WATCHES
CLOCK AND ROLL
If the world’s biggest rockers spend this much on watches, why are they always late on stage?
Rock stars love a good watch. From John Lennon’s Patek Philippe to Slash’s Breitling, a handsome watch has long been a vital part of the stage uniform. But while some may just see it as a prop to make them look cool, others take it to the next level, so obsessed that it’s a wonder they have any time left to make any music.
When Eric Clapton gets into something, he doesn’t do it by halves. His love of Ferraris is well known, having bought so many over the years that in 2012 he was allowed to commission a one-off all of his own, the 458 Italia-based SP12 EC. But his automotive addiction is mild compared to how he feels about watches. He has bought countless Rolex and Patek Philippes and his collection has been called “museum quality”. This is not just a man of means buying things he fancies – as well as many new watches, Clapton has carefully sought mega-rare vintage pieces, some costing several million quid.