The truth behind Trump-branded watches: from the US$100,000 Victory Tourbillon to the US$800 Fighter featuring the president-elect’s signature – pieces to rival a Rolex or overpriced knock-offs?

Nov 7 , 2024

The US president-elect’s latest venture – a line of luxury watches featuring his name, image and likeness – has sparked controversy, with experts questioning their price and manufacturing origin

After another tense election day, Donald Trump has won the 2024 US presidential election.

But let’s skip to the truly gripping saga: Trump-branded luxury watches. These timepieces are flying off the virtual shelves (or at least some appear to be) at the website Trump Watches (gettrumpwatches.com). And since his win, there’s a three-model limited edition Victory line in the collection, priced from US$599 to US$1,199. The Ultra Mega Collector set, comprising seven Victory watches with six different casebacks, is listed at US$5,389.

In September, Trump debuted a “very special” line of watches under the auspicious LLC, TheBestWatchesonEarth. The venture sees the president-elect’s name, image and likeness licensed to the company.

The line-up includes two models: a modest US$800 Fighter edition, and a Victory Tourbillon – clearly aimed at more serious investors – going for a yuge US$100,000.

So how does Trump’s latest venture stack up in the luxury watch arena? And now that he’s won the election, will those watches go up in value? (Probably not. But then again, stranger things have happened.)

Let’s dive into the specs!

Diamonds, gold and … Seiko? What’s in a Trump watch

According to the Trump Watches website, the tourbillons are crafted with a hefty 200 grams of 18k gold, and a bezel set with “122 VS1-grade diamonds in an elegant display of success and wealth”. Winning!

Meanwhile, the Fighters are said to be plated in 18k gold, with a caseback featuring an etching of the president (more on that later). Each piece includes Trump’s signature on the dial or caseback, and comes with a letter – hand-signed, or perhaps just enthusiastically stamped with something like it – from the man himself.