Wrestling Legends’ Watches

The world of wrestling is the last place you’d look for sartorial inspiration. Costumes made of spandex, fringe, and neon simply leave little to be desired. Outside the ring, however, a number of wrestlers have not only managed to cross over to Hollywood, they’ve developed a cop-worthy sense of style as well.

The likes of Dwayne Johnson and John Cena, have become style inspirations for men with larger than life presence. Their choice timepieces are worth looking at, too. Check out the watches of these four wrestling legends:

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has come a long way from his wrestling days. He’s become Hollywood’s highest-paid actor for two years in a row, with an impressive watch collection to show for it.

Considering his hulking frame and large wrists, Johnson favors Panerai’s robust and massive watches. One of his favorites is the Panerai Luminor Marina 3 Days GMT, whose power reserve comes in handy for his demanding schedule and whose pared down design suits any ensemble.

Johnson has perfected the man-about-town look; and is not afraid to experiment with trends and color. Panerai has always been associated with rugged looks, but the Radiomir 1940 takes a luxurious turn with its lack of crown guards and polished cases. Johnson prefers the Oro Rosso or rose gold model for both work and play.

John Cena holds a record 13 WWE Championships, but that hasn’t stopped him from crossing over to hosting and acting. The Nickelodeon host and Fast and Furious 9 star straps on a Rolex while he’s at it.

He wears the latest version of the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman, which comes with a Jubilee bracelet and new generation 3285 movement. Originally launched with an Oyster bracelet, the five-link Jubilee lends a dressier look to the Batman.

The Rolex Explorer II is a sleek and rugged sports watch that’s also perfect for everyday wear. Created with cave explorers in mind, it’s adorned with luminous plots and a bright orange hand. The ref 216570, which comes in 42mm, is bold without overtaking the wrist, and brings a level of modern elegance that can be worn with anything – just ask John!

Two decades since retiring from WWE, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin keeps himself busy by hosting TV programs and brewing his very own brand of beer. Famous for his tough-guy persona, Austin wears a very rugged and capable Panerai Luminor Submersible.

The 47mm watch wears large on the wrist, but the lightweight titanium case makes it comfortable enough for daily wear. Aside from being water resistant for up to 300 meters, it’s also anti-magnetic for up to 500 gauss.

Steve may not be using it to dive, but he wears an IWC Aquatimer. With its functional technology and sporty design, the Aquatimer makes for a reliable timepiece be it for underwater use or everyday wear. The contrasting black dial and white and yellow markers give a reliable read in many environments.

Hulk Hogan is the undisputed King of 1980s wrestling. Today, he wears several hats as an actor, TV personality, entrepreneur, and musician. He sports an 18k yellow gold Rolex Yachtmaster, which is both a practical and stylish timepiece.

Launched in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-master was created as an ultra luxe counterpart to the Submariner. With its 100m water resistance, it’s safe enough to be worn while yachting and sailing; while its satin and polished finishes make for a bold statement piece.

Hogan also wears the Breitling Chronomat Evolution — the bigger and more luxurious version of the classic Chronomat, its pilot and dive watch hybrid. With larger and more legible indices and sunken subdials, the result is a larger presence on the wrist, coupled with a cleaner look and a touch of class.