- Facebook boss Zuckerberg has shifted from his iconic ‘uniform’ of jeans and grey T-shirts to luxury fashion.
- Speculation suggests he might be the mystery buyer of F.P. Journe’s $8.3 million USD timepiece.
- Meta CEO’s luxury portfolio now includes a $300 million USD superyacht and a custom Porsche fleet.
When money flows like rain for the ultra-rich, spending in style is just a way of life. That is precisely what Meta Chairman and Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg had been doing: turning his minimalist lifestyle into one full of high-end watches, superyachts, and custom cars.
With an estimated net worth of about $205 billion USD, Zuckerberg, once known for his uniform of grey T-shirts and hoodies, famously said “I feel like I’m not doing my job if I spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous about my life.” But times have changed. These days, Zuckerberg is far from that; instead, he dons a $1,500 USD white Balmain cotton and wool tee, gold chains and premium timepieces.
Could Zuckerberg Be the Mystery Buyer of This Record-Breaking Timepiece?
The fast-rising interest of the Meta chairman in haute horology has become the talk of watch enthusiasts worldwide. Over the last couple of months, Zuckerberg has gathered quite an impressive collection—evidence of his enlarging taste in high-end timepieces.
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He sported a De Bethune DB 25 Starry Varius worth $95,000 USD, featuring an intricate celestial display that mirrors the night sky. He has also worn a Patek Philippe 5236P model worth over $140,000, known for its sophisticated perpetual calendar mechanism.
This newfound love for luxury watches has engendered speculation that he might be the secret purchaser of the 1993 F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoire d’Egalité, which sold last week at the Phillips Geneva auction for a record $8.3 million USD ($13 million AUD).
The 38mm manual-wind platinum timepiece, featuring an 18-karat movement, represents more than just a luxury purchase—it’s a piece of horological history that launched Journe’s career as a celebrated independent watchmaker. The sale also set a new record, knocking Philippe Dufour off his perch for the most expensive watch by an independent watchmaker ever sold at auction. Until now, the previous top price achieved for an F.P. Journe was the FFC Blue, which fetched circa $4.9 million USD at the 2021 Only Watch charity auction.
While the auction house hasn’t released the name of the buyer, speculations centre around Zuckerberg. During a September interview with journalist Cleo Abram’s podcast, the Meta chairman was spotted wearing an F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Havana in Platinum, estimated at about $100,000 USD- showing his appreciation for the brand. Therefore, it really wouldn’t be surprising if Zuckerberg were to be confirmed as the proud owner of this record-breaking timepiece.
What Other Luxuries Has the Billionaire Added to His Collection?
Zuckerberg’s taste for luxury extends beyond wristwear. He recently purchased a 387-foot superyacht, Launchpad, for a whopping $300 million USD. The vessel amenities include modern suits, a private cinema, and an exclusive beach club that converts the stern into a private oceanfront paradise.
The helicopter facilities on the yacht ensure ease of access for guests, while the vast accommodation can host up to 26 guests in ultimate luxury, supported by a crew of 50 dedicated staff members. The yacht reportedly costs around $80,000 USD per day to operate, a testament to the scale of Zuckerberg’s spending.
Not stopping there, Zuckerberg upgraded his garage with two new Porsches: a Porsche 911 GT3, starting at $165,000 USD, and an adapted Porsche Cayenne Turbo G.T. for his wife, Priscilla Chan. Bespoke changes put this base model, which starts at $200,000 USD, into an entirely different league. It is replete with electric sliding doors and an extended frame. Both cars wear a distinctive “Crayon” grey finish, a considerate coordinated look to the couple’s collection.
How Is the Tech Titan Combining Luxury with Security?
Perhaps Zuckerberg’s most overlooked indulgence in recent times has been his intriguing fusion of opulence and security at his 1,400-acre Ko’olau Ranch in Hawaii. Here, he’s constructing a 5,000-square-foot high-tech bunker equipped with cutting-edge security features designed to be impervious to armed conflict, cyberattacks, and even climate change.
For the man who once championed simplicity in personal style, this transformation into luxury living seems complete. As the third-richest person globally, Zuckerberg appears to have finally embraced the billionaire lifestyle he set aside for so many years, an indication that even the most ardent minimalist can be drawn into the allure of ultra-luxury living.
