Talking Watches: With Pusha T
In the latest "Talking Watches" installment, Pusha T discusses his approach to collecting Rolex watches, emphasizing his preference for factory-set gems and original execution over aftermarket modifications. The feature delves into his collection, highlighting specific Rolex models and the personal significance behind each acquisition, reflecting his disciplined collecting standards.
Pusha T prioritizes buying watches through authorized channels and favors factory-set stones, rejecting aftermarket modifications, a principle informed by his lyrics about ruined Pateks and Cartier bust-downs.
His first Rolex was a black-dial Submariner Date Ref. 16618LN with a factory diamond-set dial, purchased in Germany when watches were readily available in stores.
He acquired both a yellow-gold Submariner Date Ref. 116618BLD with a blue dial and diamonds, and its black-dial counterpart, during an era of less scarcity.
The yellow-gold President Day-Date Ref. 228348RBR, with a champagne dial and diamond bezel, is linked to rap's visual history, often paired with a Jesus piece as a status symbol.
Pusha T refers to the platinum Day-Date II Ref. 218206 with an ice-blue dial and diamond-set Roman numerals as a 'grown-up watch,' appreciating its substantial feel and formal flex.
He lost an Everose Gold Day-Date II Ref. 218235 with a black dial and baguette markers during a hotel room robbery in Las Vegas and intends to buy it back.
His first modern Rolex buying experience involved the fully gem-set white-gold Day-Date 40 Ref. 228349RBR, which required significant waiting time.
The stainless-steel 'Panda' Daytona Ref. 126500LN, named after his album, is considered an everyday watch due to its comfort and clean, modern design.