolves around watches with which he forms a personal or emotional connection. Many remind him of a specific personal achievement or monumental moment in his career, enabling him to express himself through this age-old craft. After all, watches serve as powerful symbols of legacy and generational continuity, don’t they? They can certainly evoke and encapsulate personal narratives.
Whether Ed’s love of luxury watches stems from seeing them as emotional anchors or physical manifestations, his collection is nothing short of fascinating. Given how insane his collection is, watch nerds from all over the world are geeking out about what this genuine horology nut owns. So, let’s take a look!
Table of Contents
Ed Sheeran’s Favourite Luxury Watch Brands
Ed Sheeran is the popstar who still wears a jeans and t-shirt ensemble on stage, despite his major success. It’s a refreshing change from the glitz and glam of showbiz, where celebrities often wear watches as status symbols without a care for their craftsmanship. Ed Sheeran bucks the trend with his fascinating watch collection, thanks to his keen eye for prestige. That said, he certainly loves his expensive watch brands. His top three brands are Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe.
In addition to these three major players, he also loves to sport a Richard Mille. Meanwhile, brands like Hublot and A. Lange & Sohne tell the story of his journey as an emerging watch connoisseur.
Sheeran often shares in interviews that his love of watches extends far beyond their status. He claims, “I can pinpoint each watch to a special moment in my life”. And although his tastes span a variety of watchmakers, these names stand out as cornerstones of his multi-million-dollar collection.
Patek Philippe
The vibrant green diamond-set bezel ref. 5711/1300A and Tiffany 5711/1A-018 are among Ed Sheeran’s coveted collection of Patek Philippe watches. Is it any surprise? These are some of the world’s most sought-after investments, showcasing some of the brand’s finest innovations. But the singer’s tastes extend far beyond aesthetics. He also adores the exclusivity and craftsmanship of the Grand Complication 5208 and the split-seconds chronograph 5370P, too.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5130R worldtime
He might have some “bad habits,” but collecting Patek Philippe watches is not one of them. The Patek Philippe Ref. 5130R World Time is an absolute horological masterpiece. Honouring the brand’s collaboration with the pioneer of the world time complication, Louis Cottier, it is far more elegant than a standard GMT.
No doubt, Sheeran utilises the model’s ability to track all 24 time zones whilst on his travels. Its patented single pusher system is particularly user-friendly, advancing the local time effortlessly. This 39.5mm 18k rose gold model boasts a silver sunburst guilloche dial and even showcases a 22k gold micro rotor through its see-through caseback.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5370P split-seconds chronograph
It’s no wonder that Ed Sheeran loves the Patek Philippe Ref. 5370P split-seconds chronograph. It’s one of the most sought-after complications in watchmaking. It can time two separate events via its two superimposed hands using an independently controlled chronograph function.
Classic architecture is evident in the arrangement of Patek’s in-house manual-winding Calibre CHR 29-535 PS, which features a dual column control and horizontal clutch. Such components eliminate the drag effect of a standard chronograph. All the while, its Grand Feu enamel dial revives what is widely considered a dying art.
Patek Philippe Grand Complication 5208P-001
Perhaps what makes Ed Sheeran’s collection so versatile and interesting is its mix of simple, impactful icons and intricate marvels.
This Patek Philippe Grand Complication 5208P-001 was one of the brand’s most challenging instruments to make. It features a minute repeater that audibly chimes on demand, as well as a monopusher chronograph. It can stop, start, and reset a chronograph timing with a simple push of a button. At the same time, it keeps track of the days, the months, the date, and leap years.
The Calibre R CH 27 PS QI beats away inside this 18k yellow gold case, providing unparalleled accuracy. Indeed, to own this timepiece is to own the “final exam” piece from PP. It’s probably one of the more dressier designs from within the singer’s collection, pairing effortlessly with his rare suit ensembles.
The Nautilus 5711/1300A
The Nautilus 5711/1300A defies traditional watchmaking rules. It marks the end of a legendary reference – a farewell model, if you wish. Patek Philippe launched this watch as a grand finale in 2021, boasting a unique olive green sunburst dial.
One of its defining features is the baguette-cut diamond bezel, which creates a halo of light around the dial. The combination is unconventional but surprisingly sporty at the same time. Patel Philippe produced this Nautilus reference in extremely limited numbers, making it nearly impossible to obtain one. Those that do sell go for ridiculous prices.
As Sheeran would agree, nothing quite compares to owning a rare timepiece, especially from the likes of a horological genius like Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany 5711/1A-018
There’s only one more thing as iconic as his record sales, and that is Ed Sheeran’s Tiffany-stamped Nautilus watch. The reference 5711/1A-018 is a holy grail. The popularity of the Nautilus watch skyrocketed after PP discontinued the 5711 reference in 2021.
To celebrate the brand’s partnership with Tiffany & Co., the brand launched a limited-edition Nautilus in the iconic “Tiffany Blue” color. It sent fans wild. The watch was so exclusive that the brand didn’t even make it available to the general public. Instead, you had to be a high-profile collector, like Ed, who wore the watch while performing with Eminem in 2022. And what a landmark occasion to choose for such a historically significant and highly covetable watch.
Rolex
Many consider Rolex to be the gateway to serious watch collecting, and that was likely the same for Ed Sheeran. The singer had to start somewhere, and it was likely with a Rolex watch in the early days.
A Rolex watch is the quintessential symbol of success, signalling that Sheeran is a true collector. The brand appeals to those who appreciate both vintage and modern watches, as well as its many wearable trophies.
Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 116655
Ed Sheeran certainly has a “Thinking out Loud” approach to collecting watches. He expresses his love for horology by wearing the designs that best reflect his taste for high horology. The Rolex Yacht-Master ref 116655 may not be the most technically advanced watch, but it’s most definitely a grail watch.
The famous singer likely loves the Yacht-Master ref 116655 because of its instantly recognisable design. A black ceramic bezel surrounds a black dial with gold elements that highlight the chunky luminous hour markers and hands. These models still sell for around $33,000 USD on the secondary market. It goes to show the collectability factor that the Rolex name carries.
This watch also features the iconic Mercedes hands, a tough sapphire glass, and a cyclops lens over the 3 o’clock date window.
Rolex Daytona Ref. 116500
Ed Sheeran’s casual appearance both on and off stage may have had us all fooled, because his taste in watches is far from it. Take it from me – he likes a fancy watch. The Rolex Daytona ref. 116500 is one of the brand’s most instantly recognizable models.
This Daytona watch still manages to look modern, despite communicating the design language of a sports watch from a bygone era. It features the classic panda dial with a white display and black chronograph counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.
Those models with the “LN” at the end of their reference number stand for “lunette noire,” featuring a black ceramic bezel that promises superior scratch resistance. Although the market for the Daytona ref 116500 has been dipping over recent years, it still fetches around $47,000 on the pre-owned market.
Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona Ref. 6239
The Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona Ref. 6239 upholds a legendary status in the horological world. It features the exotic dial from the 1960s. Strangely enough, Rolex only produced low numbers of the exotic dial since they weren’t initially that popular. That, however, is partly why these iterations are highly desirable today.
Sheeran sports the black dial with white sub-counters denoting the chronograph features. Of course, its status links to the high-profile actor, Paul Newman. The actor and racing car driver owned the reference 6239, having received it as a gift from his wife. Collectors still celebrate Newman’s genuine love for the Daytona today, including Ed, who proudly wears his regularly.
Richard Mille
Richard Mille, famous for its tonneau case is still a relatively young brand, but that hasn’t stopped exclusive collectors like Ed Sheeran from exploring what it has to offer. Its ultra-modern watches utilize aerospace-grade and F1-inspired materials, featuring highly complex movements.
Richard Mille RM 38-01 Tourbillon G-Sensor Quartz “Bubba Watson”
This Richard Mille RM 38-01 Tourbillon G-Sensor Quartz “Bubba Watson” watch would give anyone the shivers. It’s a standout piece, for sure. It’s the first watch ever to feature a mechanical G-sensor. Proving that it can withstand the powerful swing of Watson’s forward drive, it measures the G-forces generated by a golf swing.
While we can’t be entirely sure if Sheeran has put this watch through its paces, its technical features are nothing short of fascinating. The 9 o’clock pusher resets the sensor, while a white Quartz TPT® and Grade 5 titanium case imparts a resolutely sporty look.
This Richard Mille watch takes the fragile tourbillon complication and makes it practically invincible. It’s a rugged sports watch with a stack of presence. And with just 50 pieces available, some sell for around $820,000 USD on the pre-owned market.
Richard Mille RM 26-02 “Evil Eye” Tourbillon
Ed Sheeran sells out stadiums like there’s no tomorrow, but his taste in luxury watches is just as impressive. The Richard Mille RM 26-02 “Evil Eye” Tourbillon is not a watch that a traditional watch collector would typically opt for. And that’s the whole point.
Its hand-sculpted, red gold “evil eye” design boasts hand-painted enamel finishes, reflecting his unconventional tastes. It draws inspiration from the “Eye of Sauron” from The Lord of the Rings, and there are only 25 pieces available worldwide. As a piece of wearable art, this watch reflects the singer’s elite taste in timepieces but also demonstrates that watch collecting is not always about following trends.
Richard Mille RM 27-03 “Rafael Nadal”
The “Shape of Your Body” musician wears the kind of watches that most of us can only dream of. They include models like the Richard Mille RM 27-03 Rafael Nadal watch. This watch boasts unprecedented resistance to shock (10,000Gs). Richard Mille subjected this watch to the “pendulum impact test”, simulating a tennis player’s swing.
The case makes use of Quartz TPT® and Carbon TPT® technology, where layered thin filaments of silicone blend with coloured resin. It’s what gives this watch its impactful design. As well as being a tribute to Grand Slam tennis player, Nadal, it’s easy to see why it appeals to the likes of Sheeran. It even evokes the head of a bull in the skeletonised bridges of its movement. And with just 50 pieces circulating the planet, those “in the know” will appreciate the magnetic pull of a limited edition masterpiece like this.
Audemars Piguet
A considerable proportion of the horology sphere shares Ed Sheeran’s love of Audemars Piguet. The brand achieved significant success with its iconic Royal Oak watch during the 1970s, and these watches continue to carry a cool factor today.
The singer owns various ceramic iterations of the Royal Oak watch and has even received several exclusive one-of-a-kind editions from the brand. Even cooler, Sheeran still nurtures a relationship with the brand’s CEO, François-Henry Bennahmias. It goes some way to explaining how the singer has acquired some of the rarest models from Audemars Piguet’s history.
Audemars Piguet Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT Ref. 26589IO.OO.D002CA.01
The Audemars Piguet Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT is akin to a concept car. It features a flying tourbillon – one of the most mesmerising complications, along with a high-tech, skeletonised appearance. As a global touring artist, the GMT function is sure to come in handy during long-haul flights. Plus, the feature cleverly integrates into the 3 o’clock location, so there’s no GMT hand.
The Calibre 2954 inside this AP watch is an absolute beast, as well. You can take it off for days and it’ll keep perfect time, not that you’d want to. Even better, the watch features a lightweight titanium case, which helps counteract some of its 44mm bulk.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon “Extra-Thin” 26522CE.OO.1225CE.01
Ed Sheeran is partial to a ceramic watch. And the reference 26522CE.OO.1225CE.01 retains the iconic silhouette of the Royal Oak, but in this cutting-edge material. It features an octagonal bezel, an integrated bracelet, and visible screws on the case.
What makes this particular model so appealing, however, is its ultra-thin profile. Equipped also with a tourbillon, it showcases the technical excellence upheld at Audemars Piguet. Because the beautifully engineered Calibre 2924 is so remarkably slim, the case can easily slip under a shirt cuff. It’s comfortable and wearable, but more importantly, exclusive, reflecting Ed Sheeran’s professionalism.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in blue ceramic 26579CS
Ed Sheeran’s use of the loop pedal is extraordinary. Using just his guitar and loop pedal, he creates rich, layered arrangements. Similarly, the craftsmanship behind an AP watch is equally impressive. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 26579CS is another ceramic work of art. This time, it radiates a breathtakingly vivid blue hue that commands attention.
This is a statement piece to say the least, upstaging previous black and white ceramic iterations. The blue coloured ceramic is a technical marvel in and of itself. AP experts achieve the blue tones of the ceramic case by subjecting the material to temperatures around 1,400°C. Sheeran managed to get one of these on his wrist just a month after its release, just because he can!
A. Lange & Sohne
Placed in the same tier as Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, it’s no surprise this brand is on Ed’s radar. A. Lange & Sohne found fame for innovations like the three-quarter plate and has been around since 1845. The manufacturer hand-engraves its balance cocks and sets its jewels inside polished gold sleeves. Artisans assemble, decorate, and then reassemble each movement as well. There are just so many examples of German craftsmanship running through these designs; it’s hard not to fall in love with every design.
A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk
The A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk is most definitely the watch nerd’s choice. The manufacturer packs it with a full suite of luxurious finishes and high-end features. Examples of impeccable craftsmanship and traditional executions run throughout this design. Its unique dial, however, is recognisable for its jumping mechanical digital display, replacing the presence of conventional hands.
Ed Sheeran sports a white gold Zeitwerk, but the gold variation looks just as compelling on the wrist. The singer wore this unique and technically challenging complication during a performance in Germany – a very fitting tribute to the brand’s German roots.
Hublot
Hublot’s defining principle is its fusion of seemingly incompatible materials. Some of its proprietary materials include King Gold and Magic Gold. Some of the Hublot’s bold and distinctive designs are also a direct result of its numerous sports partnerships. Hublot is a polarising brand, but its designs are very unique. Suffice it to say, you either love the brand or hate it, and Sheeran loves it.
Hublot Big Bang Original Gold 301.PX.130.RX
Hublot was one of Sheeran’s first “proper watches”, marking his foray into serious mechanical watch collecting. Since the singer has memorable connections with his watches, the Big Bang Original in gold is sure to remind him of the “Skull Bang” he acquired for his 21st birthday.
The Hublot Big Bang Original Gold reference 301.PX.130.RX features a rubber band that reflects his casual dress sense. Meanwhile, the polished and satin finishes on the 18k 5N gold case demonstrate Hublot’s powerful and original DNA.
The gold elements against a black dial serve to elevate this chronograph, creating something technical and bold, but also incredibly sporty.
Conclusion
From Casio watches to one-of-a-kind Patek Philippes, Ed Sheeran’s watch collection captures the story of one of the most successful musicians in history. However, what makes it even more intriguing is that it reflects his tastes, not just his bank account.
Ed Sheeran appreciates a range of items, from budget-friendly watches to exquisite heirlooms. The appeal clearly lies in the story behind the watch and his personal connection with it. Each of his timepieces marks a milestone in his life, but also signifies his genuine love of watches.
While Sheeran cherishes the vintage appeal of the Paul Newman Daytona, he also likes the disruptive designs that Richard Mille is capable of. He’s drawn to the avant-garde, high-tech look of an AP Royal Oak and the nostalgia of the Nautilus. Suffice it to say, the “Shape of You” singer likes a mix of old and new models, which makes him one of the most sophisticated and diverse collectors for his age.
From a busking musician to a global phenomenon, Ed Sheeran’s watch collection is a paradox, perfectly mirroring his public persona. Though he owns some of the world’s rarest timepieces, other models express his down-to-earth passion for watches. In fact, this artist is proof that you can take a budget watch and put it on the wrist of a down-to-earth guy like Ed, and it’ll still look a million dollars.
Which watch from Sheeran’s stash do you wish you owned? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our newsletter today for more articles like this!
Leave a Reply