Ed Sheeran, recently named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2025, made an unforgettable statement by wearing a rare Patek Philippe watch on the magazine’s cover. Sheeran chose the Patek Philippe reference 5004A, a split-seconds perpetual calendar in stainless steel. This specific model, one of only 50 pieces ever produced, is considered one of the most coveted watches in the collector’s world. The 5004A, with its distinct Obus Noir hour markers, is a true grail piece, highly sought after by watch enthusiasts. Notably, Patek Philippe never formally announced the 5004A, making the watch even more exclusive, with the entire production run sold directly through the brand’s Geneva salon.
For Sheeran, the occasion of being included in TIME’s influential list was a perfect moment to showcase a grail-level timepiece. While the 5004A may not always steal the spotlight in everyday settings, it is undoubtedly a watch for special moments. This watch has already graced major events, such as when John Mayer wore his to the 2018 Grammys, capturing attention with an Instagram post that read, “A watch befitting music’s biggest night…Patek Philippe 5004A (in stainless steel) – JM.”
Sheeran’s choice to pair the steel Patek with a black rubber strap instead of the traditional leather strap adds a modern, versatile twist to the piece. The strap, possibly the Black Rubber CTS Strap from Delugs, also gives Sheeran the flexibility to wear the watch on stage. This was evident in a March 15th Instagram post where Sheeran was seen performing in New Orleans with The Soul Rebels, sporting the same watch. The keen-eyed watch community missed the significance of this watch when it was first shared, showcasing how Sheeran’s collection often flies under the radar.
Ed Sheeran has long been recognized as a serious watch collector, with his 2023 Talking Watches episode with John Mayer among the most-watched in the series. However, his ownership of the Patek Philippe 5004A was not widely known until its appearance on TIME’s cover. This adds a new layer of excitement for watch enthusiasts, as Sheeran continues to build his collection with rare and prestigious pieces. His ties to the watch community run deep, having written for Hodinkee and even designed a limited-edition G-SHOCK. Sheeran’s appearances always spark interest in the watch world, with the most recent example being his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March, where he wore an unreleased IWC Ingenieur in black ceramic.
In another image from the TIME photoshoot, Sheeran is seen wearing an Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11, a limited edition created to celebrate the 260th anniversary of British watchmaker John Arnold. Arnold, a contemporary of Louis-Abraham Breguet, is regarded as one of the finest British watchmakers in history. While Arnold & Son is now owned by La Joux Perret, a Swiss company under Citizen, the brand continues to honor British watchmaking traditions. By showcasing both Patek Philippe and Arnold & Son, Sheeran brings attention to some of the finest timepieces from both Switzerland and Britain, representing a mix of luxury and craftsmanship.
It is a testament to Sheeran’s passion for horology that he continues to wear and represent such iconic timepieces in public. As one of the most influential people of 2025, his choice of watches adds another layer of personality to his already impressive career. TIME’s full list of the 100 most influential people can be found on TIME.com, with the print issue now available on newsstands.
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