Presidential Watches: 6 Timepieces Worn by American Presidents

John F. Kennedy wearing his Omega Ultra Thin. (Public Domain)

Timepieces that have appeared on the wrists—or in the pockets—of the commander in chief throughout the centuries tell us a lot about their sartorial style and character.

George Washington

Jean-Antoine Lépine Pocket Watch

(Courtesy of National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors)

In November 1778, Gouverneur Morris asked George Washington if he could get him anything from Europe. Washington wrote him, “I wish to have a good gold watch procured for my own use; not a small, trifling, nor finically ornamented one, but a watch well executed in point of workmanship.”

Abraham Lincoln

Gold Pocket Watch, purchased from George Chatterton, jeweler, Springfield, Illinois

(Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution)

In 2009, the Smithsonian Institution found three messages inscribed inside. From watchmaker Jonathan Dillon, who had repaired Lincoln’s watch: “April 13–1861 Fort Sumpter was attacked by the rebels on the above date J Dillon,” and also, “April 13–1861 Washington thank God we have a government Jonth Dillon.” A signature by another watchmaker: “LE Grofs Sept 1864 Wash DC.” And mysteriously: “Jeff Davis.”

John F. Kennedy

Omega Ultra Thin

(Courtesy of Omega Watches)

Marilyn Monroe’s gift of a watch is the stuff of legends and scandal, but the 35th president’s most famous watch was an Omega Ultra Thin given to him by Grant Stockdale in 1960, before the presidential election, engraved “President / of the / United States / John F. Kennedy / From His Friend / Grant.”

Ronald Reagan

Rolex Datejust

(Courtesy of Rolex)

Reagan began wearing his Rolex Datejust on a jubilee bracelet—with the face famously turned in—back in the summer of 1965 on his California ranch, when he was just a retired actor. It continued to appear on his wrist after he became governor of California and president of the United States.

Lyndon B. Johnson and Donald Trump

Rolex Day-Date

(courtesy of Rolex)

Aptly called “the president’s watch” long before Trump wore it, the Rolex Day-Date gained its legendary nickname after LBJ donned one in 1965. It was the first wristwatch to display both the date and day of the week spelled out; and it features a signature three-piece link President bracelet.

This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.