In the sea of Rolexes, Patek Philippes, and Richard Milles, we take a look at some business leaders who choose to be different by wearing watches which are not too common in the boardroom.
Manny Osmeña and his Franck Muller Long Island
Manny Osmeña is the President and CEO of the Manny O Group which has interests in hotels, restaurants, and airline support services. Franck Muller is known as a watchmaker which produces complicated timepieces with unique designs. The Long Island watch on the wrist of Manny Osmeña is an interesting piece as the size of the watch begs for your attention, yet the watch is only known to those with deep knowledge in watches.
Ernest Cu and his Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde
Ernest Cu is the President and CEO of Globe Telecom, Inc. Jaquet Droz watches have been popular with serious collectors for a period now. The Grande Seconde Ivory in gold fits well with the corporate attire of Ernest Cu as the watch model is in its plain and purest form.
Lance Gokongwei and his Ball Fireman Night Train
Lance Gokongwei is the President and CEO of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. He is the only son of the late business tycoon John Gokongwei. The Gokongweis are known to be frugal and simple notwithstanding their financial standing. The Ball Fireman Night Train is a good sight to see on the wrist of Lance Gokongwei as it is a well-built watch for a price of well below P100,000. Ball as a brand is known best for its involvement in providing uniform timekeeping in railroads.
Jacques Branellec and his Breitling Aerospace Evo
Jacques Branellec is one of the leaders of well-known international luxury brand Jewelmer. The Breitling Aerospace Evo provides Jacques Branellec with both function and style. The Aerospace line was launched In 1985 and it notably features a multifunction chronograph.
Wick Veloso and his Patek Philippe Calatrava 6006G
Wick Veloso is the President and CEO of Philippine National Bank. As one of the most prominent bankers in the Philippines, it is only fitting for Wick to rely on his Patek Philippe Calatrava. With the wave of people jumping on Patek just because of the Nautilus, it is quite refreshing to know that people like Wick still use these equally beautiful Patek models.
Amb. Jose “Joey” E. B. Antonio and his F.P. Journe Octa
Amb. Joey Antonio is the Founder and Chairman of Century Properties Group. His company has grown to be one of the largest real estate corporations in the Philippines. Given that Amb. Antonio is known for his fine tastes in art, it is not surprising that he wears an F.P. Journe Octa. F.P. Journe is one of the most sought-after independent watchmaking brands due to the quality and due to the extremely limited production of its watches.
To learn more about the other watches of the business leaders in the Philippines, click here.
A Professional and his Watch is a section where Watch Manila features individuals in certain specific fields and their watches which help them in their specific fields of work.
Newly engaged couple Charm de Leon and Jet Luga both followed paths which are not often taken. Instead of going for “regular” jobs, Charm and Jet opted to pursue their respective passions. The decision to take the road less traveled has paid off for both of them as they are experiencing success in their respective endeavors.
Charm is the founder of the hit YouTube channel Ready2Adult PH
Charm de Leon
Charm de Leon is known by many for her hit personal finance YouTube channel called “Ready2Adult PH” wherein she makes videos mainly about investing and being smart with your money. Aside from her channel, Charm has also invested in a handful of other businesses.
Charm wearing her Omega
According to Charm, she only got into watches when she met her boyfriend, Jet. In an effort to connect with him better, Charm learned more about watches and asked her father about it. Her father had an Omega from the 1970s which was given to him by Charm’s mother as an engagement gift. Aside from the Omega, the father of Charm also had a Rolex Datejust from the late 1980s or early 1990s. Both the Omega and Rolex were handed down to Charm.
As Charm is expanding her career, businesses, and investments, she is trying to improve her time management skills. She believes that a watch is more than just a tool. It also represents your hopes and dreams and everything you aspire to be.
Being a financial literacy advocate, Charm believes that aside from the sentimental value which timepieces may have, there are some watches which actually retain monetary value good enough to be considered as investments.
Jet is a writer and a co-host of Fiction Friends podcast
Jet Luga
Jet Luga is a writer and a co-host of Fiction Friends podcast. Jet also recently started his YouTube channel which focuses on productivity, tech, and wellness. According to Jet, he’s already had an affinity for watches when he first started working as a writer. After climbing his way up in the industry, Jet was able to purchase a timepiece with his own earnings. The watch he first purchased was the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chrono Le Petit Prince Edition. The IWC is special to him as the watch is a tribute edition to one of his favorite books and it also constantly reminds him of how far his writing can take him. In the same year, Jet, a self-confessed James Bond fan, purchased an Omega Seamaster 300 due to the versatility of the watch and due to Omega’s affiliation with James Bond. He describes the Omega as a perfect watch from “beach to boardroom”.
Jet wearing his Omega Seamaster 300
According to Jet, time has always been important to him as he is obsessed with productivity and efficiency. More than that, the watches of Jet always reminds him of what his focus and hard work can accomplish.
The watches of Charm and Jet (from top to bottom): Omega Automatic, Omega Seamaster 300, IWC Pilot’s Watch Chrono Le Petit Prince Edition, and Rolex Datejust.
Charm and Jet are only at the starting line. With the early success experienced by this beautiful couple, there is no denying that the future is bright for them. Clearly, when passion is pursued with hard work and efficient time management, anything is possible.
You may follow Charm’s popular channel Ready2Adult PHhere. You may also follow Jet Luga’s YouTube Channelhere. If you’re interested in books, you may listen to Fiction Friends podcast, co-hosted by Jet on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other streaming services.
A respected leader in business, Alice Eduardo is the President and CEO of one of the largest construction companies Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation. She is also fondly called as the “Woman of Steel” in reference to her involvement in the construction industry.
What many people do not know is that one of the key pillars behind her success is her mastery of time. This mastery of time and her love for machines is manifested through her vast collection of timepieces. Alice was gracious enough to share with Watch Manila some of her favorite timepieces.
Before we take a peek at some of her watches, let us first understand how Alice has commanded time to be on her side.
Master of Time
Most of the people usually deal with the struggle of work-life balance. This, however, is not the case with Alice. Instead of drawing a fine line between work and life, Alice strives to harmonize both. This is how she manages to exceed both the strong demands of work and family life.
Alice Eduardo with her children (standing) and her parents (sitting). Image from Alice Eduardo.
Aside from being a full-time boss at Sta. Elena, Alice is likewise a hands-on mother to her wonderful children. Furthermore, Alice makes sure to have breakfast daily with her parents. Weekends are usually reserved for bonding with her children, her parents, and her siblings with their families.
Her close relationship with her family fuels her with positive energy to hurdle her work throughout the week. This is why Alice is laser-focused when she’s working, resulting to success. Her business success, in turn, allows her to spend more quality time with her family. The cycle which Alice has created is one worth emulating as both work and family do not sacrifice for each other.
When the world was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, Alice gave an even greater emphasis on family bonding and quality time. Alice knows that time is something which you can never buy. And this is why she makes sure to give time and prioritize the people and the things that really matter in life.
To be constantly reminded of how precious time is, Alice has steadily collected a handful of fine timepieces.
Beginnings of her Collection
Alice’s first notable watch was a Rolex Datejust similar to this.
As with many watch collectors, Alice Eduardo’s first notable and expensive watch was a Rolex Datejust in two-tone. The Datejust was the standard go-to watch for business leaders from the 1980s up to the 2000s. Not long after, Alice purchased a gold Rolex Datejust in a President bracelet. Next, Alice moved deeper into the world of watches as she purchased a Patek Philippe Nautilus and a Patek Philippe Aquanaut.
Richard Mille
Alice with one of her Richard Mille RM-07 watches and an image of a similar Richard Mille watch.
By the late 2000s, Alice’s watch collection was already notable. This is the time when she stumbled upon a then little-known brand called Richard Mille. Alice recalls that when she first saw a Richard Mille watch in a boutique window in Singapore it was “love at first sight”. She describes the watch design with the brand’s tagline “a racing machine on the wrist”. Alice then entered the store to try on the RM-07 which she initially expected to be heavy. To her surprise, the watch was very light. Not long after she visited Singapore, Alice purchased her first Richard Mille, the RM-07, in the brand’s boutique in Beverly Hills.
Some of Alice’s Richard Mille models: RM-067 (L) and RM-037 (R). Below the two watches is a dedication written by Mr. Richard Mille to Alice.
Alice’s RM-023.
The RM-07 would soon be joined by several other Richard Mille models, including the RM-037 and the RM-067. Her love for the Richard Mille watch brand has led her to become friends with Mr. Richard Mille himself and his family. In fact, during one event which Mr. Mille hosted in Paris, he confided to Alice that the RM-023 is so “you”. Eventually and unsurprisingly, Alice purchased the watch.
Other Watches
From left to right: Rolex Daytona with diamonds, Rolex Daytona (Panda dial), Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167R.
Alice also adores her other watches aside from Richard Mille. Among her other favorites are her Rolex Daytona, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Patek Philippe Aquanaut. She also has watches from other well-loved brands such as Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Roger Dubuis, among others.
Lessons in Buying Watches
Alice Eduardo with Watch Manila Founder Sieg Suarez
Considering her extensive experience in collecting watches, there are three lessons which everyone can learn from Alice when buying a watch: 1. You must like the watch; 2. Buy to commemorate; and 3. Always remember that the most important thing the watch represents is time itself.
When you buy a watch, you have to keep in mind that you will be the one using it. As such, you have to make sure that the watch is comfortable and is visually appealing to you. The watch you purchase will accompany you for a long time and it is important that you choose a watch which you like and not what others like.
Alice is one who believes in commemorating certain milestones with watches. She points out to several watches in her collection which represented some of the major projects which she closed. You may also purchase a watch to commemorate the birth of a child or an important anniversary milestone. At times, you do need to remind yourself of what you’ve achieved so far in life and a timepiece serves as a great reminder.
Lastly, Alice knows that all the watches she’s accumulated are merely reminders of God’s gift of time. While we can appreciate the beauty, the craftsmanship, and the complications of a timepiece, we always need to be reminded that the biggest value in watches is what it ultimately represents: time itself and how we spend it.
Alice Eduardo is a truly inspiring woman. With time on her side, Alice continues to work on her projects and dream even bigger. Alice lives by the quote “if you are willing to work hard, you can achieve anything. No structure is too grand, or task too difficult. No dream is out of reach.” Alice is living proof that hard work coupled with the understanding of time pays off.
When you hear “luxury timepiece or watch”, you are likely to think of Rolex or Patek Philippe. But one brand which aims to make a noise in the watch segment is Stefano Ricci. Just what or who is Stefano Ricci?
For starters, Stefano Ricci is a luxury lifestyle brand, named after himself. The brand, which is based in Florence, Italy, is known for their menswear, home, and lifestyle pieces. In the Philippines, Stefano Ricci is present through their standalone boutique in Solaire Resort & Casino located at the Entertainment City in Metro Manila.
While the brand has been around since 1972, it was only in last year when Stefano Ricci entered the world of high horology with their SR Octagon watch line. Locally, the Philippine boutique has a stock of the SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux Edition which is limited to 10 pieces worldwide.
SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux Edition
Design
One of the inspirations for the watch design: the octagonal dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy.
The design of the watch is definitely unique and a little polarizing even. The first thing that might come to mind for people is that the watch is either inspired primarily by Chinese beliefs or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak due to its octagonal shape. But this is not the case. According to Mr. Stefano Ricci, the main inspiration for the watch springs from his hometown. Further, the reference to the octagonal shape of the watch is from the notable structures in Florence: Battistero di San Giovanni, the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Tribuna of the Uffizi. Mr. Ricci intends for the watch to be an entire tribute to Florence.
On the left, you will see the intricate cover of the casebook. On the right, once you flip open the cover, you will see the movement.
The case of the SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux is made of 18K white gold and it has a watch face diameter measuring 45.5mm and a thickness of 14.8mm. The dial is in a deep blue shade and features the chronograph function and a date window, aside from the time. This Diamond Lux model has 88 diamonds, totaling to over 8 carats, throughout the watch set with the ancient a battuta method wherein the metal is hammered around the precious stones before being polished. When you flip the watch to see the back side, you will be amazed with the intricate hand-etched caseback cover. The cover can be flipped open to reveal the beautiful movement powering the watch.
The SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux on the wrist of Watch Manila’s Atty. Sieg Suarez. On both images, you will observe how large the watch actually is on the wrist. On the picture on the right, you will notice that there are diamonds set on the side of the case aside from those set on the bezel and on the clasp.
The SR Octagon wears big and will definitely suit those with large wrists. The heft of the watch is really evident from all angles. Further, as with any other watch in gold and with diamonds, the watch naturally wears heavy on the wrist.
The clasp, like the bezel, is octagonal in shape and features 24 diamonds.
Despite the size and the heft, the strap of the watch feels comfortable as it is made from alligator leather. Notably, the watch clasp is also octagonal in shape and features 24 diamonds.
Movement
The SR Octagon Chronograph features a self-winding mechanism with a power reserve of 42 to 50 hours depending on the usage of the chronograph function. The base of the movement is by watch manufacturer Parmigiani Fleurier (PF331) combined with a Dubois-Dépraz Chronograph module. As a chronograph, the watch indicates sub-dials for small seconds (at 3), chronograph hours (at 6), and chronograph minutes (at 9).
Thoughts
The SR Octagon watch line was created in order to expand the Stefano Ricci lifestyle to fine watches.
The design of the watch is definitely a conversation-starter. Stefano Ricci will definitely have the watch industry talking. As to whether the watch design will be embraced or rejected, this is yet to be seen.
Going beyond the design, you will realize that the watch is really well-made. To their credit, Stefano Ricci really tried to put together a watch with the best possible case, material, and movement. While the brand cannot boast of centuries of watchmaking heritage, their maiden attempt at watches is respectable from a quality standpoint.
The SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux watch retails for just a little over P13,000,000.00.
You may visit Stefano Ricci at its boutique located at The Shoppes at Solaire Resort and Casino. You may also contact them at: +63 2 9754369 and manila@stefanoricci.com
A Professional and his Watch is a section where Watch Manila features individuals in certain specific fields and their watches which help them in their specific fields of work.
Dr. Marion Teruel is a pediatrician for a government hospital. Instead of holding clinic in a private institution like his other peers, Dr. Teruel chose to serve the public and the needy. According to him, he finds a tremendous sense of fulfillment in helping those who really need medical assistance but are unable to afford the adequate care.
Dr. Teruel has been collecting watches for a long time already.
The watch which gets a lot of wrist time is his Rolex Submariner.
According to Dr. Teruel, having a reliable timepiece is critical in his work as it helps him craft a proper medical management plan for each of his patients. He also relies on his Rolex Submariner to give him accurate measurements of vital signs and respiratory rates. Finally, being a doctor requires that you’re on top of things 24/7. His watch ensures that he can always monitor his patients at the correct intervals and administer medicines during the proper schedules.
Ask the buyers of the Apple Watch on the reason why they bought it. How many people bought it primarily to tell time? The answer you will get will probably be close to zero.
Clearly, the Apple Watch is not a watch. Despite this, I’m not saying that the Apple Watch is not good. In fact, the Apple Watch brings to the table a lot of features which may be useful for your daily life.
It can be said that the Apple Watch is a portable media device with a watch display as its main background. As with other Apple products, the Apple Watch has so many varied functions such as calling, messaging, fitness tracking, location services and GPS positioning, and music controls, among others. After considering the features, you realize that the watch portion of the device is simply the standby display.
The Apple Watch is firstly an extension and a miniature version of the iPhone, and secondly a display which shows the time.
Where does the Apple Watch fit?
Apple has done well in selling the Apple Watch to: 1) existing Apple users who do not wear a watch/fitness tracker; 2) fitness and exercise buffs, and 3) those who are curious simply because it’s an Apple.
Having said the above, the Apple Watch has no dramatic effect on the mechanical and luxury watch industry. Six years into its life, clearly it will not have the same effect as Quartz when it threatened the Swiss watch industry in 1970s. Many analysts have put out figures showing that the Apple Watch has “outsold” the major watch players. What these analysts failed to consider is that the Apple Watch does not fully fall in the category as a “watch”. The Apple Watch has eaten some of the market for watches and some of the market for wearables. As a product, it could be seen as an in-between. Really, the biggest impact of the Apple Watch is more on the digital/electronic wearables sphere. Apple has brilliantly created a demand for a portable device disguised as a watch.
Image from Bloomberg.
Watch industry remains strong
With Apple taking a different market, the Swiss watch industry can breathe better now. Swiss watch sales have been strong and solid in the past few years.
People who collect and appreciate timepieces know that the watches are not only instruments in telling time, but are also artworks. Timepieces stand the test of time and are usually passed down from generation to generation. The Apple Watch is not an artwork which you can collect and pass down. Further the Apple Watch falls into the same trap like other consumer electronics as it will be replaced by a newer model sooner than later.
The victory of the Apple Watch as an electronic device is also its downfall as a timepiece. While the Apple Watch may be functional as an electronic device, it will never outlast your ever reliable watch.
Dr. Yong Larrazabal, President of CebuDoc Group of Hospitals, wears an Apple Watch on his right wrist and a Rolex Day-Date on his left wrist. Image from Dr. Larrazabal’s Instagram @yonglarrazabal
Apple Watch in the Future
The Apple Watch has found a purpose: an additional personal accessory which Apple will market to the people. Apple has done a great job with it by incorporating key features such as the ECG and the SOS functions. In this regard the Apple Watch has revolutionized the wearables industry as it has slowly made people wear an additional electronic device. In fact, there is an increasing population within the watch collecting community who wears the Apple Watch on one wrist and a timepiece of their choice on the other. The Apple watch has slowly found itself co-existing well with traditional watches.
But as to whether Apple will be able to convert people to dump their Seikos, Omegas, Rolexes, and Pateks, it just won’t happen en masse. Regardless of what functions they add to the Apple Watch, it will never replace a proper timepiece.
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Watches are always a good idea to give to your father. More than the watch itself, a watch is symbolic of time. I have always said that when you give someone a watch, you promise him or her a part of your time forever. Check out these luxury watches which are perfect as gifts for every type of dad:
For the sporty
Breitling Super Chronomat B01
Case: 44mm
Movement: Automatic, up to 70hrs power reserve
Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200m
SRP: P609,000
The Breitling Chronomat is a classic. You can confidently do anything while wearing it on your wrist. For 2021, Breitling has come out with refreshed models of the Chronomat, including the model featured here.
For the businessman
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
Case: 36mm
Movement: Automatic, up to 43hrs power reserve
Material: 18k Pink Gold
SRP: P1,410,000
Vacheron Constantin completes the “Holy Trinity of Watchmaking” alongside Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. It is the least known among the three. Notwithstanding the lack of popularity, Vacheron Constantin produces watches which are of equal, or even greater, quality with the other Swiss watch manufacturers. The Patrimony is Vacheron Constantin’s answer to the minimalist formal wristwatch. Aside from the beauty of the Patrimony, it is also powered by a movement which carries the Geneva Seal. This watch definitely commands respect in the boardroom.
For the traveller
IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph
Case: 46mm
Movement: Automatic, up to 68hrs power reserve
Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 60m
SRP: $11,900
Known more for the traditional Pilot’s watches, IWC also produces watches for other purposes. The Timezoner is essentially a Pilot’s watch with a multiple time-zone display. IWC has done a great job with sticking to its roots and incorporating other mechanisms which make this watch beautiful and functional at the same time. The Timezoner is perfect for the dad who loves to travel and see the world.
For the adventurer
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925
Case: 39mm
Movement: Automatic, up to 70hrs power reserve
Material: Silver
Water resistance: 200m
SRP: P214,000
Tudor has had a magnificent 2021 so far. Most of their watches have been met with general praise from the watch community. One of their standout watches is this Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925. To most, it looks like the ordinary Black Bay Fifty-Eight. However, this watch is made from silver and not stainless steel. This watch absolutely stuns in all aspects from its looks down to its movement. Any father will be happy to wear this to any adventure.
For the dad who loves the beach
Omega Planet Ocean 600m
Case: 45.5mm
Movement: Automatic, up to 60hrs power reserve
Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 600m
SRP: EUR6,400
Omega needs no introduction. Aside from the quality which Omega is known for, this Planet Ocean carries with it a very beautiful and vibrant mood. While no dad will probably dive with this watch to 600m (which it is capable of), most dads would love to be accompanied by this watch to the beach.
For your grandfather
Rolex Cellini Time
Case: 39mm
Movement: Automatic, up to 43hrs power reserve
Material: 18ct Everose Gold
Water resistance: 50m
SRP: P816,000
Grandfathers are often known to be people who love the classics and who have substance and style. The Rolex Cellini is the perfect embodiment of such traits. You may never be able to reciprocate the love given by your grandfather, but you can always give a watch which will always remind him of the strong bond you two have for each other.
A Professional and his Watch is a section where Watch Manila features individuals in certain specific fields and their watches which help them in their specific fields of work.
Paolo Maceren is a pilot for a local airliner. He has been flying for 12 years now, and he has been collecting watches for those 12 as well.
Paolo’s favorite watch to take flying is his IWC Mark XV.
The IWC Mark XV is a perfect companion for Paolo when he is flying. According to Paolo the watch is easily legible, not too big a size to be intrusive, matches his uniform, and is anti-magnetic to protect against the cockpit environment. Lastly, in the unlikely event of a water landing, the watch waterproof.
If there is one name which is most synonymous to luxury watch it would be Rolex. Why is Rolex so expensive and why is it the most famous luxury watch brand in the world? There are four factors which are responsible for why Rolex is expensive:
Quality
Rarity of Certain Models
Advertisement
Endorsers
Quality
Rolex watches are notorious for being overengineered. Before a Rolex rolls out of its factory, the movements are sent to COSC, a center which certifies accurate movements, to ensure that all Rolex movements are up to the best standards. Once the movement has passed all the tests, they are certified as chronometers.
It is also important to note that Rolex is focused on one thing: making some of the highest quality watches in the world. Rolex has steered clear of highly complicated watches and decided to concentrate on improving their movements. This is the reason why the Rolex watches are some of the highest quality watches you can buy.
In essence, it can be said that Rolex makes simple watches and they make them really good.
Rarity of Certain Models
Try to go to an authorized dealer and look for sports models (such as the Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master) and you will find none or close to none. The sports watches of Rolex are difficult to find with your authorized dealer and that is why it commands a premium at the secondary market. In the Philippines, the waitlist for the GMT-Master II Ref. 126710 BLRO a.k.a “Pepsi” is too long to even ask. A similar waitlist stands for the GMT-Master II Ref. 126710 BLNR a.k.a. “Batman”. The high demand coupled with low supply from the authorized dealers have led to the spike in the prices of certain Rolex watches.
For reference, the GMT-Master II steel models retail around P500,000. However, due to the unavailability, prices in the black market range from P800,000-P1,000,000. A Daytona has a listed SRP of P703,500. In the black market, the Daytona starts at P1,400,000 and goes up to around P1,700,000.
Advertisement
Rolex has always used the media to portray the power and the strength of its watches. Look at the following iconic advertisements which will make you want to buy a Rolex.
The clear message which Rolex is sending is that the common factor behind successful people is that they were all wearing a Rolex watch when they made history.
Endorsers and Wearers
A Rolex watch has been seen in the wrists of many famous men and women. Most recently in the US, newly-elected President Joe Biden was spotted wearing a Datejust. His two immediate predecessors, Former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama, were also seen wearing Rolex watches.
Casino mogul Steve Wynn and Centi-Billionaire Warren Buffett both wear the Rolex Day-Date watch.
From the business industry, notable people who wear Rolex watches are Warren Buffett and Steve Wynn. Locally, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Enrique Razon, Jr., and Alice Eduardo, among others have been spotted wearing Rolex watches.
(L-R) In the Philippines, construction magnate Alice Eduardo wears a Rolex Daytona, Ayala Corporation boss Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala wears a Rolex Explorer, and ICTSI and Solaire owner Enrique Razon wears a Rolex Yacht-Master II.
In the entertainment industry, Michael Buble and Jay-Z are known to wear Rolex watches. In the Philippines, two of the three mainstays of Eat Bulaga, Vic Sotto and Tito Sotto (Senate President), have recently been seen wearing Rolex watches in the image uploaded by Joey de Leon.
Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto (with his Rolex Yacht-Master), and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto (with his Rolex Sky-Dweller) Photo from Joey de Leon’s Instagram page @angpoetnyo.Known artist Dingdong Dantes and his Rolex Sky-Dweller. His Rolex was a gift from his wife Marian Rivera.
The personalities shown in this page are just a fraction of people who wear Rolex watches. In the deep roster of Rolex patrons and endorsers, it is almost sure that there is someone wearing a Rolex that you look up to (and you hate). The impact of seeing someone you admire wearing a Rolex is very strong.
Combination
The combination of the four aforementioned factors has surely driven the prices for Rolex watches up. Despite the increase in the price of Rolex, the demand for their watches has not yet slowed down. It appears that people still reward themselves with a “Crown for Every Achievement”. Expect Rolex to continue its hold and dominance in the luxury watch industry in the coming years and decades.
For the past year, Watch Manila has been identifying the watches of the men and women who lead Philippine business scene. We look back at the most liked posts of business leaders and their watches.
Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala
Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala (Rolex Explorer and IWC Portuguese)
Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala has just recently relinquished his post as the President and CEO of Ayala Corporation, one of the largest and oldest conglomerates in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. Currently, he has stepped back to a more relaxed role as Chairman of Ayala Corporation.
Jaime has been seen wearing different watches. So far, Watch Manila has identified a Rolex Explorer 39mm (Mk I), Rolex Air-King, an IWC Portuguese, and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
The first ever post of Watch Manila features Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala wearing his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Fernando Zobel De Ayala
Fernando Zobel De Ayala and his Patek Philippe Nautilus
Fernando Zobel De Ayala ascended to the position of President and CEO of Ayala Corporation on April 2021 after his older brother Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala stepped down. Ayala Corporation has business interests in real estate, banking, telecoms, energy, and infrastructure among others.
In the image, Fernando is seen wearing the much coveted Patek Philippe Nautilus. The current iteration of the plain steel Nautilus (ref. 5711) has been discontinued earlier this year. A limited run of green ref. 5711s have been introduced at the recently concluded Watches and Wonders.
Felix Ang
Felix Ang and his IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar
Felix Ang is the President of Auto Nation Group, the general importer and distributor of Mercedes Benz vehicles, parts, and accessories in the Philippines. Aside from this, Felix is also responsible for the presence in the Philippines of Jaguar, Land Rover, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Harley-Davidson, among others.
Felix has been seen wearing an IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar IW5021. The IWC features a moonphase, date, month, day, and a perpetual calendar which doesn’t need to be adjusted until the year 2100.
Carmen Jimenez-Ong
Carmen Jimenez-Ong and her Patek Philippe Aquanaut
Carmen Jimenez-Ong is the CEO and Founder of Menarco Development Corporation. Her first project, the Menarco Tower, is known as the healthiest building in Southeast Asia and is certified gold in both LEED and WELL. Carmen is the daughter of one of the owners of GMA Network, Menardo Jimenez.
Carmen is seen wearing one of the earlier versions of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut. The Aquanaut was launched by Patek Philippe in 1997. The case was inspired by that of the Nautilus.
Alice Eduardo
Alice Eduardo and her Rolex Daytona
Alice Eduardo is the President and CEO of Sta. Elena Construction. Alice is often referred to as the “Woman of Steel”. Her company is responsible for the foundations of several landmarks in the Philippines such as the SM Mall of Asia, Solaire Resort and Casino, City of Dreams Manila, among others.
Alice has been seen wearing a Rolex Daytona and a Richard Mille RM07. The Rolex of Alice in the image above is the so-called Rolex Daytona “Panda” due to the design which resembles in some way the color scheme of a panda. This is one of the most difficult models to get from Rolex.
Watch Manila 