A luxury watch can say a lot about its wearer.
That’s especially true on HBO’s “The White Lotus,” a show known for packing lots of meaning into little details while showcasing the follies and foibles of a cast of privileged hotel guests.
But what does it mean that Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) opts for two different watches worth five figures apiece, and is there any reason Tim (Jason Isaacs) and Victoria (Parker Posey) sport matching Rolexes?
Business Insider spoke to Paul Altieri, the founder & CEO of Bob’s Watches, to glean what the luxury timepieces worn by the guests of Thailand’s White Lotus can tell us about their characters — and reveal what’s still to come this season.
Jaclyn wears a $12,000 quiet luxury Hermès
Hollywood star Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) wears a $12,000 rose gold Hermès Nantucket. Altieri described it as a quiet luxury choice that leans more toward jewelry than a statement watch.
“It’s a sign of someone who’s been around money long enough to not have to prove anything — at least on the surface,” he added.
Laurie’s Cartier piece is classic and confident
Corporate lawyer Laurie (Carrie Coon) sports a $7,250 Cartier Baignoire timepiece that’s a bit understated, matching her character’s lower maintenance affect compared to her friends.
“The Baignoire is subtle, classic, and timeless,” Altieri said. “Laurie’s pick says she’s confident, no-nonsense, and has nothing to prove.”
Tim and Victoria sport matching Rolexes
The Ratliff parents wear matching yellow gold Rolex Day-Date Presidents, and there are some signs they’ve had theirs for a while. Tim’s (Jason Isaacs) navy dial is only available through the resale market now, and it’s worth about $45,000, according to Altieri.
“The Day-Date is the power watch. Always has been,” Altieri said. “It’s wealth, tradition, and authority all in one.” Rolex advertises it as the watch of “the past and of future leaders,” which speaks to Tim’s professional ambition and the traditional values Victoria (Parker Posey) espouses.
Victoria also wears her Rolex loose, which could mirror her character’s mildly anesthetized demeanor. Yet her watch also matches her husband’s, which means she may be in lockstep with him. Perhaps she knows more about the family’s finances than she’s letting on.
Saxon has a mix of practical and conspicuous wristwear
Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) wears a few different watches, including a $23,000 Hublot Big Bang Unico Black Magic and a roughly $10,000 Rolex Milgauss.
Altieri described the Hublot as “a watch that screams for attention” because of its bold and oversized look. “He’s clearly trying to prove something, whether to himself or his family,” Altieri said.
The Milgauss, on the other hand, is an unconventional choice. It was originally made for scientists who needed their timepieces to withstand magnetic fields, an odd choice for a finance nepo baby. Maybe this former Duke frat star has hidden depths yet to be seen?
Lastly, Saxon’s Apple Watch seems pretty on brand with his creatine-guzzling, fist-pumping gym bro persona.
Sritala’s timepiece is all style
Hotel owner Sritiala (Lek Patravadi) wears the most expensive timepiece on the show: a Jacob & Co. Fleurs de Jardin, which retails for $380,000.
“That’s a status symbol — nobody’s wearing it to tell the time,” Dayna Alexander, a content creator who’s gained a steady following from White Lotus wardrobe deep dives, told BI.
Altieri agreed. “This is pure spectacle. Complicated, extravagant, and more jewelry than a watch. It’s for someone who wants attention and isn’t afraid to flaunt it.”
Perfect for a glamorous hotel owner who isn’t afraid of the spotlight.
Rick’s choice is practical, not showy
Rick’s (Walton Goggins) Timex Q GMT is more affordable than most other timepieces on the show, retailing for under $250. It’s not flashy, but it’s respected by watchmakers. Altieri described it as the watch of someone who “appreciates style and function, but without the need for a luxury flex,” matching the vintage shirts worn by Goggins’ character.
Lochlan’s watch is playful and suggests individuality
Lochlan’s (Sam Nivola) MoonSwatch Mission to Saturn stands in stark contrast to his family’s Rolexes. It costs less than $300, far cheaper than the Rolexes his parents and brother wear.
The MoonSwatch is modeled on a watch with major historical significance. The model Lochlan wears is an affordable timepiece inspired by the Speedmaster Professional, or “Moonwatch,” which became the official watch for NASA astronauts in the 1960s.
“The Mission to Saturn adds an extra layer of individuality — less predictable than the usual Mission to the Moon choice,” Altieri said. “Worn by someone who’s in the know but doesn’t take things too seriously.”
His watch choice could hint at a possible break away from his family’s world as the youngest Ratliff charts his own path in Thailand.
The post What ‘The White Lotus’ characters’ watches can tell us about them, from a quiet-luxury Hermès to an ostentatious $380,000 timepiece appeared first on Business Insider.
