One to watch: Timepiece collector Lionel Messi still shining on the world stage
The world’s most famous footballer, Lionel Messi, has been single-handedly carrying the hopes of his nation during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The Argentina ace scored the crucial first goal in their 2-0 victory over Mexico in what could be his last major tournament.
Now playing for Paris Saint-Germain team, he’s also spent more than two decades at FC Barcelona.
Aside from his incredible skill on the field, the captain of the Argentinian national team, is also very well known for his amazing watch collection including Rolex, Patek and Audemars Piguet – said to be worth millions.
At a recent press conference for this year’s World Cup he wore one of our favourite pieces – an 18ct Patek Philippe Nautilus.
5740/1G
The white gold reference 5740/1G is a sought-after watch, fetching prices of around £220,000 on secondary markets.
We just love this piece which was the first grand complication to appear in the Nautilus collection, with both a perpetual calendar and a moonphase indicator, as well as an ultra-slim self-winding 240Q movement.
Offering a distinct sporting appeal yet with technical sophistication, this watch is Patek’s thinnest perpetual calendar with a bracelet that is fully equipped with a new fold-over clasp for extra security.
The blue sunburst dial with applied gold hour markers and luminescent coating makes this the perfect vision on the wrist – and it’s also water resistant to 60 metres.
A Patek fan
As well as Patek, Messi also loves Rolex and Audemars Piguet and boasts a fair number of watches from those brands too.
But the fancy Nautilus above isn’t the only one in his locker. The forward also owns a rose gold Nautilus Flyback Chronograph and a white gold Aquanaut Chronograph.
Rolex
Messi has been spotted on several occasions with a fancy Datejust (reference 126231) with a redesigned case and new calibre 3235. His choice is the steel and Everose gold option on a striking dark rhodium dial. A jubilee bracelet completes the look.
He also owns a sparkly white gold Rolex Submariner (ref 116659SABR) with blue dial and matching sapphires and diamonds around the lugs and crown guard.
On an instagram post Messi (pictured with his wife Antonela) can be seen with a sought-after Rolex Daytona on his wrist – it has a ceramic bezel and white panda dial.
Audemars Piguet
And let’s not forget when he signed up with Audemars Piguet for his Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph. It was based on a 42mm Royal Oak but came in three options: steel (500 pieces), rose gold (400 pieces) and platinum (100 pieces), all with leather straps.
Want your own showstopper? We stock a range of new and pre-worn luxury timepieces and have something suitable for everyone. Contact our Epping boutique today.