Are Influential Politicians Ditching Luxury Watches for Simple Timepieces?

From Rolex to Casio — the quiet revolution of political wristwear

For decades, a politician’s watch wasn’t just a way to tell time, it was a statement of power, taste, and influence of its time. Few remarkable examples are the JFK’s elegant Cartier or Putin’s gold Patek Philippe: luxury watches once symbolized leadership and success.

But times are changing, as we are noticing in our everyday.
Around the world, more and more influential figures are swapping their high-end watches for simpler, more relatable ones.

So here the question: is an affordable watch a new political accessory of choice? 

The Rise of Simple Watches in Politics

In an age of transparency and social media scrutiny, image management has become as strategic as policy-making. A politician’s choice of wristwear now communicates values far beyond fashion. 
Watches might be representing a symbol of accessibility and authenticity.

Take Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former Prime Minister, despite being an amazing watch collector, it has been seen wearing the colorful Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch. Retailing for under €400: a playful take on the legendary Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch.” 
The choice is symbolic: prestigious heritage meets democratic pricing.

Similarly, Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assembly member and progressive voice for social justice, often sports a Casio. It’s a practical, everyday watch beloved by students, activists, and office workers alike, a nod to his “for the people” ethos.

Other Politicians Embracing Affordable Watches

This minimalist movement isn’t confined to Asia or the U.S. Here are a few notable examples from around the world:

• Barack Obama famously wore a Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph, gifted to him by his Secret Service detail:  an elegant but affordable piece under €500.

• Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, has often been spotted with a Casio G-Shock: rugged, reliable, and built for crisis leadership.

• Emmanuel Macron wears a Bell & Ross BR V1-92, a sleek but understated French-made watch, often concealed under his cuff.

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has been photographed with a Timex Q, a retro reissue that captures her vintage-meets-pragmatic style.

• Bernie Sanders, never one for excess, has long favored functional, no-frills timepieces that align with his anti-billionaire messaging.

Each of these choices tells a story, not of status, but of substance.

The Psychology Behind the Simplicity

In the digital age, authenticity is currency. Voters want leaders who feel approachable, not elite. Wearing a Casio, Timex, or Swatch instead of a Rolex or Audemars Piguet sends a clear message: I’m one of you.

Luxury watches used to be shorthand for success; now, they risk appearing tone-deaf. A simple plastic watch can convey humility and focus: qualities that resonate in an era of economic inequality and social awareness.

As one political strategist put it, “A Rolex can win you a boardroom, but a Casio can win you a crowd.”

Luxury vs. Accessibility: A Cultural Shift

This isn’t the death of luxury watchmaking, we are far from it. Brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe remain symbols of craftsmanship and legacy.

But among politicians and public figures, the meaning of a watch has evolved.

Today, an affordable timepiece can be a deliberate branding move, thought for socials, a way to signal connection to ordinary people without saying a word. The rise of the MoonSwatch and the Timex Q shows that design and storytelling can outshine diamonds and gold.

The Future of Political Style

The modern politician’s watch tells more than time: it tells a story of values.
In an era where voters demand transparency and humanity, the shift from luxury to simplicity isn’t just aesthetic. It’s strategic.

Because in politics, like in life, what matters isn’t how expensive your watch is, it’s how you spend your time.