2019 Year-End Review: Which Male

The Year in Celebrity Watch Style

As the 2010s came to a close, the Chinese entertainment industry saw a notable shift in how male celebrities embraced luxury watches. No longer just functional accessories, timepieces became statements of personal style, status, and even investment. This review highlights the male stars who made the most significant impact in the watch world during 2019, from breakout newcomers to established veterans.

Rising Stars: Wang Yibo, Xiao Zhan, and Li Xian

Wang Yibo: The Rolex Enthusiast

Wang Yibo, who skyrocketed to fame with the hit drama The Untamed, quickly became one of the most watch-savvy young stars. His airport fashion often featured Rolex timepieces, including the iconic Submariner 116610LN (the "Hulk" or "Black Sub") and vintage Daytona models. His collection also included the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-011, a white-dial version that commands a premium well above its retail price. Wang's ability to pair luxury watches with casual streetwear made him a trendsetter for the younger generation.

Beyond Rolex, Wang also wore the Chanel J12, a unisex ceramic watch that gained popularity in 2019. The J12's updated movement and classic design made it a favorite among celebrities and fashion-forward individuals.

Xiao Zhan: Understated Elegance

Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo's co-star, took a more subdued approach to watch wearing. His most notable timepiece was the Piaget Polo G0A44010, a rose gold model priced around 300,000 RMB, which he wore to a gala event. He also sported the Piaget Altiplano for more formal occasions, reflecting his refined taste. In rare casual moments, Xiao was spotted with a Tissot Classic T006.407.11.033.00, an affordable option that fans could easily replicate.

Li Xian: The Cartier Ambassador

Li Xian, who became a household name after Go Go Squid!, embraced Cartier with enthusiasm. At brand events, he wore the Santos WHSA0008 (large model) and the ultra-luxurious Rotonde de Cartier WHRO0039, a platinum skeleton tourbillon priced at over 1.6 million RMB. For everyday wear, Li opted for the Chanel J12 and the Casio G-Shock, showing his versatility from high-end to casual.

Newlyweds with Style: Zhang Ruoyun and Xiang Zuo

Zhang Ruoyun: IWC Loyalist

Zhang Ruoyun, star of Joy of Life, has a long-standing relationship with IWC. He wore the Pilot IW501004 with a power reserve indicator (around 100,000 RMB) and the bronze IW503601 with moon phase and date (around 220,000 RMB). Even at his wedding to Tang Yixin, Zhang wore a custom IWC, solidifying his status as a brand devotee.

Xiang Zuo: Ulysse Nardin's New Face

Xiang Zuo and his father, Charles Heung, both wore Ulysse Nardin at Xiang's wedding to Guo Biting. Xiang chose the Freak NeXt, a limited production piece not yet widely available, while his father wore the Freak Vision in rose gold, priced at 760,000 RMB. Xiang's frequent wearing of Ulysse Nardin throughout 2019 helped raise the brand's profile in China.

Veterans with Taste: JJ Lin and Show Luo

JJ Lin: The Watch Connoisseur

JJ Lin, known for his love of watches, continued to impress in 2019. He wore the Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000TFG-9, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary (limited to 1,014 pieces), and the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO. His collection spans from affordable to high-end, proving his deep appreciation for horology.

Show Luo: The Richard Mille Collector

Show Luo, a frequent wearer of Richard Mille, showcased his flair for street style with the RM 011 RED QTPT and other models. He also wore Casio G-Shock and Rolex during his appearances on Street Dance of China. Luo's ability to mix luxury with casual wear made him a style icon for the hip-hop crowd.

Conclusion

2019 was a year of diverse watch choices among male celebrities, from the bold statements of Wang Yibo to the classic elegance of Xiao Zhan. These stars not only influenced fashion trends but also highlighted the growing importance of watches as personal investments and expressions of identity. As we move into 2020, we can expect even more exciting collaborations and timepiece debuts from these influential figures.