Elon Musk’s Watches: What the Billionaire Tech Titan Wears

Elon Musk’s Minimalist Watch Philosophy

Elon Musk, unlike many billionaires, isn’t often seen with a luxury timepiece on his wrist. He tends to forgo traditional status symbols, aligning with his image as a futurist who values function and innovation over convention. However, Musk does own a few notable watches that carry personal and symbolic significance.

Musk himself has admitted that “watches… are the kind of olde world luxuries that modern technology has done so much to devalue”, and he’s famously described as “not really a watch guy”. In day-to-day life, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO often manages time via rigorous “time-blocking” and digital tools rather than a mechanical watch. In fact, for years observers could barely spot a watch on Musk’s wrist at all. (He’s far more likely to be seen in a black tee and no tie than rocking a gold Rolex.) This minimalist approach is part of Musk’s personal brand – it telegraphs that he’s focused on game-changing tech and work, not frivolities.

Yet Musk hasn’t entirely shunned wristwear. Tellingly, when he does choose a watch, it’s almost always a strategic choice that reflects his passions or corporate missions. Interestingly, one of the only times Musk wore a traditional luxury watch was decades ago: back in the early 2000s, during SpaceX’s infancy, he was photographed wearing a 36 mm Rolex Datejust on an Oyster bracelet. That classic Rolex – possibly a ref. 16200 – might have symbolized youthful aspiration, but it’s a piece he’s long since shelved. In the modern era, Musk’s wrist is usually bare unless the watch in question has a deeper meaning. Below, we explore the confirmed watches Elon Musk has been seen wearing, and what each choice says about his personality and style strategy.

TAG Heuer Carrera SpaceX Chronograph – Space-Age Statement

Musk’s most notable watch is a special TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 SpaceX Chronograph – a limited edition emblazoned with SpaceX rocket imagery. This watch, launched in 2012, celebrates SpaceX’s accomplishments and pays tribute to the first Swiss timepiece in space, blending Musk’s love of space with classic horology.

Elon Musk has been photographed wearing this very SpaceX-branded TAG Heuer, and it’s perhaps the only watch he consistently dons for public appearances. Why this piece? For one, it directly ties into his SpaceX venture. The watch’s design features a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft on the dial or caseback, and it was released in a limited run of 2,012 pieces to mark 50 years since John Glenn wore a Heuer stopwatch in orbit in 1962. In other words, it’s a watch that literally inscribes Musk’s aerospace dreams on his wrist.

The Carrera SpaceX Chronograph itself is a handsome 43 mm stainless steel watch with a clean white dial, vintage-style leather strap, and TAG Heuer’s modern Calibre 1887 automatic movement. It nods to mid-century space history while remaining contemporary and wearable. For Musk, wearing this TAG Heuer isn’t about ostentatious luxury – it’s about storytelling. It broadcasts his pride in SpaceX’s achievements and his reverence for space exploration lore. As British GQ quipped, Musk is “rarely seen in a watch” unless it’s this special SpaceX edition TAG, rocket branding and all. By choosing it over, say, a blingy gold watch, Musk aligns his personal style with his brand ethos: futuristic, mission-driven, and slightly iconoclastic (after all, TAG Heuer is a high-end brand, but it’s not as pretentious as some Swiss rivals – a perfect fit for Musk’s anti-snob attitude).

Fun fact: Years before this Carrera SpaceX, Musk’s worlds of cars and watches had already intersected. In 2010 Tesla partnered with TAG Heuer to create a one-off “Tag Heuer Tesla Roadster” concept and celebrate TAG’s 150th anniversary. That collaboration involved a Tesla Roadster carrying a TAG Heuer clock, symbolizing the fusion of cutting-edge electric cars and Swiss timekeeping. It’s clear that Musk recognizes the cultural cachet of watches, even if he wears them sparingly – when he does, it’s with purposeful ties to his companies’ narratives.

Did Elon Musk Wear an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra?

Yes – before Tesla truly took off, Musk was spotted with a stainless steel Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra on his wrist. This elegant yet robust watch choice suggests Musk’s appreciation for precision engineering and perhaps nods to Omega’s storied space legacy as the maker of NASA’s Moonwatch.

Back in the mid-2000s (the nascent Tesla days), observers caught Musk wearing an Omega Aqua Terra – specifically a Seamaster 150M with a blue dial and steel bracelet. It’s a refined, understated watch: the Aqua Terra is Omega’s go-anywhere, do-anything model that straddles dressy and sporty. For a man who often paired designer trousers with a simple black shirt, the Omega fit right in. It wasn’t flashy, but it reflected quality and technology. The Seamaster line of course carries associations with both ocean exploration and space (Omega Speedmasters were the first on the moon), so it aligns subtly with Musk’s scientific interests.

Wearing the Omega could have been Musk’s way of enjoying a reliable luxury watch without shouting about it. The Seamaster Aqua Terra features Omega’s co-axial automatic movement and boasts 150 m water resistance – overkill for an office, but emblematic of sturdy engineering. Musk’s choice of the Aqua Terra (rather than a showier Rolex or a complicated tourbillon) hinted at a practical streak. It’s the kind of watch you’d wear for a busy day of meetings or an evening event, confident it complements a suit or casual wear alike. Musk wearing an Omega also telegraphed a bit of space-program cred: Omega’s ties to NASA are legendary, and indeed an Omega X-33 was worn by a SpaceX astronaut on Musk’s first attempt at launching humans to orbit in 2010. While Musk himself opted for the simpler Aqua Terra, the brand connection to space exploration was likely not lost on him. In short, the Omega showed Musk can appreciate heritage and precision in watchmaking, even if he’s not collecting dozens of timepieces.

Does Elon Musk Own a Richard Mille RM 029?

On rare occasions, Musk has indulged in ultra-luxury horology. He has been photographed wearing a Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic – a cutting-edge skeletonized watch worth around $250,000 – highlighting that Musk isn’t oblivious to avant-garde engineering and exclusivity.

Richard Mille watches are often called “the billionaires’ secret handshake” – modern marvels of engineering that cost more than some houses. Elon Musk sporting a Richard Mille was big news for watch spotters, because it seemed so out of character for the typically low-key CEO. In a photo from a few years back, Musk appeared with a large tonneau-shaped watch on a rubber strap; experts deduced it was likely a Richard Mille RM 029 with skeleton dial. This model, released in 2011, has a distinctive high-tech look: a curved titanium case, a complex open-worked dial showing off its gears, and an oversized date display. It’s the kind of timepiece that screams technical innovation, which might be what attracted Musk to it. The RM 029 is not ostentatious with gold or diamonds, but it is unmistakably expensive and technologically advanced – much like Tesla’s highest-end cars or SpaceX’s rockets.

By wearing the RM 029, Musk demonstrated an appreciation for extreme innovation in design. Richard Mille watches are famous for using Formula 1-grade materials, pushing the limits of lightweight construction and shock resistance. As a engineer at heart, Musk could admire those qualities. And interestingly, the RM 029 on Musk’s wrist may have been a moment of personal indulgence or curiosity; he was even spotted attending a Richard Mille event, blending with a crowd of watch aficionados. Market-wise, the RM 029 has soared in value – originally retailing around $176,000, some editions now sell for $300k+ on the secondary market. Musk, of course, isn’t concerned with resale value, but wearing such a piece signals he’s unafraid to dabble in the highest echelon of luxury when it aligns with his interests. It’s a status watch, yes, but also a conversation piece about materials science and design – very on-brand for someone pushing cutting-edge tech in every domain.

Alex V., Luxury Watch Analyst & Digital Sales Expert: “Elon Musk’s approach to watches is a masterclass in strategic personal branding – by largely avoiding ostentatious timepieces, he emphasizes his focus on innovation and practicality. When he does wear a high-end watch, it’s carefully chosen to align with his narrative and passions, from space exploration to cutting-edge engineering.”

How Do Musk’s Watches Compare to Other Tech Titans?

In Silicon Valley, approaches to wristwear vary widely. Musk’s few symbolic watches set him apart from peers – from Jeff Bezos’s pragmatic timepieces to Bill Gates’s famous $30 Casio. The table below contrasts these tech icons’ watch styles and what they signal about each leader.

Tech Billionaire	Notable Watch Habits & Pieces	Style Philosophy
Elon Musk	Rarely wears a watch; when he does, it’s often mission-related (e.g. SpaceX-edition TAG Heuer, Omega Aqua Terra; occasional Richard Mille)	Values symbolism and utility over flashy display, aligning watches to his projects (space, tech)
Jeff Bezos	Wears refined but not overly flashy watches; e.g. Ulysse Nardin Dual Time (his long-time daily watch), and an Omega Speedmaster on Blue Origin space flight	Mix of practical and symbolic choices – favors functional pieces (like a dual time for travel) but chooses iconic models for milestone moments (homage to Apollo with the Speedmaster)
Tim Cook	Almost exclusively wears the Apple Watch (often a unique or prototype model); not known to don mechanical watches at all	Demonstrates loyalty to his company’s tech and a forward-looking ethos. He treats the watch as an extension of the Apple ecosystem rather than a status symbol
Mark Zuckerberg	Historically wore no watch; recently, has been spotted with ultra-high-end pieces like a Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1 (~$900k) and other rare watches	Evolved from extreme minimalism to making a statement with rare horology. Signals a new appreciation for craftsmanship (or newfound desire to display success) after years of avoiding luxury fashion
Bill Gates	Consistently wears inexpensive watches, mainly simple Casio models ($25–$70)【26†L229-L237}; even donned a Microsoft SPOT smartwatch (circa 2004)	Embraces utilitarianism and modesty. Prefers practical, replaceable timekeepers, eschewing luxury to reinforce his down-to-earth, cost-conscious persona despite his vast wealth

As the comparison shows, Elon Musk sits somewhere in the middle of the spectrum: he’s not a true watch collector like some newly converted Mark Zuckerberg, nor does he stick strictly to tech wearables like Tim Cook or ultra-budget pieces like Gates. Musk’s watches serve as strategic accessories – each chosen for a purpose, whether it’s reinforcing the SpaceX narrative or adding a touch of futuristic flair to his otherwise low-key attire.

It’s also worth noting the cultural angle: in the tech world, wearing a fancy mechanical watch can be seen as either an out-of-character indulgence or a deliberate status play. Musk seems acutely aware of this tightrope. By usually going watch-free or wearing something subtle, he cultivates that engineer’s image (focused on work, not trappings). But by occasionally breaking out a limited TAG Heuer or an avant-garde Richard Mille, he shows he’s not oblivious to the art of horology – he simply approaches it on his own terms.

Do Elon Musk’s Watches Hold Their Value? A Look at Brand Resale & Prestige

Beyond style, Musk’s watch picks come from brands with very different market profiles. Below is a snapshot of how these brands’ key models fare in resale value and prestige – from the accessible luxury of TAG Heuer to Richard Mille’s stratospheric exclusivity.

Brand (Model)	Resale Strength (Value Retention)	Brand Prestige / Value
TAG Heuer (Carrera SpaceX Chronograph)	Moderate. The vast majority of TAG Heuer watches lose value after purchase (often reselling for ~70–80% of retail), reflecting the brand’s volume and mid-luxury market position. However, rare limited editions like the SpaceX Carrera can hold value better – sometimes even appreciating among collectors due to their unique SpaceX tie-in.	A respected Swiss luxury brand under LVMH with a rich motorsport heritage. TAG Heuer is seen as accessible luxury – popular and innovative, though a notch below the likes of Rolex or Patek in elitism. The SpaceX edition adds niche collector value but overall brand prestige is mainstream upscale rather than ultra-exclusive.
Omega (Seamaster Aqua Terra)	Good. Omega watches generally hold their value well over time, especially iconic models. Modern Seamaster variants often retain ~60–75% of their retail price in the first few years, which is strong compared to most brands (though still trailing Rolex’s resale performance). The Aqua Terra Musk wore might lose a bit on the secondary market, but Omega’s strong brand and NASA history bolster its long-term collectability.	A prestigious Swiss marque (part of Swatch Group) known worldwide for quality and innovation. Omega’s brand value is high – it’s arguably in the top tier of watchmakers by recognition, thanks to the Moonwatch legacy and James Bond association. While not as “luxurious” as haute brands, Omega carries significant cachet and trust, making its watches both prized and relatively liquid in the resale market.
Richard Mille (RM 029)	Very High. Richard Mille’s limited production and sky-high demand mean many of its watches appreciate after release. The RM 029 Musk donned, for instance, had an ~$176k retail, yet some editions now sell for $250k–$350k+ second-hand. In short, resale often exceeds original price, a rarity in the watch world. Even in standard market conditions, an RM is among the safest bets to hold value due to extreme exclusivity.	An ultra–high-end independent brand synonymous with extreme innovation, avant-garde design, and celebrity clientele. Richard Mille is often described as “the billionaire’s handshake” – its brand value is less about corporate dollars (annual sales ~CHF 1.3B, minuscule output) and more about cultural capital. Owning an RM signifies entry into an elite club. Prestige-wise, it’s at the apex of modern luxury watches, often outshining traditional grandes maisons in buzz and desirability among the super-rich.

Musk’s chosen brands thus span a broad range: Tag Heuer represents the grounded, legacy side of tech-friendly luxury (accessible and story-driven), Omega stands for classic excellence with scientific pedigree, and Richard Mille exemplifies the futuristic, no-holds-barred opulence that only a select few partake in. For a man who straddles multiple industries and fan followings, it’s fitting that Musk’s watch collection touches all these notes.

In the end, Elon Musk’s watch repertoire might be small, but it’s undeniably impactful. Each confirmed watch he wears tells a part of his story – from the SpaceX-badged TAG Heuer that mirrors his cosmic ambitions, to the Omega that hints at an old-school engineer’s soul, to the Richard Mille that peeks at a playful indulgence in cutting-edge art. Musk has essentially weaponized minimalism: by rarely wearing watches, he makes the few he does wear speak louder. For luxury watch enthusiasts and tech trend followers alike, there’s a clear takeaway: in a world where many CEOs use watches to flaunt status, Elon Musk uses them to signal vision. His timepieces aren’t about telling the time – they’re about telling a story. And in true Musk fashion, it’s a story of reaching for Mars, defying norms, and always keeping an eye on the future.

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