We all know that football players love to flash the wrist candy. Who else buys Hublot anyway? But what of the guys that are actually in charge, the decision makers in the dugouts, dictating play– shouldn’t they get in on the horological action too? Well, some of them do, in some cases putting their players to shame. From the cool to the outrageous, here are the Premier League managers leading the wristwatch way for their players.
Jurgen Klopp: IWC Aquatimer Ceratanium 50 Years Aquatimer Edition, CHF 50,000 (approx. £40,340)
If there’s one Premier League manager that everybody seems to love regardless of your team colours, it’s Jürgen Klopp. The laid back German is an undeniable managerial great that manages to stay humble to his roots on the pitch and on his wrist. He sports an IWC watch. Rather than the usual pilots’ pieces, Klopp opts for the underrated Aquatimer, specifically the Perpetual Calendar Digitate Date-Month Edition “50 Years Aquatimer”. It’s not the most catchy name, but the black Ceratanium – a fusion of ceramic and titanium – case is hard to miss.
Pep Guardiola: Richard Mille RM 67-02 UAE, £228,000+
Pep Guardiola is no stranger to Richard Mille as he’s worn several over the years including his well known RM010 Automatic AMC Blue in the colours of Man City. However, recently he’s been spotted with the Richard Mille RM 67-02 UAE at the Community Shield and his Premier League opening match. The ultra-thin dimensions make it supremely light on the wrist and the combination of off-white and green is as striking as the penalty spot. Sure, Richard Mille like to place their watches on the wrists of players to prove their lightness and nigh-indestructibility, but surely some animated arm waving from the side line counts too? As for value, the standard RM 67-02 is £228,000 and the incredibly rare UAE edition is likely far more.
In fact, Pep’s collection is so spectacular that we took a closer look here.
David Moyes: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moonphase, £42,810
Given his reputation Scottish manager David Moyes, currently at West Ham, might not be the first person in football you’d look to for some horological flair but his wrist game is surprisingly on point. Instead of the endless procession of Nautli we’ve seen so far, he’s opted for a Patek Philippe of an altogether different speed. The Annual Calendar Moonphase in white gold. It’s far more elegant with a classic circular case measuring 38.5mm in diameter.
Mikel Arteta: Rolex GMT-Master II, £11,500
While he might not yet be a household name like Pep or Jurgan, Mikel Arteta has been a steady presence during his tenure at Arsenal and he has become a staple figure of the industry. His wristwatch of choice is also an industry staple in the form of the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710LN. Rather than one of the colourful models with a catchy nickname like the Pepsi or Batman, Arteta has gone for subtlety and class with the full black edition.
Erik ten Hag: Breitling Colt Quartz, £2,000
Erik ten Hag has the unenviable position of stewarding Man United through their biggest rough patch in recent history during the Premier League. Since the departure of Sir Alex Fergusson, the team has failed to find its footing despite several big name players on the squad. Erik ten Hag will need to be brutally practical if he wants to navigate the season, but judging by his watch, he can be. It’s the Breitling Colt Quartz, a relatively accessible chronograph that he’s worn for years. The modern Breitling equivalent would be the Chronomat, sporty, steel and uncompromising.
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