9 watch brands that tech millionaires love: Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos wear Omega, and Bill Gates goes for Casio, while Silicon Valley CEOs are fans of Cartier, Rolex – and Apple Watches, of course

Aug 10 , 2023

Silicon Valley watch statements, from Jeff Bezos and Omega to Larry Ellison and Richard Mille. Photos: TNS, Richard Mille, Omega, @OracleCloud/Twitter

The old tech bro ‘uniform’ was jeans and a hoodie, but these entrepreneurs are beginning to make style statements with their timepieces, from Richard Mille to Timex

Panerai has a niche but enthusiastic following, women love the Rolex Lady-Datejust, and Patek Philippe and Cartier draw tech pros and watch collectors alike

Since the pandemic, those in the know say people in the tech industry are fixating more on watches than ever before.

“Much more of a statement – nobody leaves home without one!” says Victoria Hitchcock, a fashion lifestylist and personal brander in Silicon Valley, per Vox.

Bill Gates is often seen with a Casio on his wrist. Photo: AP

Unlike professionals in finance who have long seen the value of “a statement,” those in the tech industry have been characterised – and even mocked – for their fixation on utility and simplicity. (Think the old tech bro uniform of jeans and a hoodie.)

But now, some tech titans are moving toward fashion statements of their own. And that sometimes involves a watch.

“Technology professionals often opt for subtle, yet statement-making timepieces that exude innovation and sustainability,” Paul Altieri, CEO and founder of online watch resale marketplace Bob’s Watches, said.

Jeff Bezos took his Omega Speedmaster to space. Photo: @ulyssenardinofficial/Instagram

And while those values may always be a core component of the Silicon Valley aesthetic, more people are donning luxury brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe for their cachet, some industry watchers say. Old favourites like Omega and Casio, which initially gained favour with tech execs like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates for their functionality, are seeing a comeback, too.

Watches, it seems, have become yet another tool of personal branding. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at the watches trending in Silicon Valley right now.

9 watch brands that tech millionaires love: Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos wear Omega, and Bill Gates goes for Casio, while Silicon Valley CEOs are fans of Cartier, Rolex – and Apple Watches, of course

1. Rolex demand surged on investment potential