From Grand Seiko to Audemars Piguet, 4 watches that show musician James Blake is a serious watch guy

Nick Kenyon

If you’ve ever come across the singer and songwriter James Blake, you’ll know he’s got one of the best voices in the business and goes about his work with the detached cool of a guy that knows it. His unique style of ambient electronic music has won him critical acclaim and a global fan set, seeing him collaborate with an eclectic mix of superstars such as Bon Iver, Beyonce, Rosalía and Kendrick Lamar. And while you might think his air of distant sophistication might be something he turns on when the cameras are rolling, his watch collection just goes to show he’s got the taste to match his suave persona. But what are the James Blake watches? Here are four that shows he knows his stuff.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 

The Gerald Genta design is an easy one to spot and goes to show that Blake is a fan of the classics, even if there is a little bit of hype around this watch.

While it’s difficult to tell exactly what reference the watch is, it appears to be a Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin ref. 15202 due to the smaller 39mm size and the AP logo at 6 o’clock. Great choice James.

Grand Seiko SBGA413

Inspired by the historical 62GS case design, this is one of the more subtly beautiful watches that the Japanese watchmaker has produced in recent years.

With a soft pink dial that is made all the more attractive thanks to the richly textured pattern, you can’t fault James at all here.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain

Despite the explosion of interest in the brand over the last two years (and the resulting explosion in prices), Journe is still a brand that is typically only know by those who are into watches.

The Chronomètre Souverain is also a quintessential expression of the legendary independent watchmaker, with a cleanly balanced dial and a movement that is a joy to look at.

Casio G-Shock DW5600 NASA Limited Edition

While G-Shock is one of the most ubiquitous and universally appealing watches on the planet, with more than 100 million units sold, this specific reference is another example of if you know, you know.

With an almost surgically pristine case and strap, this was produced for the legions of NASA fans around the world. Complete with a backlight that shows an image of the moon, this $130 watch is all sold out and commands a premium on the secondary market.