Celebrity fashion has a profound influence on the constantly evolving trends that define the public landscape. According to one old Hollywood legend, Clark Gable single-handedly crippled the undershirt business by appearing barechested beneath his sweater in It Happened One Night. The truth of that anecdote is still debated to this day, but one thing is for certain: beloved celebrities have the power to make and break fashion trends, from Jennifer Aniston’s iconic Friends hairstyle to Pharrell’s controversial giant hat (seriously, what was that about?).
But what about watches? We don’t hear as much about them, but they play a massive role in high-fashion trends and also giving diverse options for watch lovers. Consider the following examples.
#1. Leonardo DiCaprio for Tag Heuer.
This one lands first on the list because the marketing imagery is just so iconic. If you have spent any time in an upscale mall, airport, or shopping district in recent memory, you have undoubtedly seen one of these eye-catching advertisements for yourself. With this single ad campaign, A-list celebs like DiCaprio and Brad Pitt have put Tag Heuer on the map.
#2. David Beckham for Breitling
Let’s face it. Anything David Beckham touches turns to gold. He even turned the L.A. Galaxy into a winning soccer team, which is a miracle in itself. Although John Travolta has probably appeared in more Breitling advertisements than any other celebrity, David Beckham’s ads are surely the most iconic: rugged, masculine, captivating. He’s the guy that women want and men want to be, and whether he’s selling undergarments, fragrances, or even luxury timepieces, you know you just can’t look away. Chances are, you’re thinking of buying a Breitling right now. Just admit it.
#3. Barack Obama for Jorg Gray
Our commander in chief is living proof that you don’t need to be a paid spokesperson in order to provide tremendous advertising value. Just by publicly wearing his stylish Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph, he has turned this luxury watch into one of the hottest and most sought-after timepieces in the nation. In fact, if you Google “Jorg Gray,” you’ll find countless headlines advertising “Obama’s watch.” This watch may not include Pentagon clearance, but it’s sure to afford any wearer the VIP treatment.
#4. Robert Downey Jr. for Jaeger LeCoultre
This is another example of advertising by association. Though Robert Downey Jr. is not officially a spokesman for Jaeger LeCoultre, he has demonstrated a strong affinity for their watches over the years, and that devotion has contributed to a massive surge in the company’s sales. And given the intricate craftsmanship of these pieces, they make the perfect accessory for the only man worthy of donning the Iron Man suit.
#5. Usher for Rolex
Over the years, Usher has made no secret of his love for Rolex watches, and no men’s watch list would be complete without a look at the Cadillac of watches: The Rolex. For generations, these quintessential timepieces have been worn by Hollywood legends from Harrison Ford to Paul Newman to Sean Connery. Even Martin Luther King Jr. could often be seen wearing Rolex watches. Today, Usher Raymond keeps the luxury trend alive as one of the music industry’s major trendsetters. Just like the many famous Rolex aficionados that came before him, he reminds us that the Rolex watch represents more than time; it represents a lifestyle. It is truly something to aspire to.
What are some of your favorite watches?
About the Author
Andrew Hoffman is a freelance writer and entrepreneur from Los Angeles, CA. He has written for a wealth of high-profile clients like TimeScape, Demand Media and many more. In his spare time, he enjoys physical fitness, gardening, and interior design.
