Does Mukesh Ambani really wear a modest US$8,000 Rolex? Asia’s richest man was reportedly spotted with the Cellini ref. 6623/8 ladies’ watch – but the billionaire also has a lavish lifestyle

Apr 23 , 2023

Mukesh Ambani was spotted wearing this US$8,000 ladies’ Cellini watch from Rolex. Photos: Swiss Watch Company, @mukesh.ambaniii/Instagram

India’s Mukesh Ambani may seem more low-key than some billionaires thanks to his subtle fashion sense and US$8,000 Rolex watch – but his US$84 billion bank balance lets him splurge on other things

The Ambanis live in a 27-story Mumbai building called Antilia, the most expensive private residence in the world, and enjoy private jets and a fleet of luxury cars including Rolls-Royce and Mercedes

In a world full of bad-boy billionaires, India’s Mukesh Ambani is considered by many as a rare anomaly. With a Forbes-estimated net worth of US$84 billion, he’s currently the richest person in Asia and ranked at No 9 on the world billionaire list. Yet, the 66-year-old camera-shy business tycoon almost never departs from his carefully crafted image of a man of simplicity, which is perfectly demonstrated by his unglamorous dressing sense.

He’s often seen wearing a simple white short-sleeve shirt and a pair of loose-fitting black trousers, a choice that was possibly inspired by his father Dhirubhai Ambani who founded Reliance Industries in 1958. And while Mukesh can easily afford the most expensive watches ever made, the billionaire chooses to stick to his understated look and wear nondescript, unremarkable timepieces instead.

Reliance Industries Limited chairman Mukesh Ambani carries his grandson Prithvi Akash Ambani as he arrives to attend a classical dance performance in Mumbai, India, in June 2022. Photo: AP

A photo recently shared by a social media page The Indian Horology seems to prove this. The source claims that Ambani’s go-to watch is a Rolex Cellini reference 6623/8. Although the quality of the image makes recognising the timepiece a little difficult, it would be an interesting choice for him.

Rolex Cellini is a discontinued model that currently sells for around US$8,000 on pre-owned watch platforms, making it one of the most affordable Rolex watches out there. What’s more, while its tiny case makes it perfect for someone looking for a more modest watch, the Rolex Cellini ref. 6623/8 is actually a ladies’ watch, according to Jaztime.

The timepiece has a diminutive 18k gold case measuring 37mm. Underneath a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is a champagne dial with Roman numerals. The watch is powered by a battery-powered quartz movement and worn on a brown leather strap with an ostrich pattern.

The Rolex Cellini reference 6623/8. Photo: Swiss Watch Company

The Rolex is a complete contrast to the ultra-rare Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Reference 6300G worth US$9 million worn by Mukesh’s son, Anant Ambani, at an event recently. It is the most complex watch ever made by Patek Philippe with a movement that features a whopping 20 complications.

But don’t be fooled by Ambani’s choice of clothes and watches – the billionaire and his family enjoy an unmatched life of luxury. Here are some of the expensive things owned by the Ambani family.