I’m a loyal fan of All-In Podcast and have not missed a single episode. I enjoyed watching four top technology investors discussing the hot topics in venture capital, technology, science and politics. Very soon I noticed that Chamath Palihapitiya is a watch guy! But not any ordinary watch guy. He has super high-end pieces that I often could not recognize. I was curious to find out the exact models that I would post some screenshots to my IG account from time to time. Surely, “crowd sourcing” worked! Knowledgable watch collectors helped me solve many watch puzzles!
So, here we are - an unofficial review of Chamath’s watch collection based on his appearances in All-In Podcast and some other interviews. When money is no object, this is the kind of collection one may put together! Any individual timepiece can be easily the grail for you or me. Curated together, it is a rare collection that is out of this world.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual in White Gold
The Datograph from Lange is widely recognized as the best chronograph that is second to none. The movement is like a 3-D mega-city under the loupe. But this piece is a Datograph combined with a perpetual calendar! It is simply mind-bogglingly. An ultimate complication for any collection, no doubt. This piece is still in Lange current catalog and here is the official page for more information.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Rose-Gold
Any Royal Oak model from Audemars Piguet is highly sought-after. I waited for 4 years before getting my hand on a basic self-winding model. What we see here is perhaps the ultimate Royal Oak - the double balance wheel openworked. As the name implies, there is a second balance wheel and balance-spring assembly on the same axis. We may see them in the next two pictures. The payoff is huge - greatly improved precision and stability.
It is a masterpiece demonstrating the unmatched creativity and skills of AP’s watchmakers. That is why the Royal Oak line continues to shine after 50 years of glory. It is a flex piece for any occasions. Chamath had this piece on in an interview conducted at the Stanford Business School (see picture above).
Rolex Daytona 116515LN in Rose Gold
"If you could choose any watch from Rolex's current catalog, what would be your pick?" This question had me stumped in Fantasyland, but now we may have a glimpse into Chamath's preference - the Daytona 116515LN in Rose Gold. The black bezel and sub-dials set against the rose gold case and dial creates a stunning combination that exudes both luxury and elegance.
Richard Mille RM035 Rafael Nadal
It doesn’t look like that Chamath cares for steel sports watches that have had too much hype. Apparently, Chamath wanted a sports watch worn by real star athlete like Rafael Nadal. Richard Mille RM035 was launched in 2011 that set a milestone in long lasting performance under extreme conditions.
Yes, Rafael Nadal did wear the Richard Mille RM035 in several real tennis matches. Nadal began wearing the RM035 in 2011 and continued to wear it in various matches throughout his career. The watch is known for its durability and lightweight design, making it a popular choice among athletes like Nadal who require a watch that can withstand the physical demands of their sport.
Patek Philippe 5159R Perpetual Calendar
This was the most difficult piece to identify, due to poor video quality. From various screenshots, we may notice the particular shape of the crown guard, the long lugs, and the unique buckle. A date ring was almost visible in one of the screenshots. For this timepiece appearing in one All-In Podcast episode 2 weeks ago, the best guess is Patek Philippe 5159R Perpetual Calendar.
This reference was first released in 2007 and no longer in the Patek current collection. Fitted with the self-winding caliber 315 S QR, with a 38 mm diameter case, the reference 5159 totally reworked the dial, displaying the day, month, and leap year in apertures, and featuring a retrograde date indicator arcing over a hand- guilloched sunburst pattern in the center.
A perpetual calendar from Patek Philippe truly stands at the pinnacle of fine watchmaking. 5159R might be one of the best looking PCs among Patek’s long list of PC references from 1925 to present. Kudos to Chamath’s excellent taste in choosing this exquisite time.
A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite” in White Gold
It is a watch that looks deceitfully simply - a 3 hander not even with a date. However, Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite” is perhaps one of the most complicated pieces offered by Lange today. What makes it special is the fusée-and-chain transmission in the Caliber L044.1. The fusée-and-chain transmission is one of the most effective complications when it comes to increasing the rate accuracy of a mechanical watch.
The Richard Lange "Pour le Mérite" timepiece is a prime example of why Chamath is considered one of today's top watch connoisseurs, more so than any other timepiece.
Last Words
Obviously, Chamath is all-in the most exclusive and exquisite watches out there. He shows wonderful taste in choosing the best offerings from the very top brands. He loves complications like perpetual calendar and chronograph. He prefers precious metals for sure and doesn’t seem to care for the steel sports hype. He picked the real sports watch that one can wear to a tennis game. He likes designs ranging from true classic to modern openworked. He is highly selective and favors the established brands that will be here in another hundred years. Last but not least, he actually wears his watches instead of just keeping them as safe queens.
While I enjoy every episode of the All-In Podcast, I am particularly interested in seeing Chamath's watch collection. Perhaps, at some point in the future, he may be willing to share his entire collection with us.
Super cool post man, that final Lange is mega cool too.
Why did it ever become acceptable for humans to flaunt their wealth? Posing to show your $100,000 watch on your wrist is certainly a statement. That statement being, “My watch is worth more than most peoples net worth…envy me…I’m more valuable a human than you..”