Donald Trump is having a big year – not only is he running for re-election in the 2024 presidential race, but he’s also promoting… watches?
Last week, Trump announced the launch of his limited-edition watch collection – with one piece called the ‘Fight Fight Fight,’ starting at $499, and one called the ‘Victory Tourbillon,’ which has an eye-watering price tag of $100,000.
For reference, a Rolex Day-Date with 18 karat yellow gold and diamonds retails for $56,300, while a Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin watch in 18 carat gold from Audemars Piguet will set you back $80,700 – less than what Trump is selling his ‘Victory Tourbillon’ for.
Of course, this isn’t the first time that the embattled businessman and former president has tried to hawk products to the public.
In the past few years, he’s sold special Trump sneakers, commemorative coins and even digital trading cards.
Trump’s latest retail venture is a line of watches called Trump Watches, with one model, the ‘Victory Tourbillon,’ retailing for $100k
The ‘Fight Fight Fight’ watches start at $499, and come in an array of different colors, like red and blue
This isn’t the first time that the embattled businessman and former president has tried to hawk products to the public
However, this foray into watches could be his most expensive venture yet.
As advertised on his Trump Watches website, the special ‘Victory Tourbillon’ timepiece is made ‘almost entirely’ of 18 Karat Gold and is decorated with 122 VS1 Diamonds.
Only 147 Victory Tourbillon watches are available, and they’re currently on pre-order.
To add to their exclusivity, they are each numbered – with Trump owning watch number one, of course.
The website also claims that the Victory Tourbillon watches are ‘Swiss made’ and that ‘each watch is composed of over 200 individual parts, all working in perfect harmony for outstanding performance.’
The ‘Fight, Fight, Fight’ line, also made of 18 karat gold, has a bit of a lower price point, ranging from $499 to $799.
However, a disclaimer on the site notes that a company called TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC – based in Sheridan, Wyoming, per Wired – is using the ‘”Trump” name, image and likeness under a paid license agreement.”
The website also notes that ‘Trump Watches are not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals.’
To add to their exclusivity, each of the Victory Tourbillon’ watches are numbered – with Trump owning watch number one, of course
As advertised on his Trump Watches website, the special ‘Victory Tourbillon’ timepiece is made ‘almost entirely’ of 18 Karat Gold and is decorated with 122 VS1 Diamonds
According to jewelry expert Phil Grosso of Amore Fine Jewelry, the watch ‘appears to be overpriced,’ but there are many other factors that go into the cost besides just the materials
When it comes to the ‘Fight Fight Fight’ watches, those are seen as less of an investment due to their price category, Grosso shared with DailyMail.com
Wired reported that there seemed to be no evidence of the company’s previous watch making.
So just how valuable are these Trump watches – and are they really worth $100,000?
According to jewelry expert Phil Grosso of Amore Fine Jewelry, the watch ‘appears to be overpriced,’ but there are many other factors that go into the cost besides just the materials.
‘As is the case with all luxury brands, whether built by legacy or mere celebrity status, the final product is always much more valuable than the sum of its parts,’ Grosso explained to DailyMail.com.
‘One doesn’t have to be a professional jeweler to recognize that there is only a fraction of the value regarding the amount of gold and gems in The Trump Victory Tourbillon compared to its retail price,’ Grosso continued.
He explained that the limited quantity of the watches that are available can also add ‘retail value’ to a product.
‘Pair that economic reality with the fact that Donald Trump, for better or worse, is arguably the most famous man on earth and one of the most consequential politicians of his generation,’ Grosso said.
‘The quality of the movement, the content of the gold and the style all display high quality to any retail buyer, however, these watches will be purchased for their connection to the man and this moment in history, not because of the watch itself.’
‘Pair that economic reality with the fact that Donald Trump, for better or worse, is arguably the most famous man on earth and one of the most consequential politicians of his generation,’ Grosso said
While it’s unclear just how many watches have been purchased on pre-order, Trump himself is adamant that they will make a ‘great’ Christmas gift
However, when it comes to the ‘Fight Fight Fight’ watches, those are seen as less of an investment due to their price category, Grosso shared.
‘In summary, The Trump Victory Tourbillon appears to be overpriced to us, however, that is a subjective measure and the true value of that watch is tied to Donald Trump’s future rather than the materials that make it,’ he said.
Another watch expert, Ben Cook, who goes by the username @benswatches on social media, estimated in a new video that the Victory Tourbillon watch actually costs around $15,000 or $16,000 to make.
While it’s unclear just how many watches have been purchased on pre-order, Trump himself is adamant that they will make a ‘great’ Christmas gift.
You can even buy the timepieces with Bitcoin, according to the website.
Since the unveiling, the presidential hopeful has posted a video on Truth Social about the watches, complete with a message for fans.
‘The Official Trump Watch Collection is here, and these Watches are truly special – You’re going to love them,’ he wrote, according to New York Magazine’s Intelligencer.
‘Would make a great Christmas Gift,’ his message continued. ‘Don’t wait, they will go fast. GET YOUR TRUMP WATCH RIGHT NOW!’
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for the Trump campaign and Trump watches for comment.