What better occasion for LeBron James to showcase one of his finest timepieces than at the grandest event in endurance racing?
The towering figure of basketball found himself wearing his illustrious Patek Philippe Nautilus, featuring a captivating Tiffany Blue dial, while assuming the role of the official starter at the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday. While it's not the first time we've glimpsed King James donning this coveted watch, its presence remains an impressive statement, especially considering that the race is sponsored by Rolex.
During this weekend's race, James took a backseat from his usual star status, and his attire reflected this humble approach. Sporting an elegant yet understated ensemble consisting of a beige ball cap, a tan jacket, and white slacks, his left wrist bore a horological treasure that would astonish any watch enthusiast—the exclusive timepiece, one of only 170 ever made.
Since its release in late 2021, the Tiffany Blue Nautilus has become a sought-after grail among aficionados of haute horology. The final edition of the beloved Ref. 5711 has been incredibly elusive since its inception. Originally priced at $52,635, its scarcity has caused its value to soar. Just a week after its launch, the first available piece fetched a staggering $5.35 million (surpassing $6.5 million with fees), while another sold for $3.2 million in November of the same year.
The allure of this watch is easily discernible. Its 40mm stainless steel case harmoniously merges with an integrated bracelet of the same material. However, the true highlight resides in its dial, adorned with Tiffany & Co.'s iconic blue hue and graced with the signatures of both the esteemed watchmaker and jeweler. The sapphire-crystal case back bears the inscription "170th Anniversary 1851-2021 Tiffany & Co. – Patek Philippe." Powering this masterpiece is Patek's self-winding caliber 26-330 SC movement, boasting a power reserve of 35 hours.
Despite his billionaire status, James is renowned among his basketball peers for his frugality. Nevertheless, he has demonstrated a penchant for indulging in extraordinary timepieces. Over the past few years, we have witnessed him donning truly remarkable watches, including the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept 'Black Panther' Flying Tourbillon, a yellow-gold Royal Oak Jumbo, and a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Eye of the Tiger.
