Saw the Patek Philippe watches worn by regional leaders at the National Day Parade? Here’s what the social media posts didn’t tell you.

It wasn’t just a pleasant surprise that important regional leaders joined us at the National Day Parade 2025. What three of them wore on their wrists, as they entered the Padang to resounding applause from the spectators, also lit up local watch-collecting circles. Even from a distance, eagle-eyed horological enthusiasts could spot the Patek Philippe models.

1. Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167A-001

Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi matched his batik attire with the sporty yet elegant Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167A-001. Introduced in 2007, as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Aquanaut line, it features a 40.8mm stainless steel rounded octagon case, a black embossed “tropical” rubber strap, a black checkerboard-pattern dial with luminous Arabic numerals, and 45m of water resistance.

It houses the self-winding Caliber 26-330 S C, which powers the date and sweep-seconds functions, and delivers a 45-hour power reserve. Decorated with exquisite finishings, the movement is visible via a sapphire-crystal case back.

Famous celebrity owners of the 5167A include former Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, both long-time admirers of the model, as well as John Mayer and Tom Holland. The last, star of Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise, was seen at multiple promotional appearances with the watch.

Retailing for $35,800 at The Hour Glass, it holds exceptional value on the secondary market, often reselling for upwards of $50,000. With its versatility and quiet luxury vibes, we’re not surprised it’s favoured by both jet-setting politicians and global superstars.

2. Regent of Johor, Malaysia: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167A-012 “Singapore Edition”

Gracing our SG60 celebration in style was Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who was appointed the Regent of Johor last January, alongside his gorgeous wife Che Puan Besar Khaleeda. Both their outfits had splashes of red florals as a nod to our nation’s colour, but we couldn’t take our eyes away from his eye-catching timekeeper.

We should be honoured that the Crown Prince had decided to don the rare Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167A-012 “Singapore Edition”, released in 2019 to mark the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition here on our shores at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre. Limited to just 500 pieces, this edition stands out with a vivid red embossed composite strap and a dial featuring red minute track accents — a bold departure from the more understated black standard version.

As one of the most notable and highly sought-after variations of the Aquanaut Ref. 5167, the value of this “Singapore Edition” currently stands at close to, if not over, $200,000 on the secondary market at Chrono24 — an almost six-fold increase from its original retail price of $33,500.

During its launch, allocation was restricted to select clients in Southeast Asia. The collection reinforces the Aquanaut’s reputation as Patek Philippe’s most modern and adventurous, so it is little wonder that this model appeals to the young and dynamic Crown Prince.

3. Sultan of Brunei: Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany & Co.”

The ever-popular Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei made a vibrant statement on the stands in a terracotta batik shirt contrasted with the iconic and extremely limited grail watch, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany & Co.”.

Commemorating the historic 170-year partnership between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co., this 40mm stainless steel model was launched in December 2021 with just 170 pieces produced. Its defining feature is a radiant lacquer dial in Tiffany Blue for the first time ever. Double-signed with “Patek Philippe Geneve” at 12 o’clock and “Tiffany & Co.” at 6 o’clock, the dial also showcases the collection’s signature horizontal embossing, a framed date window, and luminous blackened white-gold baton markers and hands.

Housed within is the ultra-slim self-winding Caliber 26-330 S C, offering a 45-hour power reserve, 28,800vph frequency, and sapphire-crystal caseback bearing the special inscriptions of “170th Anniversary” and “1851-2021”.

Originally priced at US$52,000 and sold only at Tiffany boutiques in New York, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco, this edition commands extraordinary demand. In the same month of its release, one piece was set aside for a Phillips auction in New York City, with 100 per cent of proceeds benefitting The Nature Conservancy, a charity chosen by Tiffany & Co. It fetched over US$6.5 million, and was won by 30-something New York-based watch collector Zach Lu, who hails from a billionaire family.

And the reason for its covetability? Aside from its exclusivity, dual branding, and stunning dial colour, this model also marked the discontinuation of the Ref. 5711, a collection that is responsible for the watchmaking world’s most desirable (and expensive) steel models. Naturally, its list of owners is a roll-call of Hollywood and American celebrities. Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Daniel Arsham have been spotted with it.