Ye the Multibillionaire, Visionary and Theorist with a Magical Watch Collection

Ye also known as one of the Richest people in America was actually given one of Apple’s extra-special all-gold Apple Watches. Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Sport

Ye was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 8, 1977. He was raised and educated in Chicago and rose to prominence as a Roc-A-Fella Records producer in the 2000s. He also worked with several musicians, such as Jay-Z, to create some of the most lauded hip-hop albums to ever exist with “The Blueprint.”

Soon after, in 2004, Ye released his own hip-hop/rap album, “College Dropout.” At the same time, he also established his record company, known as simply “GOOD Music.” He created original sounds and combined a wide range of musical elements, such as orchestra, autotune, gospel, and synth sounds, to produce multilayered contemporary music works.

Throughout the years, Ye has collaborated with many musicians, including Ludacris, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Jamie Foxx, and Eminem, among others. Furthermore, he has ties to Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam, and Mercury, in addition to his brand, GOOD. 

Ye’s popularity increased even further after he wed Kim Kardashian. He invested his newly discovered reputation in a potent roster of fashion design partnerships, such as those with The Gap, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and his hugely successful Yeezy collection, which is a partnership with Adidas.  

Filmmaking and Acting

Besides music, Ye also ventured into the acting and movie industries. In the films State Property 2 (2005) as well as The Love Guru (2008), in addition to an episode of the TV program Entourage from 2007, he made cameo appearances portraying himself.

Runaway, a melodic short movie that Ye created, filmed, and featured in 2010, acts as the music video for a selection of tracks from his record My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Likewise, Cruel Summer, a short movie he also produced and directed, had its world debut during the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

Furthermore, Ye made a brief appearance as an MTV News presenter in the film’s famous fight sequence in the 2013 comedy Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. Also, he declared in September 2018 that he would launch Half Beast, LLC, a film production firm.

Is Ye one of the Richest People in the US?

After releasing The College Dropout album in 2004, Ye first gained prominence. And over the years, the musician continued to win a staggering 21 Grammy Awards and garnered 69 nominations. 

On the other hand, Ye, one of the richest self-made artists in the world, is worth a whopping approx. $11 billion. He owns a music collection valued at $110 million and has switched his attention to developing the Yeezy fashion brand. Furthermore, he holds a 95% stake in Yeezy, which is currently valued at $5 billion and receives more than $100 million of royalties annually. Additionally, he owns a few percentages of Skims and a couple of tech companies.

Ye has also lavished his riches on pricey presents, jewelry, and an incredible automobile collection, in addition to real estate properties valued at $120 million. His jewelry collection, which is highly prized, represents one of his most valued belongings.

What Does Ye Do With His Cash?

As with many billionaires, Ye enjoys blowing money, and he does it in a variety of extravagant ways. First, he has a $90 million real estate business supporting his opulent lifestyle. The prized possession among his real estate holdings is a $60 million Hollywood house. It has 10 bathrooms, 8 bedrooms, as well as a pool that his ex-wife Kim admitted she never even used.

Ye also possesses two ranches in Wyoming that are valued at $28 million. They include one that is $14 million and has a restaurant, a bar, an event space, a number of cottages, a mountain range, plus two exclusive lakes.

During happy moments, Kim Kardashian received some outrageously lavish gifts Ye purchased for his dear ones. For example, he gave her a number of pricey jewels, together with two $7 million engagement rings.

On the other hand, Ye’s presents for his fellow actors are likewise incredibly generous. When Jay-Z became a father for the first time to Blue Ivy in 2012, he gave him a $34k skull encrusted with more than 1,000 red topaz rhinestones.

Overall, due to his music royalties plus numerous wise investments, Ye is already a multi-millionaire and will only continue to grow richer.

Ye’s Luxurious Watch Collection

In addition to his billion-worth assets, Ye also spends his money on valuable watches and jewelry. 

While many people have always been interested in Ye, he certainly understands how to draw the spotlight when it relates to fashion. Although he always has impeccable style, he frequently wears more clothes than accessories when he appears in public. When he does, however, add an item to that bare wrist, the timepieces, to everyone’s surprise, overshadow everything else he is wearing at that moment. 

On the other hand, Ye is less creative regarding his timepieces, although it is reasonable to assert that he has great taste. Besides, the rapper-fashion billionaire always nails it with his excellent selection of watches and items, each of which carries a hefty price tag.

Let’s take a look at some of the valuable watches in Ye’s collection:

• Cartier Tank “Crash” Paris

There’s a reasonable explanation as to why Ye likes eccentric timepieces. Cartier’s Crash has been sported on his wrist on several occasions. This gorgeous watch is not only a classy pick but also so extravagant that many find it impossible to comprehend. It has basic looks yet baroque glitz. Moreover, the watch’s distinctively curved dial gives it even more flair.

Despite popular belief, Salvador Dali’s melted watches in the “Persistence of Memory” were not the inspiration for the Cartier Crash. According to the globally acknowledged version of events, perhaps the Cartier executive—many individuals claim the company’s management at the time—or a customer was hurt in a terrible car crash. He or she most likely donned a Maxi Ovale or Baignoire Allongee from Cartier. The accident caused a fire, which melted the timepiece, altering its shape. This watch’s wreckage served as the model for the Cartier Crash. 

Ye who is one of the most influential musicians in the 21st-century of hip hop and popular music, wears a 28mm Cartier Tank “Crash” Paris in 18k yellow gold. The story goes (probably a myth though) that in 1967, Jean-Jacques Cartier, then the head of Cartier London, got inspiration for the Crash from a scorching car wreck and found that the watch laying in the vehicle had changed shape, oozing out in different directions from the heat of the blaze. So it is NOT inspired by the melting clocks of Dalí, and it just maybe was designed in this way. The timepiece is limited to 400 pieces worldwide. Photo: Netflix

In 1967, the inaugural Cartier Crash was made available in London. However, it has only been released in small numbers over the years.

The Cartier Crash Paris debuted in 1991 after Cartier Paris took control of the manufacturing of this model, which had previously been made in London. The re-edition was slightly small, only 38 mm in diameter compared to 43 mm, and inscribed “Paris” over the 6-hour spot rather than “London.” 

In general, the Crash de Cartier has gained cult status, and even Ye owns one, despite initial opposition. Besides, it comes in a black leather Cartier strap as well as an 18k yellow gold deployant buckle.

• Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Ye also has an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, which is a stylish but off-center watch. The dial of this piece is skeletonized, while the casing is made of yellow gold. The wristwatch additionally includes an 18-carat yellow gold band with an AP foldable clasp. Ye essentially put the industry in flames with this watch. Hence, it’s going to be difficult for anybody to let this attractive item go unnoticed.

Eleven years following the initial “Jumbo” in 1972, Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak, its inaugural perpetual calendar. With a comparable 39 mm diameter, model 25829 is a replica of the original version. The design was unveiled in many metals, including stainless steel, platinum, pink or yellow gold, and tantalum, mixed with some other valuable metals throughout the second era of the 1990s. 

Throwback to the Paris Fashion Week when singer and entrepreneur Ye wore an 18-carat rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Perpetual Calendar. The 39 mm case measures only 9.3mm in thickness and houses a skeleton perpetual calendar caliber that shows day, date, astronomical month and leap year. Photo: Getty Images

The mechanical caliber 2120, which has 343 components, powers the watch. The skeletonized dial, as well as the sapphire display rear, both allow the user to view the amazing movement from both the face and the back, showcasing the greatest micro-engineering and the exquisitely chased wheel inside.

• Patek Philippe Nautilus Gold

Celebrity owners of the Patek Philippe Nautilus watch have made it prominent. Ye does have an older, secondary-dialed variant made of yellow gold. The musician initially appeared wearing the watch in 2020 while on a stroll across Los Angeles. The flagship version was unveiled to the public in 2018.

Gerald Genta, a well-known designer, produced the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which was unveiled to the public in 1976. The stainless steel Nautilus, inspired by Captain Nemo’s ship in the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, was indeed a significant break from Patek’s customary valuable metal creations. It also helped establish the luxurious sporting timepiece trend that is still in vogue today.

Fashion designer Ye is wearing a 37mm 18k yellow gold vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus with a champagne diamond dial. Photo: Getty Images

The Nautilus is immediately recognized by its curved octagonal bezel and linked bracelet, with symmetric ‘ears’ that serve as both a connector for the casing and a shield for the crown. It is offered in a variety of sizes, dial colors, and case materials. The contemporary Nautilus was well-liked when it was first introduced, but its popularity has since surged, making it among the top three timepieces of the last decade.

The upgraded caliber 335 S C (for a middle second) is found in model 3800/001J as an outcome of Patek Philippe’s desire to create its own in-house, ultra-thin movement. This caliber 335 S C has a monometallic balancing, a straight-line valve escapement, a self-compensating flattened balance spring, plus a shock absorption system. It also has 29 jewels and can be modified for cold, heat, and isochronism between five positions. The solid-gold wheel is additionally decorated with round Geneva lines in the traditional Patek Philippe manner.

• Rolex Daytona Cosmograph

Ye has a number of remarkable Rolex timepieces in his collection, one of which is the Cosmographic Daytona. This is one of his unique pieces with a leather strap, which he is frequently spotted on his wrist at various award ceremonies. The black Tahitian ‘Mother Of Pearl’ dial is what gives this watch a unique casual appearance.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona quickly gained prominence for its cutting-edge technology, rich history, and sporty vibe. The most well-known automobile racing venue in the U. S., “Daytona,” is written in gold accents on the watch’s dial. 

Record producer, rapper and entrepreneur Ye is wearing a 40mm Rolex Daytona Cosmograph in 18k yellow gold featuring a black Tahitian ‘Mother Of Pearl’ dial with applied gold Roman numerals on a black alligator strap. Photo: Getty Images

In addition, the Cosmograph Daytona is designed for the racetrack and the music venue. Besides, it is offered in 904 L steel, 18 ct gold, and Rolesor variants with a range of dials, sturdy Oyster bracelets, and attractive leather straps, all fitted with highly secure Oysterlock fastenings.

• Ikepod Hemipode Chronograph in 18k rose gold

During the 2020 GQ interview, Ye was wearing a uniquely solid golden Ikepod Hemipode Chronograph. It’s undoubtedly an amazing watch, but it works well, given the quality of the concept and how it relates to Kanye’s history as a designer. Moreover, Ye describes this piece as his most favored. 

Ikepod clocks, which were introduced in 1994, are the creation of Marc Newson, one of the most well-known and important manufacturers of the last fifty years. Round shapes and the application of premium materials are two characteristics that distinguish the pieces.

Rapper, songwriter and fashion designer Ye is wearing a 44mm Ikepod Hemipode Chronograph in 18k rose gold. This 999 pieces limited watch has dual time chronograph dial with second time zone, featuring a Valjoux ETA 7750 movement. Photo: Getty Images

The Ikepod Hemipode, created by Marc Newson in 1998, is a unique concept that had an impact on the Apple Watch. There are just five examples like this one, reference HDR 77. With complementing golden subdials, black accents, gold lume-filled minute and hour markers, as well as a bright red seconds display, the watch’s circular casing is made of 18k pink gold. 

Ikepod Hemipode Chronograph is driven by an ETA 7750 mechanical movement, which is viewable via an asymmetrical aperture on the back that is also branded with Newson’s name. It is quite a valuable watch; perhaps this is why Ye highly adores it. 

Conclusion 

The way that Ye’s watch collection has evolved over the past 20 years, closely mirroring both his music and design careers, is fascinating. He has changed from an obsessive collector of classic luxury icons to someone totally unconstrained by social norms.

Typically, Ye’s timepiece collection consists of both classic Rolex watches and one-of-a-kind pieces of horology. Moreover, during his on-stage and public appearances, he likes to bling himself out with timepieces, golden bracelets, and golden necklaces, among other accessories.