What Is So Special About John Mayer's Watch Collection?

John Mayer is my favourite guitar player. He has mastered the ability to play with feel and dynamics in a way that is both beautiful to listen to and inspiring to watch as a fellow guitarist. But none of you care about that, you want to see what watches he has. And I don’t blame you, as Mayer is considered one of the greatest celebrity watch collectors. So, what has led to his super collector status?

Join me as I take a closer look into John Mayer's watch collection to help us all decide whether it truly is the most special celebrity watch collection.

To help me with my research I’ve been using Hodinkee’s two spectacular ‘Talking Watches’ episodes that feature Mayer (which you need to watch if somehow you haven’t already) and the Instagram page @watches_of_mayer.

Mayer has far too many watches for me to write about each one individually and not have this article turn into a book, but I am more than happy to do a part two. I’ve decided to group them by manufacturer and there are four key brands that make up the majority of his collecting habits. We’ll start with the crown itself, Rolex.

The Daytona is to Mayer’s collection what Ferrari is to Formula 1, incomplete without them. So naturally he owns many rare and beautiful Daytona’s. But there’s one reference that stands out, the 6263.

Before a more standardised serialisation of Rolex reference numbers, it would be common to find many watches sharing the same reference number that have varying characteristics. The 6263 reference has many iterations and of course Mayer has a few. The most famous of all is the ‘Paul Newman’ which features a panda-like dial with red accents. These watches continue to rise in value, especially since the auction of Paul Newman’s personal 6263 set records in 2017. Mayer also owns a full yellow gold 6263 which features the Tiffany and Co. logo on the dial. A stamp only added to watches bought from the famous jeweller and allocated to specific customers making a Tiffany stamped dial a rare find. Among others, Mayer’s collection also features a panda dial 6263, less valuable than the ‘Paul Newman’ but a watch that shows his appreciation for all variations of this reference.

Everyone is familiar with Rolex nicknames. Pepsi, Batman, Coke, and Great White for example. Mayer is such an enthusiast and collector of Rolex that the community nicknamed a watch after him. And this all started from the second ‘Talking Watches’ episode where Mayer discusses watches that he thinks collectors may have overlooked. Released in 2016 alongside the ceramic Daytona, the 116508 is a full yellow gold Daytona with a dark green dial. Quintessential Rolex brand colours on their flagship model but for the longest time they were trading under retail. After the release of that video people began talking about the reference more and appreciation began to increase. During the great market boom of the pandemic this reference soared well into the six-figure price range and was eventually discontinued in 2022 adding fuel to the fire. Something that Mayer had predicted many years prior and earned this watch the nickname the ‘John Mayer’ Daytona.

This is one of my personal favourite Submariner references as it was a Rolex issued to armed forces between 1971-1979. This reference differs from the standard 5513 Submariner of the time by having fixed lugs, sword hands, and a bezel with graduations for the full 60 minutes. This was not a watch you could buy from Rolex AD’s and so has since become extremely collectable and valuable. But Mayer was there before all the talk began and values skyrocketed, a trend you’ll see throughout his collecting habits.

Mayer is a big collector of Comex branded Submariners and Sea Dwellers. Another rare group of Rolex divers that has seen astronomical price increases in the last ten years. These watches were developed in collaboration between Rolex and Comex to produce a watch that could cope with the depths that the saturation divers work at. Again, not available to buy from Rolex and now extremely collectible. Mayer Showcases a 5514 Submariner, the prototype to the Sea Dweller and the first watch fitted with a Helium escape valve. He also owns a Comex 1680, a later and more frequently issued Submariner to the office workers at Comex, not the divers, as the submariner could not reach the same depths as the Sea Dweller of the time.

AP has become a predominant brand in Mayer’s collection in the last ten years. He has been spotted with a huge variety of Royal Oak models and was even able to design his own limited edition.

Long name, thin watch. This piece sits amongst the Haute Horology greats. This is an insanely intricate and complicated watch that displays only minutes and hours. Mayer owns several variations including one in rose gold that featured in the Hodinkee Talking Watches 2, but my favourite is this reference in steel. The execution of a self-winding tourbillon housed in an 8.1mm thick case highlights AP’s watchmaking prowess.

Having a piece unique not quite enough for you and wondering where to go next? You need to create a limited-edition series designed by yourself in collaboration with AP of course! And that is exactly what Mayer did. The 200-piece limited edition was the last to feature the calibre 5134, a movement that featured in every QP from the Maison since 2015. The super slim 9.5mm thick 18-karat white gold case houses the stunning “Crystal Sky” embossed dial. This is possibly the most beautiful AP perpetual calendar of all time, and it was designed by the singer-songwriter.

Possibly the most outlandish piece in Mayer’s collection – although the Rainbow Daytona’s probably compete for that title – is this behemoth of a titanium and ceramic watch. Featuring a tourbillon at 9 o’clock and the GMT function all on a skeletonised dial with ceramic components. This is AP looking into the future and creating the Offshore for the year 2300. Bonkers, yes but brilliant too.

Mayer’s love for AP perpetuals continues with two of the most sought-after references, both made in ceramic. The openwork is one of the most complex watches AP produce in the perpetual calendar form as every part of the movement has to be finished to the highest standard and the sub dials must be secured without the presence of a traditional dial. The white ceramic features the famous “Grande Tapisserie” dial. Both are difficult to buy, and both represent the modern capabilities of AP.

John Mayer is a big man. He’s 6’3” and anyone that has ever tried to play the guitar part to ‘Neon’ will know he also has massive hands. So, it makes sense that he would be able to wear a brand that has produced some of the most notoriously large watches.

This is 46mm beast produced for only a short period of time in late 2005. It accompanied Mayer for most of his tour dates between 2005-2009. A perfect travel companion as the gear ratios make setting the time super speedy and he noted that the watch is so large you can prop it up on your nightstand and use it as a clock! Mayer chose this piece when his managers stated he shouldn’t wear Rolex on stage while he was trying to define himself in the industry, and wearing a Rolex so young would make him seem like a ‘wanna-be’. But this move led to him falling in love with the brand and the Big Pilot range. There is a famous video of Mayer flexing his full platinum Big Pilot against a piece of Kanye West’s jewellery which was valued at far less.

One of the most inexpensive pieces in Mayer’s collection but still a rare and unique choice. Produced in a limited series to honour the Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, this watch featured the unique Aquatimer case and bezel design with a sunbird blue dial and orange accents. This is Mayer’s vacation watch, and he states that every time he looks at it, he gets a reminder of the fond memories from tropical lands.

This is a 55mm, manual wound beast used by the Luftwaffe during the second world war. A true piece of horological and aviation history, and he actually wears it! Granted, over a jacket as it was designed to be worn. But it seems 55mm is too big even for John Mayer. This is the watch that begun the Flieger design language that is still present in modern IWC models.

To get a piece unique from Patek Philippe you need to have more than just money. You need to have a very special relationship with the brand, an understanding of their history and align with their values as a collector. Clearly Mayer has achieved all of these things as he designed this 5004 with Patek to feature an inscription of his name on the case back as well as the only 5004 to have lumed hands. A feature he requested to allow him to read the time on stage in the dark, but then later commented that the watch is too special to take into that environment.

This watch features in both of Hodinkee’s ‘Talking Watches’ videos with Mayer. It became a companion for Mayer while touring as the rubber strap makes it perfect for wearing on stage and the dual time complication allows the artist to keep track of his home time zone while anywhere in the world. This particular watch is elevated by the presence of the Tiffany and Co. logo on the dial. This, like the Daytona I mentioned earlier, means it was bought from the famous Jewellery store and makes it far rarer than any standard commoner’s 5461A!

One of the longest standing Patek’s in Mayer’s collection and the one he is most associated with during the early years of his career. This watch was one of the last Patek perpetual calendars to be built on a Lemania based movement. Something which has now led to this reference becoming extremely collectable and valued at over $350,000. The watch also features baguette diamonds surrounding the bezel and Mayer comments on his love of the old typewriter style font of the numerals. 

The thing I love about Mayer’s collecting philosophy is that he’s always looking for the small details that make something special. The first Comex sub, an Arabian coat of arms on the dial, a piece unique that will never be replicated. He buys pieces because of the way they make him feel and pieces that tell a story. He doesn’t follow hype or trends, but in fact makes them. He’s been ahead of the curve for many years and I’m sure he will continue to pave his own way through this hobby allowing others to follow.

Of course, Mayer’s collection spans more than just the four brands I’ve highlighted. He’s been seen with the likes of F.P. Journe, Vacheron Constantin, and obviously G-shock. But I hope that this compilation has given you enough of an idea of the scale of his collection and how special each piece is to determine for yourselves whether John Mayer's watch collection is the greatest of any celebrity.

I sure think he is, but I might be biased because I love his guitar playing and songwriting. So, let me know your unbiased thoughts in the comments and whether you would like to see a part 2.