Hip-Hop Stars and Their Timepieces: A Look at What Rappers Wear on Their Wrists

The Rise of Hip-Hop and Its Watch Culture

It's been three years since China's first hip-hop talent show, The Rap of China, hit the airwaves. Since then, many rappers have moved from underground to mainstream, bringing hip-hop culture to a wider audience. As the show's producer once said, "Chinese rap has only one way out" — through competitions that introduce it to the masses. With the recent surge of rap shows in 2020, it's clear that hip-hop is here to stay. Naturally, fans are curious about what their favorite rappers wear, especially when it comes to watches. Let's dive into the wrist game of some prominent figures in the Chinese rap scene.

Pan Weibo: A Collector's Paradise

Pan Weibo, a celebrity producer on The Rap of China, is known for his love of luxury watches. His collection includes pieces from Roger Dubuis, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Rolex. Here are some highlights:

Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini

This collaboration piece features a striking blue-black color scheme with red accents on the bezel and hands, giving it a sporty edge that matches Pan's casual style. He wore it to an official Roger Dubuis event, but it would look just as fitting on a rap battle stage.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept

Pan also owns a Royal Oak Concept with a dual-time zone and tourbillon, showcased on his social media. The all-black case with silver details exudes a mechanical, futuristic vibe that many celebrities adore.

Richard Mille RM 52-01

Nicknamed the "Black Beauty," this Richard Mille features a skull motif at the center and a full black case. It's a rare and expensive piece, not commonly seen on the streets.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5719/10G-010

This fully diamond-set Nautilus is the epitome of luxury, blending sportiness with opulence.

Rolex Submariner "Hulk"

Pan paired his green jacket with the iconic "Hulk" Submariner, creating a monochromatic look that's both stylish and coordinated.

Kris Wu: Bvlgari's Global Ambassador

Kris Wu, another key figure in Chinese hip-hop, is the global ambassador for Bvlgari. He rarely wears anything else in public, making him a walking advertisement for the brand.

Bvlgari Daniel Roth Tourbillon

This limited edition (only 30 pieces worldwide) features a skeletonized dial with minute repeater and tourbillon. Kris paired it with an all-black outfit, letting the watch take center stage.

Bvlgari Octo Series

Kris has been spotted wearing several Octo models, known for their distinctive faceted cases. One particular piece, with a sandblasted ceramic case and bracelet, stands out for its innovative material use and lightweight feel. It retails for around 200,000 RMB, making it more accessible than some of his other choices.

Lil Ghost Wang Linkai: The Young and Trendy

Lil Ghost, a rising star and mentor on Rap Star, takes a different approach to watch selection, favoring pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

Hublot Big Bang e

He was quick to adopt Hublot's smartwatch, the Big Bang e, signaling a trend toward smart timepieces in the hip-hop community.

Fendi Timepiece

At a Fendi event, Lil Ghost wore a fashion watch with the brand's iconic "Monster" design on the dial, adding a playful touch to his look.

Casio G-Shock "Gold"

The Casio G-Shock in gold is a staple in rap culture, seen on many rappers including Jony J and MC HotDog. Lil Ghost pairs it with vibrant shirts, embodying the rapper aesthetic. He also owns other G-Shock models like the GBA-400 and GBA-800, which are perfect for an active lifestyle.

Conclusion: What Rappers Choose and Why

Rappers tend to favor sporty, bold, and distinctive watches that reflect their personal style. Whether it's high-end luxury pieces or more accessible brands like Casio, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the mantra of "keeping it real." As with any watch purchase, the most important thing is that you love what you wear.