In the high-stakes world of Indian cricket, the contest for supremacy extends far beyond the boundary ropes. When the stumps are drawn, a different kind of collection game begins—one played on the wrist. Away from the public eye, the creme de la creme of Indian cricket, both legends and current stars, are amassing enviable collections of "high horology" watches that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those owned by global celebrities and royalty.
Beyond the Mall Rolex: The Grail Watch Phenomenon
This isn't about the commonplace luxury watches available in high-street boutiques. This is the realm of "Grail" watches—exclusive masterpieces that often require insider access to acquire, boast engineering marvels built to last generations, or are custom-made for the individual. These timepieces are symbols of immense success, personal taste, and entry into an ultra-exclusive global club. Here, we spotlight five such ultra-rare watches that currently grace the wrists of India's cricket icons.
Hardik Pandya's Emerald-Crusted Platinum Patek Philippe
Hardik Pandya, synonymous with flamboyant style, owns a piece of horological history. His watch is the platinum Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 5711/113P, an "off-catalogue" model that cannot be bought through regular channels. This ultra-rare variant of the now-discontinued 5711 series features a bezel studded with 32 baguette-cut emeralds, matched by emerald hour markers. Widely regarded as one of the planet's rarest Nautilus watches, its value is estimated at a staggering over ₹5 crore, placing Pandya in a collector's league that includes international icons.
Virat Kohli's Iconic Rolex Daytona "Rainbow"
Virat Kohli's evolution in watch collecting mirrors his career trajectory—moving from sporty to sophisticated investment-grade assets. His standout piece is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Rainbow" in Everose gold. This watch's legend lies in its incredibly complex craftsmanship. Rolex must source 36 perfectly colour-matched natural sapphires to create the seamless rainbow gradient on the bezel, resulting in extremely limited production. A symbol of status that transcends sport, this Daytona is a serious asset, trading in the market for an estimated ₹2 crore to ₹4.5 crore.
Rohit Sharma's Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar
Rohit Sharma's "Hitman" persona on the field is contrasted by his understated elegance off it, reflected in his choice of timepiece. He favours an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. This watch is less about bling and more about mechanical genius. It functions as a mini-computer on the wrist, accurately tracking the day, date, month, moon phase, and leap year until 2100 without manual adjustment. Valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore, it signals a preference for intricate engineering over ostentatious display.
Sachin Tendulkar's Personally Commissioned Audemars Piguet
While others buy luxury brands, Sachin Tendulkar has luxury brands creating watches for him. The Master Blaster wears a specially commissioned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph that honours his legendary career. Limited to just 300 pieces worldwide, this watch is a tribute to his fans. It features a dial in "Team India" blue, a leather strap with orange stitching mimicking a cricket ball's seam, and Tendulkar's signature engraved on the case back. It represents the pinnacle of personal recognition in the watch world.
MS Dhoni's Rugged Panerai "Dhoni Edition"
True to his "Captain Cool" and utilitarian ethos, MS Dhoni's choice is the robust Italian brand Panerai. He is often seen wearing the Panerai Luminor GMT (PAM01056) "Dhoni Edition" with a military green dial, nodding to his respect for the armed forces and the cricket field. This special edition was released for the Indian market to celebrate his brand ambassadorship. It features a discreet engraving of the Indian peninsula on the case back, embodying Dhoni's own style—understated, tough, and deeply respected.
These timepieces are more than just accessories; they are trophies of a different kind, marking the intersection of monumental sporting achievement and the rarefied world of collectible luxury. They tell a story of personal style, immense wealth, and a passion for craftsmanship that lasts a lifetime.
