Timepieces of Power

Watches don’t just tell time—they tell stories. In Episode 5 of Watches and Politics, we explore how watches have long been used as instruments of diplomacy, status, and soft power. From heads of state gifting horological masterpieces to allies and adversaries, to monarchs commissioning custom watches as symbols of authority, we uncover the hidden language behind horological gifting.We explore stories of presidential Rolexes, diplomatic Vacherons, and the complex politics of giving and receiving luxury timepieces. What message does a watch send at a summit? Who wears what—and why?Whether it’s a gesture of gratitude, a tool of flattery, or a subtle act of control, the gifted watch becomes part of the political theatre. Join us for a journey through ticking diplomacy.