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Kevin O'Leary, a well-known entrepreneur and investor from Shark Tank, recently referred to watch collecting as a “horrible disease." During an interview with Fox Business he posted on Instagram on January 8, 2025, O'Leary emphasized the addictive nature of the hobby, stating,
"The thing about watch collecting is, it's a horrible disease. You can't stop."
The Shark Tank investor's remarks were also shared in an Instagram post featuring a clip of the interview, where he highlighted his extensive collection and playfully compared it to that of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary and Mark Zuckerberg’s nature of watch-collecting
During the interview, O'Leary was asked about Zuckerberg’s watch, a $900,000 piece unique, which appeared in a Meta video. O'Leary confirmed he had noticed it and acknowledged its rarity, saying,
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"Yes, I saw it, and it was a piece unique."
He also shared that he was wearing a similar exclusive piece at the time, a unique Daytona, which he noted featured dual time zones. In his Instagram post, O'Leary wrote,
“I understand Zuck's disease. I have it too. The thing about watch collecting is, it's a horrible disease. Once you get started, you can't stop. I don't want to boast here, but I think I got Zuck beat in the watch department.”
The Shark Tank investor shed light on the obsession and competitive nature often associated with luxury watch collecting. O'Leary emphasized that Zuckerberg had been drawn into the world of high-end watch collecting, which he described as a “disease.” He remarked,
“Yeah, he's definitely been bit by the bug, and it is a disease.”
By describing this phenomenon, O'Leary underscored how acquiring luxury timepieces often becomes a compelling pursuit that collectors find hard to resist. In his Instagram caption, O'Leary playfully suggested that his collection surpasses Zuckerberg’s.
“I don’t want to boast here, but I think I got Zuck beat in the watch department,” he wrote.
The Shark Tank investor highlighted a common aspect of luxury watch collecting—the desire among enthusiasts to curate rare and exceptional collections. O'Leary’s acknowledgment of his own collection and competitive spirit underscores the cultural nuances of the hobby.
Kevin O'Leary's remarkable timepieces
Kevin O'Leary’s watch collection includes some of the most coveted and exclusive timepieces in the world. According to IFL Watches, among these, two standout models highlight the Shark Tank investor's passion for luxury watches and the craftsmanship behind them.
1) Rolex Daytona 'Panda' 116500LN
O'Leary's notable watch, the Rolex Daytona 'Panda' 116500LN, introduced in 2016, features a durable black ceramic Cerachrom bezel resistant to scratches and UV rays. Its white dial with black sub-dials, resembling a panda's face, gives it its nickname. The Cerachrom bezel replaced the older metal version, marking a key upgrade for the Daytona series.
This model was discontinued in 2023 during Watches and Wonders and succeeded by the updated 126500LN. Despite its retail discontinuation, the market value of the 'Panda' Daytona remains strong, with prices averaging around $35,000.
2) Rolex Daytona 'Eye of the Tiger' 116588TBR
O'Leary's collection includes the Rolex Daytona 'Eye of the Tiger' 116588TBR, introduced in 2019. This striking watch features an 18k yellow gold case, a tiger-fur-inspired diamond-patterned dial, and a bezel set with 36 baguette-cut diamonds. Additional diamonds serve as indices, complemented by hand-engraved gold numerals and the Rolex emblem.
Initially retailing at approximately $90,000, this unique timepiece now commands over $200,000 in the market. It is also favored by celebrities such as LeBron James, Neymar Jr., and Conor McGregor, further cementing its status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.
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