Kevin Hart is currently one of Hollywood’s most admired stars. Known for his hilarious comedy sketches (on screen and off), Hart has established a loyal following and strong social media presence. While some of his films are pretty amusing, I prefer to follow him for his trendsetting style and, of course, his insane collection of wristwatches.

Credit: Kevin Hart Instagram

It all began with a Submariner…

Back in 2015, Kevin Hart disclosed his enviable collection to the online world and discussed his passion for watches during an interview with Haute Time. Whilst in talks, Hart revealed that his first ever purchase was a Rolex Submariner that was later accompanied by a Rolex Stainless Steel Daytona. The famed comedian also mentioned that for him, its not all about looking ‘cool’, but he has a serious interest in watch collections and admires the skillful craftsmanship of watchmakers.

Credit: Afwatches

Why collect watches?

For Hart, his watch collection tells a story of his life’s accomplishments having added to the collection every time he finished an international comedy tour, film, or advertising campaign. Hart admitted that at the beginning he only purchased luxury watches he could either afford or had knowledge on, however as his financial situation grew, so did his watch collection.

The ‘Get Hard’ star not only collects watches for their desirable appearance, but because they are wise investments that hold their value (if not increase considerably).

(Some of Hart’s wristwatches)

It would be impossible for me to talk about all of Kevin Hart’s watches in detail within my word limit, so I’ve decided to pick and share with you my four favourite pieces.

Rolex Platinum Daytona 116506

Hart admitted that he loved the Rolex brand and that his favourite watch was most probably the Daytona, because not only is it stylish, it’s a wise investment. The platinum case houses a 4130 movement, a calibre that enhances the watches reliability, and a stunning ice blue dial, which is complemented by the brown ceramic bezel. This is one for the serious collectors out there…smart, sophisticated and sporty all in one.

Richard Mille Bubba Watson RM055

Probably one of the easiest watches to recognise from a distance is the Richard Mille Bubba Watson. The incredible craftsmanship and mechanical complexity is clearly visible for all the world to see. The skeletonised and transparent dial, an iconic Richard Mille feature, reminds the wearer everyday of the skill and talent of Richard Mille watchmakers (arguably some of the best in the world). This is a watch that is guaranteed to turn heads!

Rolex Cellini Moonphase Ref. 50535

One of Hart’s more elegant and classic looking timepieces is the Rolex Cellini Moonphase. The Moonphase and Bubba Watson, two wristwatches that couldn’t be more different, confirms that Kevin Hart prefers to keep his collection varied (good news for when it comes to choosing a watch for different occasions!)

Rolex claims its Cellini model is a ‘contemporary celebration of classicism and the eternal elegance of traditional timepieces’, and to be honest we can’t disagree. The 18ct rose round face and traditional linear hour markers and hands are perfectly complemented by the unique double domed and fluted bezel. The Cellini is the perfect wristwatch to complete any evening wear.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5980-001r

The Nautilus 5980r is probably one of the most popular Patek Philippe models ever made. Though marketed as a sports watch, the 5980r is a multipurpose wristwatch that can be worn for various occasions.

The stylish 18ct rose gold octagonal bezel, complication feature and sporty pushers are elegantly matched with a more traditional brown alligator leather strap. Kevin Hart can be seen sporting the refined model whilst wearing a smart-casual outfit below.

Well it’s fair to say that the man has a hell of a lot of watches, and Hart is continually adding.

Since Hart only adds to his collection when a film or tour finishes, the release of his new film ‘Jumanji’ and his ‘Irresponsible’ tour can only mean one thing… Kevin Hart will be searching for new luxury pieces to add to his crazy collection (word is he’s hoping to invest in an IWC or a new Audemars Piguet)!

To watch Haute Times’ interview with Kevin Hart, click here.

Last weekend guests of the SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) made their journey home after an exciting week admiring watches, meeting industry experts and mingling with fellow horologists. I think I speak for everyone when I say 2018 has already been an incredible year for watchmaking (and we’re only 29 days in!).

Last week some of the top luxury watch brands, including Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille and A. Lange & Söhne introduced a selection of new stunning, unique and expertly engineered timepieces to the world. And it’s fair to say that the general public and horological industry welcomed the new models with open arms. Now, without anymore delay, I introduce to you some of SIHH’s most desirable pieces.

Today, we have sent one of Time Journals writers into Central London to attend the final major watch auction of 2017, the Bonhams ‘Fine Watches And Wristwatches’ Auction. Our writer will report to us with LIVE updates from the auction room, allowing us to bring you information on how each of the ‘top five timepieces to watch’ performed FIRST! Look out for the final realised price updates in RED.

The auction will begin at 2:00pm (GMT) this afternoon (Wednesday 13th December).

The following list of the ‘top five timepieces to watch’ this afternoon has been chosen by the watch experts at Bonhams.

Earlier this month, a number of autumn watch auctions took place in the luxury watch manufacturing capital of Switzerland, and this week, it’s Hong Kong’s turn to host Phillips’ ‘Hong Kong: FIVE’ watch auction, and Christie’s ‘Important Watches’ auction. Tomorrow (28^th November), Phillips Auctioneers will be attempting to break some more records by auctioning off some beautiful and rare timepieces from the likes of Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and of course the luxury watch brand that frequently achieves the highest realised prices at auction, Patek Philippe.

As I write this post, Christie’s is overseeing the sale of some truly exquisite and rare timepieces, which I’m sure every watch collector would dream of owning. As usual, I would love nothing more than to sit here and write about every single wristwatch that is beautifully portrayed in the auction catalogues. However, in order to save precious time, I have selected some of Time Journal’s favourite timepieces from each auction catalogue to discuss in further detail. Since Christie’s ‘Important Watches’ auction is happening as I type, I will be sure to include all realised prices.

So, without further delay, I introduce to you, Time Journal’s select favourites from Christie’s ‘Important Watches’ auction…

This year, Audemars Piguet is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the very first Royal Oak Chronograph wristwatch, which was introduced in 1997. In honor of the significant occasion, Audemars Piguet has released five new wristwatch designs, including a unique Millenary collection, a striking non-chronograph divers watch and a beautiful, frosted selection of Royal Oaks. However, next year will also be another exciting year for the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, because 2018 marks 25 years of the Royal Oak Offshore, which launched in 1993.

Geneva was extremely eventful last weekend having accommodated a number of highly prestigious watch auctions. Phillips Auctioneers oversaw the ‘Geneva Watch Auction: SIX’, Sotheby managed the ‘Important Watches’ auction; Antiquorum held their fourth auction of the year, and Christie’s supervised the biannual ‘Only Watch’ charity auction. It is therefore safe to say that over the weekend, there was an abundance of rare and attractive timepieces up for grabs in the world’s watch capital. However, it was Christie’s ‘Only Watch’ auction and its incredibly rare timepieces that attracted the world’s attention.

Only Watch is an extremely unique event to attend, not simply because it occurs only once every two years, but also because there is an array of the incredibly rare and one-of-a-kind timepieces up for sale. All of the participating watchmakers design and create an exceptional, unique wristwatch that is donated to the organisers, Association Monegasque Contre les Myopathies or AMM. The rare and luxury timepieces are then sold on to the highest bidder at auction, with all proceeds going towards funding the research of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

This weeks release of the new Panerai Luminor Submersible Automatic Acciaio ‘E-Commerce Micro-Edition’ is certainly one to raise a few eyebrows within the watch industry. For the first time in Panerai’s history, the watch will only be sold exclusively online, with the watch not available through Panerai boutiques or Authorised Dealers. The move represents a slow change in the way the watch industry conducts itself and a willingness to adapt to change. The Panerai Luminor Submersible Automatic Acciaio ‘E-Commerce Micro-Edition’ PAM731, with its limited edition blue dial, is certainly a handsome watch, and a very capable divers watch.

Panerai continue to sell watches online, but the PAM731 ‘E-Commerce Micro-Edition’, limited to 100 pieces, cannot be bought in stores – and this represents a very first for the Italian company. The move symbolises a sudden shift in relation to sales and distribution. This also represents a change in attitudes towards online e-commerce, but also the changing views of the use of media and advertising as opposed to third-party retailers.

Another edition of the Time Journal‘s weekly watch review and this week we managed to get our hands on the extremely sought after and popular Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1AR in stainless steel and 18K rose gold. The watch is a reminder of the Swiss manufacturers commitment to excellence, with a fine balance between classic aesthetics and seriously good mechanics displayed in one watch. The Nautilus collection from Patek Philippe remain the most popular collection for collectors as the watch offers a stylish classic sports look for wearers.

The Nautilus collection was originally designed by Gerald Genta and released in 1976 to establish Patek Philippe in the luxury sports watch market. At the time, the watch rivalled the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – who was also designed by the Nautilus creator Gerald Genta. Despite the watch model celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, the Patek Philippe Nautilus remains a watch that still looks timeless.

From its new shop in the heart of the Russian capital and under the victorious aura of Pelé the King of football, Hublot marks the time for all the highlights of Planet Football.

On 16th June 2017, in the heart of Moscow, Hublot inaugurated its new store in the historic Metropol building. It is no coincidence that Hublot chose this precise moment in time. Just 1 year from the FIFA World Cup, and 1 day from the launch of the FIFA Confederations Cup (from 17th June to 2nd July), on Red Square, the World Cup record-holder and legend Pelé placed his winning touch on time. Together with Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot and Philippe Le Floc’h, CCO of FIFA, he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to the sound of a whistle, signalling once again Hublot’s uncompromising commitment to football. From its status as “Official FIFA Watch” of the 2018 World Cup, its 4th official boards, including a Big Bang watch with straps bearing the colours of the 8 nations of the Confederations Cup, Hublot reigns supreme in timekeeping and football.

Wednesday 14th June, Bell & Ross watch manufacture hosted a breakfast event to showcase new feminine models for the Bell & Ross watch collection. Gathered was many of the top women’s press representatives and fashion influencers to introduce the new collection of BR S Novarosa watches.

The presentation was based on a breakfast, the Novarosa Breakfast event, celebrated on the rooftop of Casa Suecia – the restaurant of the centric and iconic NH Suecia, and gathered around 40 people with extensive backgrounds in fashion, horology and women’s blogs.

Lara Martín-Gilarranz, founder of the blog ‘By My Heels’, one of the most prolific and up-and-coming influencers of Spain, and close friend to watch manufacture Bell & Ross, co-hosted the event and went through detailed plans on how to combine Bell & Ross watches and fashion trends according to each occasion and personal tastes.