Some of The Coolest Watches in Ellen DeGeneres’ (Huge) Collection

Comedian and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres, is known in horology circles to be a mega collector of wristwatches, with a particular preference for both modern and vintage pieces from Rolex and Patek Philippe – for instance, we very recently saw her wearing a Dual-Time Patek Philippe Aquanaut while looking at Timberlake’s Milgauss in front of her. It seems almost impossible to list all of Ellen DeGeneres’ watches, knowing that she might have hundreds… But we thought we would take a look at some of the standout timepieces in her collection.

Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655

The first is a Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655.  The original Explorer II released in 1971 was designed for spelunkers and underground explorers who needed to know whether it was night or day due to long periods of time spent beneath the surface. Compared to its brothers Daytona, GMT-Master and Submariner, the original Explorer II is seldom seen on the wrist of notable people.

Patek Philippe Reference 5271P Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

From memory, this was the first complicated timepiece Ellen wore on her show.  Featuring the now-classic combination of a perpetual calendar and a chronograph in a platinum case, Ellen’s model featured diamonds on the bezel, lugs and clasp, giving the watch an added bling factor.

Rolex Daytona 6241 “John Player Special”

A new addition to Ellen’s ever-growing Rolex collection is the reference 6241 “John Player Special”. It is nicknamed after the racing team from the 1970s which had the same colour scheme for their cars.  This watch is the only “Paul Newman” Daytona to be called by another name. Below is the watch in question, with seller “Amsterdam Vintage Watches”.

Patek Philippe 5204/1R Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar

How do you take a perpetual calendar chronograph up a notch?  Replace the normal chronograph with a split-seconds chronograph aka a “rattrapante”.  Put the complicated movement in a rose gold case with accompanying solid gold brick bracelet and you have one serious standout timepiece.  Ellen has regularly sported this timepiece on her show in addition to wearing it to awards ceremonies. 

Omega Speedmaster Professional

The Omega Speedmaster chronograph needs no introduction and was the first watch on the Moon. It is a far rarer sight to see a Speedmaster on the wrist of a notable person, and it was cool to see Ellen sporting the Moonwatch on a red and blue Omega NATO Strap.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time

It’s not all PPs and Rolexes in Ellen’s collection.  She does own a Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet.  The Royal Oak is immediately recognizable by its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. The particular model is the Royal Oak Dual Time in stainless steel with blue tapisserie dial.

Bonus: Omega Seamster 300 “Spectre” Edition 

Ellen DeGeneres received the Omega timepiece from 007 himself when Daniel Craig appeared on The Ellen Show to promote the twenty-fourth Bond film, Spectre (below in the video, from 2:05). How many people can say they received a watch from James Bond himself? Not too many I bet.

Featured image by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images