The watches of Michael Jordan, part 2, including IWC, Richard Mille, Urwerk and more

Nick Gould

The world’s gone MJ all over again with the first two episodes of the documentary celebrating his life, The Last Dance, dropping yesterday. We’re in tune with the GOAT, with Part 1 of his watch collection being published last week. Today, we bring you Part 2, which continues his Airness’ brilliantly eclectic choices. From pilots to RM Divers, he knows no bounds.

IWC Big Pilots

MJ is a fan of the brand from Schaffhausen and owns three different Big Pilot models (that we know of). The first is a Reference 5002 Big Pilot in stainless steel with 7 days of power reserve. For most normal people, pulling off a 46mm case is a bit of a tall order but it’s no problem for Jordan.

MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 02: Michael Jordan, Managing Member of Basketball Operations of the Charlotte Bobcats watches the NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 2, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

The original and the best IWC Big Pilot (ref. 5002) with nuances like the metal trim around the date aperture at six o’clock, the numeral ‘9’, and slimmer hands than the current version. Image: Michael Chylinski.

The second model is a platinum model, which he wore to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2016. We know it’s the platinum model due to the blue dial and strap.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 22: U.S. President Barack Obama hugs former NBA player Michael Jordan during the Presidential Medal of Freedom presentation ceremony at the East Room of the White House November 22, 2016 in Washington, DC. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor for civilians in the United States of America. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The final Big Pilot owned by Jordan is a gold Annual Calendar Antoine de Saint Exupéry limited edition of 250 pieces, featuring a calendar that only needs to be adjusted once a year at the end of February.

CHARLOTTE, NC- FEBRUARY 12: Owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan, hosts a press conference for media before NBA All-Star Weekend at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 12, 2019. (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic diver’s chronograph

The RM 032 is a mammoth 50mm divers watch, featuring a flyback chronograph and annual calendar. Jordan’s version has a red gold case, giving it even more wrist presence.

CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 21: Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan announces the team name change to the Charlotte Hornets at the Time Warner Cable Arena on May 21, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Rolex

We did feature a Rolex in Part 1 but His Airness has more than one. A high-end watch collection would not be complete without a Rolex Daytona. The iconic chronograph has gone through many upgrades since its introduction in 1963. MJ’s Daytona is a Platinum model, which was introduced in 2013 to mark the 50th anniversary of its release.

Michael Jordan watches the action on day two of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)

The other notable watch from the Crown, that Jordan owns, is the first annual calendar from the brand, the Sky-Dweller. It features an innovative command bezel which allows for the wearer to make alterations to the date, time and calendar, with a simple twist of the bezel. Genius stuff!

CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 13: Owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan, watches on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their game at Spectrum Center on January 13, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Urwerk

Michael Jordan was an early adopter of this independent brand, whose watches are futuristic in design and have a novel way of telling the time through the use of satellites. MJ owns two versions of the UR-103. One in white gold and one in rose gold. These are immediately recognisable to watch nerds but to the uninitiated it exudes an outer space vibe. The other Urwerk is a UR-202 with full metal bracelet, which has a different case profile and different aesthetic for the satellite hours and minutes indicators.