From the Pitch to Patek Philippe
The transformation of the Indian cricketer from a mere athlete to a global style icon is a recent phenomenon, and nothing tells this story better than the watches they wear. The days of modest endorsements have been replaced by the era of the Indian Premier
League (IPL), which brought an explosion of wealth and global exposure. This financial boom allowed players to indulge in passions previously reserved for business tycoons and movie stars. What started with a few discerning collectors like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni has now become a full-blown trend, with locker rooms across the country doubling as showcases for some of the world's most coveted timepieces. It's a clear signal that for modern Indian cricketers, success is measured not just in runs and wickets, but also in the rarity of the watch on their wrist.
The Holy Trinity of Cricket Horology
Among the dozens of luxury brands, a few stand out as favourites in the Indian dressing room. Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex form the unofficial 'holy trinity' of cricket watch collecting. Star players are frequently spotted wearing iconic models. Virat Kohli, for instance, has a well-documented collection that includes a Patek Philippe Nautilus, a Patek Philippe Aquanaut, and multiple Rolex models, including the highly sought-after Daytona Rainbow. Hardik Pandya is known for his audacious and rare collection, which features the jaw-dropping Patek Philippe Nautilus with an emerald-set bezel and several Richard Mille pieces, a brand famous for its high-tech, avant-garde designs. Current captain Rohit Sharma often wears timepieces from Hublot and Audemars Piguet, including a sophisticated Perpetual Calendar.
More Than Just Telling Time
So, why the obsession? For one, these watches are the ultimate status symbol. In a world of high-stakes and intense public scrutiny, a rare timepiece is a quiet nod to one's success and financial standing. It’s an investment-grade asset that appreciates over time. Beyond the flex, many cricketers are genuine watch enthusiasts, or 'horophiles', who appreciate the intricate engineering and craftsmanship that goes into a mechanical masterpiece. Rohit Sharma has described himself as a 'watch fanatic', while Virat Kohli's evolving collection shows a clear shift towards more complicated and classic designs. For them, it is a passion that combines art, engineering, and personal style.
The Brand Ambassador Play
Luxury watch brands have been quick to recognise the immense influence of Indian cricketers. Many players have formal associations with top Swiss watchmakers. Rohit Sharma has been a brand ambassador for Hublot, even launching special cricket-themed editions with the brand. MS Dhoni has a long-standing relationship with Panerai, which has released limited-edition watches in his honour. In the past, Virat Kohli was an ambassador for Tissot, marking one of the earlier connections between a top cricketer and a Swiss watch brand. More recently, younger talents like Abhishek Sharma have been signed by brands like Xylys, showing the trend is expanding to the next generation of players. These partnerships are a win-win: the players get lucrative deals, and the brands get direct access to millions of aspirational fans.
