What watch does Gordon Ramsay wear?
Gordon Ramsay is a fan of sport watches, often seen wearing dive and aviator models. His collection includes modern and vintage Rolexes in distinct colorways, an Omega Seamaster, an IWC Mark XVIII, a JS Watch Company NART from Iceland, and a Breitling Aeromarine Chrono Avenger, famous because of its bright yellow dial.
More than just one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, Gordon Ramsay is an undeniable A-list celebrity.
A big part of that is due to the fact he’s produced and hosted several shows, including Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, Masterchef, and Masterchef Jr—they’ve all become TV staples, cinching him as a household name.
Of course, this level of notoriety has granted him access to some cool watches. Even more, as with any man whose wrist is constantly on several channels at a time, watch lovers have taken notice.
We’re going to tell you all about Gordon Ramsays’ watch collection, including that infamous yellow Breitling.
What Watches Does Gordon Ramsay Wear?
Gordon Ramsay has been seen wearing sport watches, with pilots and dives being a clear favorite. Here are the specific pieces he’s worn on television, at interviews, and on the red carpet.
Gordon Ramsay’s Rolex Collection: Vintage Sport Watches and Unique Colorways
Rolexes make up a big part of Ramsay’s watch line-up and many have made appearances on Hell’s Kitchen. He clearly has a taste for distinct models, but not ones that are necessarily loud in the visual sense. He goes for either vintage pieces or modern ones in non-standard colorways.
His Rolex watches include the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 from the ‘80s, two variations of the Submariner Reference 1680 from the late ‘60s, a modern Everose Yacht-Master Reference 116655 that first came out in 2015, and the rare blue-dial Smurf Submariner.
Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655
The 1655 Rolex Explorer II was the very first to come out in 1971. It ran for 15 years and Ramsay’s was produced in 1980, featuring the popular Polar cream dial which lets the red GMT hand really pop.
The Explorer II was made for spelunkers, and the much-loved GMT hand allows you to know whether it’s day or night when you’re deep in a cave.
A Rolex with this kind of historical importance will likely set you back well over $50,000, if you can find it. However, recent versions have kept the similar trademark design, are easier to find, and will likely be running on modern Chronometer movements.
Even more than offering excellent durability, Rolex’s in-house standards goes beyond COSC-certification accuracy.
The 1655 Rolex Explorer II was the very first to come out in 1971. It was made for spelunkers, and the much-loved GMT hand allows you to know whether it’s day or night when you’re deep in a cave.
Rolex Submariner Reference 1680
Ramsay has two vintage models of the Rolex Submariner, which, if you haven’t heard, is the most famous dive watch in the world.
One of his Submariners is a standard black dial stainless steel model from 1969. Being vintage, it sports tropical indices that a lot of collectors love. Uniquely, and to some, against the rules of style, he pairs his Sub with a leather strap.
This is perfectly in-line with his different, but not in-your-face approach to watch style though. Moreover, you probably know that James Bond also broke the “rules” by pairing his Sub with a dinner jacket, so Ramsay is just carrying on a long-standing tradition of non-tradition for this iconic watch.
His second vintage Submariner is unique in two ways. First, it’s made of 18-carat yellow gold. Second, and more importantly, it’s the Nipple Dial variation.
This means that the hour markers protrude and are made of precious metals. A small number of old GMT-Masters and Submariners have this feature, making them wildly difficult to find on the secondary market, and at prices well over $60,000 if you’re lucky enough to catch these unicorns.
Like the Explorer II though, you can find more recent versions of both standard and gold Submariners built to modern standards, and at much lower prices.
The Rolex Submariner 1680 is a standard black dial stainless steel model. Being vintage, it sports tropical indices that a lot of collectors love. This is a beautiful vintage watch for everyday wear and a valuable addition to your collection.
Rolex Yacht-Master 116655
The Rolex Yacht-Master, while still a sport watch, is the Submariner’s less athletic cousin. The Sub, with 300 meters of water resistance, is built for true-blue divers, while the Yacht-Master is more for the man of leisure—a man on a yacht, naturally.
With 100 meters of water resistance, a durable Chronometer movement, and a solid 40mm case though, the Yacht-Master is still as spec-forward as any Rolex.
Ramsay’s is made out of rose gold and he often wears it on a rubber strap.
Rolex manufactures a special rose gold called Everose, which they debuted in 2005. It’s a special blend that includes platinum, meant to be stronger than regular gold while still maintaining its pink hue.
As a modern watch, this very Yacht-Master is easier to find than Gordon’s prior two Rolexes. Still, it’ll set you back anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000.
The Rolex Yacht-Master, while still a sport watch, is the Submariner’s less athletic cousin. The Sub, with 300 meters of water resistance, is built for true-blue divers, while the Yacht-Master is more for the man of leisure — a man on a yacht, naturally.
Rolex Submariner, Reference 116619, “The Smurf”
Reference 116619 of the Sub is appropriately referred to as “The Smurf” because of its primary blue dial and bezel.
Between that and its white gold construction, it’s definitely an oddity within the model’s variants. Of course, it’s these oddity variants that usually become collector’s items, even if it takes years for that to happen.
It’s safe to say that this is the case with The Smurf, since it’s often in the $50,000 range. On the bright side, since it came out in 2008, it isn’t terribly difficult to find on the secondary market.
Other than its construction and color, it has all of the modern Sub features, from the Mercedes hands to the COSC-certified movement.
Reference 116619 of the Sub is appropriately referred to as “The Smurf” because of its primary blue dial and bezel.It has all of the modern Sub features, from the Mercedes hands to the COSC-certified movement.
JS Watch Company Blue Sif NART: Ramsay’s Icelandic Watch
Gordon Ramsay took a famous trip to Iceland where he participated in the nation’s volcanic cooking technique and fawned over giant whole fish for sale at their local markets.
He fell in love with the country, as well as one of their domestic watch brands, the JS Watch Company. He owns a Blue Sif NART, which stands for North Atlantic Rescue Timer.
JS built the sturdy and elegant timepiece for the Iceland Coast Guard. Unsurprisingly, it has topnotch specs including a Swiss automatic movement and 100 meters of water resistance.
The way the royal blue sunburst balances out the authoritative-looking black case is definitely in Ramsay’s style wheelhouse, which seems to combine athletic features with fancier elements.
JS built the sturdy and elegant timepiece for the Iceland Coast Guard. Unsurprisingly, it has topnotch specs including a Swiss automatic movement and 100 meters of water resistance.
Gordon Ramsay’s Omega Seamaster Pro 25318
Between his several Submariners and this Omega Seamaster Pro, it seems Ramsay might have an affinity for Bond watches.
This blue-dial version is still popular today and is not dissimilar to the first Seamaster Pro that Pierce Brosnan wore in Goldeneye that started the franchise’s current relationship with Omega.
The 25318 is a tad different in that the wave dial is slightly more subtle, but everything from the skeleton hands and 300 meters of water resistance is there.
Another upgrade from Brosnan’s watch? Unlike his quartz version, Ramsay’s runs on a Chronometer automatic. This Seamaster Pro, and many like it, are easily found on the secondary market for around $3,000 to $4,000 used.
The 25318 is a tad different in that the wave dial is slightly more subtle, but everything from the skeleton hands and 300 meters of water resistance is there.
IWC Mark XVIII
On a few of his travel specials, Gordon Ramsay has been spotted wearing the IWC Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute” Pilot’s Watch. Take note of its reference, IW327007, because Ramsay’s variant is a tad different from the other Mark XVIIIs.
It’s still a classic pilot watch, with its simple dial and all-Arabic indices. Gordon himself wears it with a NATO strap, which gives it an effortlessly cool and casual vibe.
However, this version comes with a flat-tipped hour hand. It doesn’t deter the legibility since it reaches every hour marker, but it does make it a touch more style-forward.
It’s still a classic pilot watch, with its simple dial and all-Arabic indices. This version comes with a flat-tipped hour hand. It doesn’t deter the legibility since it reaches every hour marker, but it does make it a touch more style-forward.
As you can see, Gordon Ramsay likes uncommon timepieces, but not necessarily loud ones. He does have one pretty flashy watch that you may have noticed on Hell’s Kitchen, which we’ll cover next.
Gordon Ramsay’s Yellow Watch: What is it?
One of Gordon Ramsay’s most notorious watches is his Breitling Aeromarine Chrono Avenger M1. This is because this watch, Reference E73360, has a vivid yellow dial that you can spot from a mile away.
Between that and its maximalist aesthetic, this is definitely an eye-catching timepiece. It even has a whopping 44mm case. Fortunately, it’s made out of lightweight titanium. The super thick and solidly-built bezel and crown give it a monumental look that adds a lot of dimension, literally and visually.
It’s a well-built Swiss Made sport watch with an automatic movement, a sapphire crystal, and brilliant lume. Though the model is discontinued, you can often find used ones available for around $3,000 to $4,000 on places like eBay, 1st Dibs, and Chrono24.
It’s a well-built Swiss Made sport watch with an automatic movement, a sapphire crystal, and brilliant lume.
My Favorite Breitling Aeromarine Chrono Avenger M1 Homage
The Aeromarine doesn’t get “homaged” a lot, but fortunately Rotary Watches specializes in niche homages.
Rotary Watches Chronograph 1977
Paying homage to handsome mid-century aesthetics with a new vibrant twist, this Chronograph 1977 honours its racing inspiration with a 3 dial chronograph, displayed on the watch’s colourful accented black dial.
This watch is more racer-oriented than everything-oriented the way the Aeromarine is. However, all the broad strokes are there, including the black subdials competing for space with the Arabic indices. Instead of an all-yellow dial though, there’s simply yellow accents (though they aren’t any less eye-catching). That, and its simple dial, make this watch more wearable for the non-celebrity.
It does run on a quartz movement though, indicated by its price. Another option is their Henley Seamatic. It’s not an homage and basically just looks like a classic diver, but has the bright yellow dial and an automatic movement for just around ~$300.
3 Breitling Aeromarine Chrono Avenger M1 Alternatives
Breitling Superocean Automatic 42
Breitling isn’t afraid of color and full dials, because their more easily available Superocean Automatic also comes in the sunny colorway. It’s also tough and sturdy, with 300 meters of water resistance and a two-gasket screw-lock crown.
Clearly, Breitling isn’t afraid of color and full dials, because their more easily available Superocean Automatic also comes in the sunny colorway. It’s also as tough and as sturdy as the Aeromarine, with 300 meters of water resistance and a two-gasket screw-lock crown.
And even though it has a classic dive watch face, Breitling pushes a lot of the thick elements to the center, giving it the brand’s trademark maximalist aesthetic.
Omega Seamaster Chrono
This version of the Omega Seamaster Chronograph has a solid, sculptural bezel and a titanium build. The smaller subdials and skeleton hands provide more negative space without taking away from the legibility and sportiness.
Like the Aeromarine, this version of the Omega Seamaster Chronograph (Reference 212.92.44.50.99.001) has a solid, sculptural bezel and a titanium build. Unlike the Aeromarine, this timepiece has a cleaner face. It’s still a three subdial-chronograph, but the smaller subdials and skeleton hands provide more negative space without taking away from the legibility and sportiness. These muted qualities make it as striking as the Aeromarine, but more sophisticated.
Tudor Time Tiger
It’s Tudor, and therefore, an objectively good watch. It has a Swiss automatic movement, a sapphire crystal, and 100 meters of water resistance.
If you can find it, the 48mm Tudor Time Tiger looks like the Aeromarine’s long-lost twin brother. It’s unabashedly in-your-face and playful, which isn’t a bad thing if that’s what you’re looking for. The Arabic hour markers even have a cartoonish “shadow” drawn behind them.
Regardless, it’s Tudor, and therefore, an objectively good watch. It has a Swiss automatic movement, a sapphire crystal, and 100 meters of water resistance.
Chef’s Kiss of a Watch Collection
While definitely a true watch collector, Gordon Ramsay is different in that he doesn’t just check boxes to create a comprehensive set of genres.
From his Submariners to his Breitling, Ramsay seems to enjoy sporty timepieces that are unique from the standards, but (usually) aren’t super flashy.
FAQs
What kind of yellow watch does Gordon Ramsay wear?
Gordon Ramsay wears the Aeromarine Chrono Avenger M1.
What watch is Gordon Ramsay wearing in Hell’s Kitchen?
Ramsay has been seen wearing several watches in Hell’s Kitchen, including a Rolex Submariner, the infamous Aeromarine Chrono Avenger M1 in yellow, and an IWC Mark XVIII.
