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The Horological Phenomenon of Double-Wristing Watches - Chrono Hunter

What do renowned General Norman “Stormin” Schwarzkopf, Cuban leader Fidel Castro and popstar Billie Eilish all share? You’ve probably guessed it’s not their political views or job professions…

The aforementioned names and many others like actor Richard E. Grant and even Prince William all wear two timepieces at the same time. The first question that springs to mind is… why?

For some, it may be a family heritage thing or simply a lifestyle choice. For others, it may be that they are trailblazers in the fashion industry. Whatever the reason, Chrono Hunter believes that when you buy a watch, you cannot get enough high quality timepieces slapped on your wrist thereafter. Now, who’s got the mettle to wear a third? This ain’t no triple whammy feature, well only if you are Lewis Hamilton.

A horological trendsetter bar none, he’s also something of an activist as he protested the FIA’s proposed ban on wearing jewellery while racing. Out of spite, and beautiful horological fashion, he wore three IWC timepieces. After all, he’s an IWC ambassador, therefore why he got first dibs on the newly released Lake Tahoe before anyone else.

Today though we are focusing on the debate; are two watches better than one? Without further ado, let’s get into the juicy details on the horological phenomenon behind “double-wristing.”

Who Are The Trailblazers?

There has been a slew of high society celebrities that have adorned two watches at the same time. Some use it as a way of referencing a place from where they were born while others use it to flash the cash.

Fidel Castro

Two Watches:

Rolex Submariner and Rolex GMT

There are many famous images in which Fidel Castro proudly boasts two stunning timepieces, one on each wrist.

Castro’s Submariner and GMT - Source - Rolex Magazine

While the situation may differ each time, for example he is with his son or he is chatting with Khrushchev while smoking a whopping cigar, he always seems to have his wrists dolled up with two watches. Meeting up in 1963, conversations of Cuban revolution and nuclear subs were on the tongue in a deeply unsettled time.

As the figurehead of socialism and anti-imperialism from his reign between 1956 to 1976, Fidel Castro chose to wear two timepieces from one of the most expensive brands of all time! Wearing a Rolex GMT and Rolex Submariner simultaneously, he stated that the reason he wore two watches is as a backup in case the other one happens to stop working. Tick tock indeed.

We can promise you, Castro. Your Rolexes won’t be dying on you any time soon! The Rolex Submariner is the veteran of the diving model world and the timekeeping blueprint for all future dive watches

Originally released in 1953, the timepiece is instantly recognizable due to its dot and baton indices, pitch black dial and rotating bezel, allowing divers to competently calculate their times for compression phases.

The Rolex GMT is another stunner from Rolex's portfolio. Released one year later in 1954, the GMT function allows users to measure two time zones at once due to the useful AM and PM bezel (typically in different colours) and the GMT hand. Popular models include the Pepsi with a red and blue bezel not to mention The Sprite which is all green!

Other reasons why Fidel Castro adopted two timepieces is so that he could track the time in Moscow, Havana and Washington. Talk about being switched on, Fidel Castro had no problem in determining the time! As you horophiles will know, The Rolex GMT is capable of reading two time zones at once, allowing El Caballo to study three time zones in total when using his Rolex Submariner too.

Other theories as to why he was a double-wrister are due to ritualistic reasons from his heritage as an ‘Olocha’. As a religion originally stemming from West Africa and eventually arriving in the Caribbean, the followers had to wear a bracelet as a form of protection. It's alleged that Fidel Castro wore a second timepiece so as to hide the bracelet.

The decision to wear a pair of Rolexes is one that allowed for the legendary double-wrister to perform his leadership duties in a timely and very stylish fashion.

Billie Eilish

Two Watches:

Chanel BoyFriend

Billie Eilish is a global pop star and singer of such tunes like ‘Bad Guy’ and ‘Everything I Wanted’. Winning awards like Academy Awards for best music in 2022 and multiple Grammys for best new artist and Record of the Year, she has more than cemented her position in music and pop culture.

Billie’s Chanel - Source - People

Her subsequent rise to fame can only mean one thing. It’s time to flex, opting for a pair of Chanel BoyFriend timepieces, one on each wrist. All in gold like her plaques, she wears a variety of gold jewellery items to really enhance the luxury and sophistication of the models. You do know yellow gold is certainly back on top form, right? This is seen thanks to the new release of the Rolex Yacht-Master 42mm in 18ct gold from Watches and Wonders 2023.

It seems that the double-wrister trend isn't a passing fad. Far from it. As a big figurehead in pop culture, her decision to wear dual timepieces may influence a whole new generation. Who knows, this trend may become the “loom bands” of 2023! While we don’t think they will become grail pieces, they may hit the sweet spot in terms of luxury jewellery.

As is the case with Travis Scott who wears more than one bejewelled timepiece on his wrists, these young up and comers are ready to take the horological world into the modern era.

Norman Schwarzkopf

Two Watches:

Seiko and Rolex Datejust

Originally serving in Vietnam, Norman Schwarzkopf rose through the ranks of military positioning to land a role as a general in the US Force.

Norman’s Seiko and Rolex - Source - The New York Times

Leading soldiers to a very important victory in the Persian Gulf in the 1970s, Norman solidified his role as a top leader and important general in military history. His successes in the military allowed him to become a figurehead, not only in the Armed Forces but also as a cultural icon.

Why, I hear you ask? The man was another “double wrister.”Instead of opting for a stunning military timepiece like The Tudor Ranger or The IWC Pilot’s Mark XX, he chose timepieces which wouldn’t look out of place in a cocktail bar in the evening.

He wore a Seiko dive timepiece. As far as dive models go, it is extremely legible and offers a degree of comfort necessary for people choosing to plunge beneath the waves. While it may not touch The Tudor Pelagos 39, it’s a solid choice for a legible timepiece. This is a great choice for a man dedicated to the Armed Forces. After all, he needs to be riding in comfort and with the ability to quickly tell the time amidst the most challenging of situations.

He also wore a Rolex Datejust in a dual tone construction. Crafted out of steel and gold, Norman Schwarzkopf is dressing up like US President Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. What’s unusual about this piece is that the bracelet links closely to the strap on a Rolex Day Date due to its “President” styling.

The Rolex Datejust was originally released in 1945, celebrating 40 years of the brand. Representing the first self-winding waterproof model that simultaneously displayed a date on the dial, the timepiece is a piece of horological genius. Fair enough, Norman. If anyone deserves it, it's you!

Prince William and Princess Diana

Two Watches:

Prince William - Omega Seamaster and Garmin Forerunner 245

Princess Diana - Patek Philippe Volante and Patek Philippe 3618

Prince William is undoubtedly the more reserved brother in the Royal Family generation.

William’s Omega and Garmin - Source - Independent

While we actually rather like Prince Harry’s choices, The Breitling Aerospace and Rolex Explorer, Prince William ups the fashion ante with a good old dose of modernity. He pairs an Omega Seamaster with a Garmin Forerunner 245.

Now, Chrono Hunter is a little biased when it comes to mechanical watches and not these smart timepiece fads. Prince William blends the worlds perfectly! By wearing a smart model, he can tell a few stats like his heart rate and receive emails. On the other wrist, he can flex his high quality timepiece and still look like a debonair double-wrister dressed up for any occasion.

The Omega Seamaster was a gift from his late great mother, Princess Diana who tragically died during a car crash in Paris. As a memorable present, Prince William has worn it ever since as a heartfelt ode to his mother.

Crafted out of stainless steel and capable of reaching 300 metres water resistance, The Omega Seamaster is one of the older models from the brand. Although it doesn’t have the laser engraved waves on the dial, it instead opts for horizontal lines that gently stretch across. In truth, we don't blame him for getting the latest model. Sometimes sentimentality is far more important than being kitted up with the latest styles.

In fact, Princess Diana was one of the very first people to bring in double-wristing.

Diana’s Patek Philippe - Source - The Mirror

An acclaimed double-wrister back in time, her decision to wear dual models wasn’t actually a fashion statement. Spotted in 1981 wearing both a Patek Philippe 3445 Disco Volante and a Patek Philippe 3618, the Disco Volante originally belonged to Prince Charles. She would wear it when he went to play polo and obviously not wanting to damage such a priceless item, would pass it over to his wife.

Maybe Charles should’ve made the conservative decision to wear a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso for that flippable dial protection… Both Patek Philippe pieces are dressier through and through. Featuring circular dials and crafted out of yellow gold, they both look sublime by themselves or as Princess Diana wears them, on one wrist.

Richard E. Grant

Acclaimed actor Richard E. Grant has starred in hilarious comedies from “Withnail and I” to the popular Avengers franchise as the original Loki. Well, let’s take a quick Loki at this double-wristing hall of Famer.

Richard’s watches - Source - Digital Spy

Nowadays he’s a very motivational character, telling tales of his career and giving invaluable advice to those who want to break through into the creative world. To us horologists, he’s famed for a more intricate reason! Double-wristing.

As a man who wears two mechanical watches, he adorns both a Cartier Santos and a Breitling Navitimer. Of course, these are astounding timepieces that anyone would wear, but he wears them for a more emotional reason.

Given the Breitling Navitimer on his fathers death bed, it has a much more significant emotional connection, as well as looking immensely stylish. As fate would inevitably have it, he lost the timepiece and, expectedly so, was deeply upset.

His wife bought him a Cartier Santos as a replacement for such an emotive piece. What a choice too as the Santos has been the hallmark of the luxury brand since its original release in 1904, for the aviation pilot, Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Luckily for Richard, he found his Breitling Navitimer later on so now gets the joy of wearing two mechanical watches with equally important emotional connections.

Diego Maradona

Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Diego Maradona has won World Cups, Ballon D'ors and everything in between! We won’t mention the “Hand Of God’ incident…It’s as if time stood still when the dimunite Argentine leapt over Peter Shilton’s arm to caress the ball home. The rest as they say is history with Argentina triumphing at Mexico 86.

Source - The Mercury News

As a stunning player on the pitch and a let’s say controversial gentleman off it, Maradona has a career stemming from Boca Juniors to Barcelona and even capturing the Serie A title for Italian side Napoli. Taking up a coaching role at Argentina, Textil Mandiyu, Racing Club, Al-Wasl and Fujairah among other clubs, he has cult status in the sporting and perhaps horological world.

Hang on a minute. Let us explain. So, does Maradona wear two mechanical watches? He sure does! As an ambassador for Hublot, he was kitted up with only the finest novelties possible. Starting with the beautiful Big Bang Gold ceramic and eventually ending up with dual Big Bang Sapphire with baguette diamonds, Diego Maradona sparkled both on and off the pitch.

As explained by friend and Brazilian football superstar, Ronaldo, he wore two watches as an ode to his pair of daughters. Both were engraved with either name of each child, meaning he could carry them around with him all the time.

Who knew a football cheat could have such an emotional side?

Can Double-Wristing Be A Good Look?

It is entirely possible that double-wristing can be pulled off really well.

Size

It’s all about finding the right balance.

Drake Everose Rolex - Source - Rolex Magazine

For example, if you wore both a Panerai California at 45mm and a Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience at 47mm, chances are that you would look weighed down, rather than the stylish gent you want to aspire to be. If you were to remove one of the Panerai timepieces and wear a Cartier Tank at a much sleeker sizing, the entire ensemble would even out.

This doesn't mean that you cannot wear two of the same brand at once. Drake is an example of someone who regularly wears dual Rolex timepieces. His theme is that the materials must match as he combines dual Everose gold Rolex, Day Date, Daytona, two yellow gold timepieces, Submariner and Datejust…all at different times.

Ensure that the sizing is nailed on before you go jumping head first into a fashion catastrophe!

Double-Wrister Styles And Looks

It’s best if you keep some coherency in terms of the style you are going for.

Pratt’s Cartier - Source - The New York Times

Chris Pratt appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2020 kitted out with the ultimate double wristing demure…an ensemble of two Cartier timepieces. However, he doesn’t opt for the usual Santos De Cartier or Française.

Deciding to go with a Cartier Calibre de Cartier Diver and a Cartier Calibre de Cartier Chronograph, both are made from steel and follow robust circular designs with at least one sub dial on each.

It shows that wearing one on each wrist isn’t just about sleekness or nailing the fashion stakes. It can in fact look exceptionally appealing with bigger mechanical watches as it adds even more presence.

Confidence

We know, Timelords. Although it’s a very cliché thing to say, it really does help to be confident in your choices when wearing dual timepieces.

We’ve seen generals, rappers and even dictators pull off two watches effortlessly. Suffice to say, don’t start feeling like you will be alone in this venture. There is a strong variety of characters who do the exact same thing. Nonetheless, the art of double wristing goes against the norm which for some can look rational while others seem pretty irrational. Thems the brakes.

Bracelets And Bands

To steel or not to steel… that is the question.

This option is completely up to you. Some find that wearing metal bracelets on either wrist is a great option. Metal is durable and looks sublime when given a little buff, allowing you to look dressed up for any occasion. Who needs a salmon dial to look the part when you have not one but dual beautiful steel timepieces on your wrist.

Leather in any form such as calf skin or alligator will also do the trick. Leather dresses down an outfit and is less prominent on the wrist, meaning you can get away with wearing dual timepieces without raising endless questions.

How about mixing both? Wearing both a leather strap and a metal bracelet is certainly not a bad idea, especially since some watches simply must come in leather and vice versa for metal. The combination of a Rolex Submariner for a sporty edge with a Cartier Santos for that svelte feel is a combination which is a revolutionary move for men’s fashion!

Other straps such as fabric, rubber or NATO can also be interchanged with ease. As long as there is some consistency with colour, you will have no problem combining different strap types on your chosen watches.

Why Do People Double-Wrist?

Double-wristing is loved and adored by many. The reasons tend to be extremely varied too as everyone has their own personal reasons.

Richard E. Grant alongside his Breitling and Cartier - Source - Rolling Stone

For some like Travis Scott, Drake and Billie Eilish, it may be a fashion statement. There’s nothing bolder than coming out of the front door with a pair of high quality pieces of Haute Horlogerie strapped onto either wrist.

For others, it may pertain to sentimental reasoning. Actor Richard E. Grant sports both a Breitling Navitimer and a Cartier Santos which he wore presenting the BAFTAs this year. While we wouldn’t be wrong in thinking that he does this because it’s immensely fashionable, it is also more of a specific sentiment.

He wears a Breitling Navitimer out of respect for his father, who gave him the timepiece on his deathbed. If you can believe it, Richard lost the model! His wife subsequently intervened in his misery and bought him a Cartier Santos as another special timepiece with emotional value.

Luckily, this story ends on a happy note as he found the Breitling timepiece again and now wears both timepieces in a glorious display of double-wristing. Furthermore, The Cartier Tank relates to the time of Swaziland which is where he was born and grew up. Sentimental and stylish? Richard has the double-wristing game nailed down.

The Phenomenon Of Double-Wristing

Some say that wearing dual timepieces has its flaws.

Travis’ Royal Oak and Rolex watches, Source - Medium

The option to wear undoubtedly unicorn bejewelled timepieces such as a diamond Rolex and 18K Audemars Piguet Royal Oak like Travis Scott may work for him and his allure of wealth and money, but may not do the trick for you. If you decide to opt for such flashy pieces, the threat of them looking tasteless or tacky may follow you around like a bad smell.

The other problem with two timepieces is the combination of smartwatches with mechanical watches. Mechanical watches have seen their fair share of abuse over the years as noted through the Quartz Crisis in the 1970s. Yet these luxury brands have since recovered from competing with each other but still now facing the latest influx of gadget wizardry by the likes of Apple...

To combine something that opposes premium construction, craftsmanship and the detail of mechanical watches is something that carries a lot of concern in horological circles. Prince William adopts this technique of a mechanical timepiece alongside a smart model with the proviso that the smart timepiece is used for monitoring his health and reading emails.

While some like the appearance of modernity with classicism like an old leather jacket with a brand new t-shirt, we recommend sticking to two mechanical watches if you decide to push the boat out and double-wrist!

Our View On The Cult Of Double-Wristing Watches

We think that wearing two timepieces is an outstanding display of style combined with high quality horology.

However, it could be argued that it’s re-introduction into modern society through celebrities may see more and more people deciding to wear two models at once. That’s if you can afford it. That being said, Gen-Z is more than happy with keeping things minimalistic as timepiece sizes become smaller and the design rests more on the side of clean and refined like the latest Rolex 1908.

Will this mean that wearing a duo of mechanical watches will make as strong a comeback as Gladiators? No one knows. Not even us, Timelords! We certainly won’t be shedding any tears if it comes back into the forefront of horology.

For the time being, you can easily style it out with just one novelty sourced from Chrono Hunter, the best, smartest and quickest way to buy a watch or sell a watch. Remember with us, you can enjoy a variety of offers from our trusted network of luxury retailers straight to your mobile phone through our dedicated app. Feel free to use our form here to get started on your double-wristing journey or to start your timekeeping journey.

Conclusion

Double-wristing? By now, you should know all about the fascinating universe behind wearing dual timepieces at once. For some, it’s to boast their infinite wealth as they link Rolex with Cartier or any other luxury timepiece. For others, it can be around the theme of family or a sense of heritage, representing an emotional connection.

Don’t be too downtrodden about the misery of capitalism. Two timepieces are like yin and yang. They could be one side of the same coin. Blending these beautiful novelties together is more than the ultimate step to looking sharp. However, you would receive no criticism for saying that one fantastic timepiece is more than enough.

Worn by a variety of elite celebrities or social figures, double-wristing has the potential to make its way back into modern society. The question posed here for now is are two birds really worth more than one in the bush?

Can't wait to buy a Rolex on either wrist? Want to be a double-wrister in no time? Save some time and chat with Chrono Hunter here. Check out our phenomenal reviews on Trustpilot and find out why we are the best place to buy a watch or sell a watch. Receive multiple offers from our established network of luxury retailers and accept the offer that’s right for you. Whether purchase or sale, we have unrivalled brand expertise and peerless service like no other. Simply enter the details via our form or download our dedicated app, available on both Apple and Android platforms.

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