The World Series of Poker wasn’t always a place where you could find a lot designer clothing, unless you count custom Stetson cowboy hats, but there’s a good chance you could always find an expensive watch.
These days you can keep pace on the latest trends by watching the games most stylish players on the catwalk in Paris Purple, where the highest buy-ins hold their Day 1. Whether it’s a watch, backpack, hat, sweater, or shoes, luxury goods are the ultimate fashion statement for the budget-unconscious pro — allowing hundreds or even thousands of hours in labor surplus value to be wrapped around one wrist.
Out of curiosity, we went on a mission to find the most expensive watches, accessories, and clothing at the WSOP, where we found a glimpse of at least one timepiece over $300K — and a watch you can’t buy.
Pricey timepieces
Jacob & Co. — Epic X Chrono
Retail price: ~$20,000
First up is the 44mm Epic X Chrono in Black Titanium Orange, an individually numbered watch from Jacob & Co. Made of titanium and ceramic, the Epic X Chrono can be found for around $20K — or two bullets in a WSOP championship. It’s stylish and functional, with lots of fancy dials that carry important time-related information.
Aventi — A11 Special Edition
Retail price: $8,500
Allocations are paused for this hard-to-find watch, which sports a case made of pure sapphire crystal. Aventi’s website brags that a watch of this magnitude “has never been seen in the luxury world“, and they may be right. The sapphire crystal case protects a tourbillon engine, 25 jewels, and pressed brass dials. All very fancy things.
Jacob & Co. — Triton Series Epic X Skeleton
Value: ~$24,000
This special watch is a collaboration between Jacob & Co. and the Triton Poker Series, and it can’t be bought in stores. It’s similar to the Epic X Chrome seen above, but the exclusive design is exclusive to Main Event winners on the Triton Poker tour. If you manage a close look, you’ll see the Triton logo incorporated at the top of the face with rose gold and a “CHAMPION” inscription on the back.
Richard Mille — RM 65-01
Retail price: $300,000–$475,000
The most expensive watch we found is called “The most complicated automatic calibre” watch by its website, and it can cost you nearly a half-million dollars depending on the color and materials. Richard Mille says this watch is the result of five years of development, and it’s the “most complex timepiece to ever leave the workshop.” The face can show you hours, minutes, seconds, and split seconds, with a motorsport-style design and faceplates made of titanium. All very expensive stuff.
Form and function
Watches aren’t the only thing you’ll find. We also spied several pricey pieces of clothing and other accessories.
Amiri — Men’s Denim Bandana Jacquard Backpack
Retail price: $700–$1,000
If you need an expensive backpack to carry your expensive watches, look no further than the Bandana Jacquard backpack from Amiri. It say’s ‘men’s’ but women may also enjoy this denim backpack, too. It’s made in Italy from cotton, and it has adjustable shoulder straps. The real value is in the internal zip pocket, if you ask us.
Boss X AJBXNG — Relaxed-Fit Zip-Up Sweatshirt
Retail price: $400
Hugo Boss collaborated with AJBXNG for the zip-up sweatshirt we’ve all been waiting for, a relaxed fit jacket with all-over monograms. It’s perfect for that long day in the Paris Ballroom under the aggressive blast of the air-conditioning.
Balenciaga — Speed 2.0 Sneakers Recycled Knit
Retail price: $1,000
Run faster and show off your wealth in these thousand-dollar sneakers from Balenciaga. The Speed 2.0 is made from black recycled polyester and elastane, two synthetic fabrics that are not difficult to make or find. They’re also extra light, which will make you faster.
Gucci — 2022 100 Reversible Bucket Hat
Retail price: $400
Bucket hats were all the rage last summer, but Gucci has been holding it down for years. This 100th anniversary reversible bucket hat is among the more modestly priced offerings from the luxury brand, and this one comes with straps. If you want to keep the sun out of your eyes and your bucket hat out of the wind, pick this one up.
The WSOP will continue this summer with more luxury in store, as the $250K High Roller starts on Sunday. We’ll be on the lookout for bigger, better, and more expensive watches when the quarter-million bullets start firing.