This summer, now almost over, was certainly very hot from a meteorological point of view. Equally burning, however, was the political situation in Italy during last months, in which the relationship between parties constituting the executive was broken, thus creating a government crisis.
Between social media, various Italian cities and Chigi palace our politicians confronted and clashed with statements and press conferences and, on various occasions, were seen wearing interesting watches, from the most particular to the most commercial.
As spotting professionals, we couldn’t miss this opportunity to make a little recap on which watches are worn by some of Italy’s most famous political figures.
Matteo Renzi
Former Prime Minister and Mayor of Florence, he is now known for his passion for watches.
There is no shortage of appearances in gossip newspapers, on which he is blamed for his expensive tastes.
However, the Florentine doesn’t wear luxury brands only. During the Leopolda Meeting he was spotted wearing a purple dial and strap Swatch, perhaps in honor of the symbolic color of the city he represented: Florence.
We also find a purple dial in another watch that he often wears.
It is a classic and timeless Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm ref.116000 in steel with smooth bezel and purple dial. For this watch, perhaps Renzi’s top option, ratings are just over 4.000€, a far cry from those of the “Pepsi” and other sought-after models.
If we instead take a look at his past, he was also seen wearing a BVLGARI Diagono automatic Professional Scuba ref. DP42BSSDSD in steel, suitable for both sports and formal situations. Less famous and appreciated than the Octo, here too we’re in the 4.000€ range.
Occasionally seen on Renzi’s wrist, but widely discussed, is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chrono ref.26320ST in steel with blue dial.
Some claim it to be a gift from Putin’s delegation, some others that it’s a personal purchase, in any case it is a highly demanded and up to date watch, perhaps more suitable for a sailboat skipper than a premier…
For this masterpiece by AP we’ll expect to be in the 20/25.000€ territory.
Last but not least, we spotted a watch that few should have noticed on our ex Premier’s wrist…
We are talking about a Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6084, a vintage and tasty watch, that expresses a true passion for horology.
Rarely seen on Matteo Renzi’s wrist, it is a watch with a market value around 3.000€, with a nice Oyster riveted bracelet.
Credits: Orologiepassioni
Giuseppe Conte
Our resigning Prime Minister is a fan of classic watches, which he wears stylishly.
It’s been spotted in several occasions wearing a Cartier Tank Americaine Ref.W2609756 in yellow gold with alligator strap. Although it’s the classic representative watch, fine and elegant in formal contexts, it still is a choice that denotes style and research in this field.
He also seems to like another watch, a very refined IWC Portofino automatic in steel ref.356517.
Its 40mm steel case, silver dial with gold indices and a small date window turned this watch in one of the Schaffhausen’s maison’s symbols that, thanks to its timeless elegance, gives the wearer an incomparable charm.
If we talk about prices, quotes for the IWC are just over 3000€ while, for the Cartier, the price list is 18.600€.
Second place, in terms of budget, after Matteo Renzi!
Luigi Di Maio
Criticized and, perhaps,
criticizable, Di Maio remains one of the most sober and elegant men in
Parliament.
He, like Conte, does not renounce the charm of a
“dress watch”, albeit in a much cheaper variant.
Seeing this “watch” on the wrist of a prominent politician, however, leaves a bittersweet taste…
It’s a Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol, which can be purchased online for 189€.
Dear Luigi, the next time, let ItalianWatchSpotter help you pick a proper dress watch! (Or at least ask Renzi and Conte…)
Giuseppe “Beppe” Grillo
Comedian and politician Beppe Grillo doesn’t always wear a watch.
Nevertheless, he has an important passion for the Florentine brand U-Boat by Italo Fontana, which he’s been spotted wearing on several occasions.
U-boat watches stand out for the large crown on the left, and follow a precise construction philosophy, with high-quality materials designed and produced in Italy using Swiss movements.
Two models seem to be his favorites.
The first is the U-Boat Classico 50 tungsten ref.8091 with 50mm steel case, tungsten dial and crown on the left with the famous screw crown-protector that guarantees a water resistance of 100mt.
The dial, well recognizable for its beige color with black indices, ease the task of reading both the date and the time.
Another U-Boat that is often worn by the comedian is the Classico 50 chrono ref.8077, similar to the previous one but with the addition of chronographic function and reversed colors: this model features a black dial with beige indices.
The case, always generous in size (50mm), incorporates a chronographic movement with 48 hours power reserve and features an innovative crown extraction system at 8 o’clock.
For the time-only we face a list price of 3.200€, while for the chrono, the market price is around the same.
Giorgia Meloni
Leader of Fratelli d’Italia party, Giorgia Meloni doesn’t seem to be very passionate about classic watches, indeed…
She usually wears a fitband, probably preferring to monitor health and physical activity data over the charm of the conventional watch. Another companion with which she has often been seen is an Apple Watch with steel case and black rubber strap.
Definitely a lone voice, preferring the practicality of technology to the charm of women’s watches.
Sergio Mattarella
From our President of the Republic and the man of great sophistication he is, one could not expect something unsuitable for high-formality situations where refinement is a must.
Very subtle in watches as well, he was occasionally seen wearing a discreet but charming Patek Philippe Ellipse ref.3738/100J-012 in yellow gold with blue dial and alligator strap. A choice that shows a certain love for classics and tradition.
Great class, but also good price, around 8.000€ .
Nicola Zingaretti
PD’s secretary and e President of Regione Lazio, Nicola Zingaretti is a trending public figure in this period of prospective red&yellow government.
Beyond his being famous , he seems to enjoy some horological treats, but not excessively.
We can see him wearing mainly three watches
First a Tissot Chrono XL, quartz steel watch with a very generous size, being 45mm. Not exactly formal…
(To get this watch, the list price is 325€)
After a more careful look to the photos retracting the politician, we can notice that he prefers watches with more elegant features.
We often spotted him wearing two very similar dress watches, even though they have different dial and strap colors. Can’t be a coincidence! They are the same model, a Jazzmaster Thinline Quartz, making us wonder if he is passionate about Hamilton.
Ultra-thin with steel 42mm case, date at 6, it’s a great alternative to the classic dress watch, with a more modern and resistant touch. Talking price tags, we can find both versions in boutique for 395€.
It’s funny to notice how, despite the pursuit and pleasure of having more than one watch, Zingaretti always chooses quartz watches, maybe for their high precision and reliability.
Paolo Gentiloni
Politic, journalist and actual President of Partito Democratico, Paolo Gentiloni was the 28º Prime Minister, before the already mentioned Giuseppe Conte.
Despite their common office, the two don’t share anything in terms of watch taste. In the picture we can, in fact, see Gentiloni wearing a Swatch Up-Wind Soft Silicone, a simple and pragmatic watch, good looking and available for around 50€. Surely a great way to stay humble, merging the dress watch’s typical shape with a very actual and light taste.
Translated by Lorenzo Spolaor (@lorenzospolaor)
