In light of J Balvin's investment in Bezel, we're taking a closer look at best-selling Latin artist's extensive collection of grail watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and more.
Regardless of whether he’s topping the charts, working on new music, or simply out and about enjoying all that life has to offer, you’ll often find a double take-worthy watch on the wrist of the best-selling Latin artist J Balvin. In light of Balvin's investment in Bezel, we're taking a closer look at the best-selling Latin artist's extensive collection of grail watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and more. Noted for his nothing if not extensive collection, the “Prince of Reggaeton” is without question a collector of the highest caliber.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at a few of our favorite grail-status pieces from the collection of the one and only J Balvin.
Once on the wrist, the appropriately nicknamed “Rainbow” is one of those watches that’s hard to not become enamored with. As the owner of a black dial fitted example executed in white gold, Balvin would agree it’s a tough piece to resist. The result of meticulous gemmological mastery and gem-setting expertise, this grail-status Daytona is prominently distinguished by its bezel, set with 36 baguette-cut sapphires of the absolute highest quality, together forming a perfect rainbow gradient.
Despite what some collectors might expect, Rolex’s history of factory gem-set Daytona production dates back to the mid 1980s when the legendary Swiss watchmaker produced the sapphire and diamond-set references 6269 and 6270. Having inspired a wide range of other watchmakers (Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, etc) to produce similarly styled gem-set pieces, the Rainbow follows in the footsteps of the aforementioned pioneering references with undeniable influence and ease.
This Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet is one such example of Rolex’s influence on the watchmaking world at large, given how the opulent “Rainbow” Daytona undeniably provided aesthetic inspiration, and guided the development of this multicolored gem-set reference. However unlike any Daytona reference before, this Royal Oak features a Florentine style case finishing that mimics the appearance of pavé diamond setting using a seemingly infinite number of miniscule facets throughout the case and bracelet.
From its uniquely frosted case finishing, to its factory rainbow gem-set bezel, to its openworked movement flexing dual balance wheels, this sought after variant of the Royal Oak really offers it all, leaving little for the important collector to be left still wanting. Considering how often J Balvin is seen out wearing the lavish configuration of the iconic Audemars Piguet, it’s safe to say he too is more than satisfied with this one.
Limited to just 5 pieces in total for the entire global market, this ultra rare work of horological art from Richard Mille demands not only a serious interest in watches to fully appreciate, but an undeniable willingness to invest heavily in the art of watchmaking. Advancing the craft forward while amassing an important collection, Balvin being offered the opportunity to purchase such a watch speaks to the artist's importance in the eyes of major manufactures, as well as his taste for advanced, avant-garde watches.
Setting it apart from previous iterations of the tourbillon-equipped Richard Mille, Balvin's limited edition example is cased rather uniquely in fully transparent, brown colored sapphire crystal, affording the ability to view the advanced Swiss movement at any which angle you so desire. Fitted to a translucent rubber strap , matching the similarly clear rubber-accented crown, the seldom-seen, sought-after reference offers a decidedly different take on haute horology than more traditional expressions.
One of several watches from Patek Philippe in the Medellín-born singer and rapper’s collection, it’s hard to deny just how tasteful the two tone Nautilus Chronograph looks in stainless steel and rose gold, with a complementary blue dial. Elevating an icon by way of complication, the reference 5980/1AR-001 is perhaps one of the best additions ot the Nautilus collection in recent years.
In addition to offering the conventional stopwatch functionality you’d expect of a traditional chronograph, the Nautilus Chronograph is distinguished by its ability to time multiple instances in rapid succession. Being a “flyback” chronograph, the complication can be reset and restarted with the press of a single pusher, distinguishing Patek Philippe from a great deal of their competition, and furthering their synonymy with advanced mechanical movements.
Similarly in line with the Colores artist’s love for all things colorful, Balvin’s Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is nothing if not vibrant and eye-catching. Considering the Yacht-Master’s position within the Rolex catalog as a more luxurious alternative to the hardwearing Submariner, this specific reference could be seen as the ultimate expression of the collection’s grandiose ethos.
Unlike the “Rainbow” bezels notably fitted to Daytona references in recent years, this factory gem-set Yacht-Master 40 reference has an altogether different feel on the wrist, that’s arguably more whimsical. Likened to Haribo gummies as a result of its playful coloring, the reference 116695SAT’s bezel is comprised of 38 sapphires, 8 tsavorites, and a single diamond at the 12 o’clock position. Like any other factory gem-set Rolex, the quality of both the stones and the execution of their setting is unmatched.
Since its introduction in 2018, Patek Philippe’s orange-accented Aquanaut Chronograph has made waves amongst important collectors and cultural icons alike, including but not limited to Drake, Lionel Messi, DJ Khaled, and Larry June. J. Balvin also proudly calls one of the Swiss sports chronographs his own, and has been seen wearing the watch while sitting courtside at Miami Heat games.
The stainless steel Aquanaut chronograph is something of a relatively lighter piece in comparison to the rest of the Colombian artist’s highly-curated, heavy-hitting collection, though it’s still a certfiiable grail in its own right, handsomely pairing traditional craftsmanship with sports-focused design sensibilities like few others can. Whether mounted on a black or vibrant orange “Tropical” composite strap, this reference is noted for its comfortable feel on the wrist.
Perhaps the crown jewel of Balvin’s collection heavily gem-set icons, the factory diamond-set white gold reference 5719/10G Nautilus exists within a league of its own, naturally attracting a particularly star-studded crop of collectors. Masterfully set with 1,343 flawless diamonds, the high jewelry interpretation of Gérald Genta’s famed design boasts approximately 18.73 total carats, adorning the entirety of its bezel, lugs, dial, and bracelet.
One of the rarest modern executions of the celebrated luxury sports watch, the presence of this Patek Philippe Nautilus in J Balvin’s collection certainly speaks to the extent of to which he favors factory gem-setting over aftermarket modifications. We can only imagine just how few of these watches Patek Philippe has in fact produced to date.
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