Rising NBA star Kyle Kuzma’s timeless taste: 7 elite timepieces in his collection, from Rolex and Audemars Piguet to a one-of-a-kind De Bethune – but which Patek Philippe was his first watch?
Starting out as a rookie player with the LA Lakers in 2017, Kuzma swiftly proved his value, eventually securing a US$40 million contract with the Los Angeles team in 2020 over three years, per NBA’s website – affording him plenty of cash to start indulging in expensive timepieces.
Seven years into his NBA career, and after a profitable transfer to the Washington Wizards that snagged him a US$102 million contract over four years, per CBS Sports, Kuzma’s financial standing has soared spectacularly, with a bank balance that’s grown by leaps and (re)bounds.
And that penchant for luxury extends to his watch collection, too, which boasts rare and extravagant pieces from the world’s most esteemed watchmakers – including Rolex, Audemars Piguet and several masterpieces from Kuzma’s preferred brand, Patek Philippe – as well as highly respected independent watchmakers.
Here’s a few highlights from 28-year-old Kyle Kuzma’s watch collection.
Bring on the bling: 8 jewellery watches guaranteed to turn heads
1. Patek Philippe Nautilus in rose gold / brown
Patek Philippe’s Nautilus is a stand-out in the segment of luxury sports watches, celebrated for its elegant yet athletic aesthetic. Its iconic design features a rounded octagonal bezel with distinctive case sides that resemble hinges, similar to a ship’s porthole – which is how the watch gets its name.
Kuzma’s first major watch purchase was an 18k rose gold Nautilus, with an intricate guilloché chocolate brown dial with rose gold markers. And while he’s definitely added other versions of this sought-after model to his collection over the years, Kuzma has said that his first Nautilus is still his most meaningful. “It reminds me of where I came from and how far I’ve been,” he told Bezel, speaking about his first-ever watch.
2. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Flyback Chronograph
3. De Bethune DB28 Pièce Unique
How to build a luxury watch collection: 4 tips for beginners
4. F.P. Journe Élégante
Adding to his impressive collection with the De Bethune, Kuzma has also shown off a highly sought-after 48mm Élégante by F.P. Journe. This timepiece comes from another prestigious independent brand, celebrated mostly among esoteric collectors. F.P. Journé is lauded for its unmatched technical prowess, groundbreaking designs, and the direct involvement of its founder, François-Paul Journe, who is among the industry’s most esteemed watchmakers.
Given the brand’s exclusive production of just around 900 watches a year, acquiring one is a feat in itself – yet Kuzma has managed to secure one for his collection, which he often modifies with a custom orange strap.
5. Rolex “President” Day-Date
Naturally, Kuzma’s collection also includes several Rolexes. At the 2018 Espy Awards, he sported a classic Rolex “President” Day-Date, an emblem of power and prestige among the world’s most powerful leaders for decades. His particular model was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold and featured a striking black dial set against baguette diamond hour markers, with brilliant-cut diamonds encircling the bezel. A serious statement by this budding watch connoisseur at the time.
7 watch moments of 2024 so far, from Tay Tay’s watch choker to cool collabs
6. Rolex Ceramic “Panda” Daytona
7. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
- The 28-year-old basketball star started out as a rookie player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, and later transferred to the Washington Wizards with a US$102 million contract
- The athlete, who is dating Winnie Harlow, has been spotted with pieces such as the Rolex ‘Panda’ Daytona and ‘President’ Day-Date, and is a fan of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak