For rapper Badshah, luxury has transitioned from a display of wealth to a deep reverence for Haute Horology. In a recent candid interview with Curly Tales, the artist revealed that his obsession with watches recently reached a tipping point where he seriously considered quitting music to move to Switzerland and enroll in a watchmaking school.
The Swiss Dream: Swapping Mic for Loupe
Badshah’s fascination isn’t with the brand names, but with the mechanical soul of the timepieces.
- The Motivation: He expressed awe for independent watchmakers who produce as few as 10 watches a year, hand-assembling thousands of microscopic components over several months.
- The Philosophy: “So many have given their lives to making watches… this small thing on your wrist takes so many man-hours to finish,” he shared, highlighting his respect for the artistry over the “quartz” or mass-produced alternatives.
The Crown Jewel: Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convexe
Badshah highlighted one specific masterpiece in his collection of 10–15 rare watches that exemplifies his taste: the Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convexe.
| Feature | Details |
| Craftsmanship | Entirely handmade; consists of 500–700 individual components. |
| Production Time | Takes approximately 8 months to complete a single unit. |
| Complexity | Features a 3D rotating terrestrial globe that tracks real-time world zones. |
| Price Tag | Estimated at $400,000 (approx. ₹3.89 Crore). |
The Viral “Barbie” Rolex
Adding to his “elite collector” status, Badshah recently became the first Indian to own the ultra-rare Rolex Daytona “Barbie.”
- Rarity: One of only 10 pieces in existence globally.
- The Aesthetic: Crafted in 18k yellow gold with a bezel set with baguette-cut pink sapphires and a gem-set pink dial.
- Market Value: While the retail price is roughly ₹3.5 Crore, its extreme rarity and celebrity demand (also owned by Lionel Messi) have pushed its resale value toward ₹9 Crore ($1 million).
A Collection of Extremes
Beyond the watches, Badshah’s lifestyle remains a series of “firsts” and “extremes”:
- Automotive: Owns a ₹12.45 Crore Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
- Footwear: A legendary collection of over 500 sneakers, many of which remain unworn in their original boxes.
- Eyewear: The first Indian to collaborate with Maybach on a limited-edition eyewear line.