We say goodbye to a titan of fashion whose legacy reshaped the modern style landscape. As a tribute to Giorgio Armani, we're reflecting on the timepieces he personally chose to wear—watches that not only complemented his look but also echoed his philosophy of elegance, subtlety, and technical precision.
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Giorgio Armani began his career far from the spotlight, working as a window dresser before making his way into the fashion industry. By the 1960s, he was designing for Nino Cerruti, and in 1975, he co-founded his own label with Sergio Galeotti. What followed was nothing short of a transformation in menswear. Armani’s relaxed, unstructured tailoring redefined how men dressed—effortlessly merging comfort and elegance in a way that felt revolutionary. His designs were rooted in a minimalist philosophy: clean lines, muted tones, and soft construction that stood apart from the rigid tailoring of the past.
Armani’s international breakthrough came in 1980 when Richard Gere sported his designs in American Gigolo. That exposure launched the Armani brand into the Hollywood spotlight and onto the global stage. Over the decades, he built a fashion empire spanning women’s clothing, fragrances, eyewear, interior design, and even luxury hospitality with the Armani Hotels. What united all of these ventures was a consistent aesthetic: timeless sophistication with an emphasis on discretion over extravagance.
This same sense of taste extended to his watches. Armani didn’t choose timepieces for trend value or flashiness; instead, he gravitated toward pieces that echoed his appreciation for craftsmanship and quiet elegance.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56175ST
In one of the better-known photographs of Armani, he’s seen wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56175ST—a refined interpretation of Gérald Genta’s groundbreaking Royal Oak design. Introduced primarily during the 1980s and 1990s, this reference retained all the hallmark features: the octagonal bezel with exposed screws, the integrated bracelet, and the “Petite Tapisserie” dial.
However, it came in a slimmer case, offering a sleeker profile that better suited Armani’s minimalist wardrobe. Much like his clothing, the watch reflects a fusion of strength and simplicity—delivering luxury without shouting.
F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu
Another fascinating piece in his collection was the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu—a 39mm watch crafted in tantalum with a rich, deep blue dial that subtly shifts tone under the light. Known for their in-house movements and exceptional finishing, F.P. Journe produces watches in small numbers, which enhances their appeal among serious collectors.
The Chronomètre Bleu is a perfect example of elegance with a modern edge: unassuming at first glance, but stunning upon closer inspection. It’s a watch worn by those who understand quality, not those chasing recognition. That ethos perfectly mirrors Armani’s own—never loud, always refined.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5101P – 10-Day Tourbillon
Armani’s taste for high horology is further revealed in his Patek Philippe Ref. 5101P-010, a platinum rectangular case housing a 10-day tourbillon movement. The salmon dial with delicate Breguet numerals adds a vintage-inspired charm, while the technical complexity of the movement showcases horological mastery.
The rectangular case is bold and distinctive, requiring a certain confidence to wear—something Armani had in abundance. It’s a statement piece, but in the most sophisticated sense. A similar reference, the 5101R in rose gold, sold at auction in 2024 for over €110,000, underscoring its exclusivity.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5110J – World Time
The Patek Philippe 5110J World Time, in yellow gold with a 37mm case, reflects Armani’s worldly sensibility and refined tastes. Despite the technical challenge of producing a world time complication, this model remains surprisingly accessible in the world of high-end watches.
The 5110J allows the wearer to track time across multiple time zones—a fitting feature for someone who ran a global fashion empire. Its elegant design and practical complication embody the kind of understated excellence Armani championed in his clothing.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5940R – Perpetual Calendar
It’s clear that Armani had a particular admiration for Patek Philippe, and the 5940R-001 proves why. This perpetual calendar comes in an 18k rose gold, cushion-shaped case and offers one of the most balanced dial layouts in modern watchmaking. With day, date, month, leap year, and moonphase all elegantly arranged, the 5940R is a marvel of symmetry and clarity.
Patek pioneered the wristwatch perpetual calendar back in 1925, and this reference pays tribute to that legacy while fitting comfortably into a modern collection. Armani's style always emphasized proportion and harmony—qualities this watch delivers in full.
Giorgio Armani may have been best known for dressing Hollywood’s elite and redefining how men and women present themselves to the world, but his love for watches shows another side of his aesthetic. His timepieces weren’t about status; they were about craftsmanship, refinement, and meaning—timeless values that echo his life’s work.