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What Time Is It in Church? A Deep Dive into the Papacy’s Most Iconic Watches

From Leo XIV’s sporty Wenger to John Paul II’s Rolex, the Vatican’s horological legacy offers a captivating glimpse into the worlds of Swiss luxury watches, German precision, and timeless elegance.

Por: Karla Sofía Espinoza May 12, 2025

Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) was known for his sophisticated two-tone Rolex Dayjust with Jubilee Bracelet / Photo Rolex — Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) was known for his sophisticated two-tone Rolex Datejust with Jubilee Bracelet / Photo Rolex

In the realm of luxury horology, few symbols embody timeless elegance and historical significance like the watches worn by the Popes of Rome.

These iconic timepieces represent a harmonious blend of tradition, and exceptional Swiss craftsmanship, highlighting the evolution of haute horlogerie within the most prestigious religious institution.

Recently, the Vatican spotlight has shone on Pope Leo XIV, who was spotted wearing a black Wenger Military Range diver-style watch. Featuring a vibrant red rotating bezel, this sporty yet refined timepiece reflects the pope’s active lifestyle—his passion for running and tennis.

Wenger, a renowned Swiss watch brand established in 1893 by Theo Wenger, has built a reputation for durable, utilitarian watches and knives.

After being acquired by Victorinox in 2005, Wenger shifted its focus from Swiss utility knives to crafting high-quality Swiss watches and travel gear, offering a compelling combination of robustness and style.

Leo XIV highlights his attachment to modernity by alternating between using his Wenger and his Apple Watch.

In contrast, late pope Francis chose the simplicity of a Casio MQ-24-7BL watch, embodying the humility traditionally associated with his papacy.

While modest, popes’ collections also boast high-end, collectible Swiss watches that tell stories of history and craftsmanship.

Many of these watches have been gifts from governments, watch manufacturers, and dedicated collectors, adding to their historical value.

Prestigious luxury watches for Popes

Throughout history, the papal collection has included prestigious Swiss luxury watches from Patek Philippe, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, and other revered brands.

For example, Pope Pius IX (1792–1878) owned an exceptional Patek Philippe pocket watch, auctioned by Christie’s in 2019. Gifted in 1877 by the Swiss Catholic organization Piusverein, this silver masterpiece exemplifies the enduring relevance of Swiss haute horlogerie.

Similarly, Pope Pius XI (1857–1939) owned a beautifully crafted watch by Haussmann & Co., a distinguished manufacturer known for bespoke commissions to papal patrons during 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Pope Pius XII (1876–1958) was the proud owner of a Vacheron Constantin pocket watch, further showcasing the rich tradition of Swiss luxury watches in the Vatican.

Swiss Made and Made in Germany

In the modern era, popes continued to celebrate Swiss and German watchmaking excellence. Pope Paul VI (1897–1978) received a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock—an engineering marvel that requires no winding, powered by the expansion and contraction of ethyl chloride gas—highlighting the art of haute horlogerie.

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Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) was known for his sophisticated two-tone Rolex Datejust, exemplifying elegant Swiss watch design with its combination of stainless steel and gold.

His successor, Benedict XVI (1927-2022), was presented with an Erhard Junghans Tempus Automatic, a high-end German watch retailing between $10,000 and $12,000—an emblem of discreet luxury and German engineering excellence.

Founded in 1861, Erhard Junghans has experienced a contemporary renaissance, earning a reputation for sleek, discreet luxury synonymous with “Made in Germany” excellence.

Today, the Vatican’s collection continues to reflect a refined appreciation for luxury Swiss watches and German horological craftsmanship. Most of these timepieces — from classic pocket watches to contemporary wristwatches — remains at Vatican museums and collections, while others were auctioned and now are in private collections.

5 Q&A’s about Popes’ watches

What type of watch did Pope Leo XIV wear? Pope Leo XIV wore a black Wenger Military Range diver-style watch with a red rotating bezel, reflecting sporty and active lifestyle preferences.
Which Swiss brands are historically associated with papal watches? Swiss brands like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Haussmann & Co., and Jaeger-LeCoultre are known to have created watches and clocks for popes.
What is a notable high-end gift Pope Paul VI received? Pope Paul VI received a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock, renowned for its innovative, winding-free design powered by temperature changes.
How do modern popes choose their timepieces? Modern popes prefer discreet, elegant Swiss and German watches, such as Rolex, Erhard Junghans, and others, reflecting timeless, understated luxury.
Why are papal watches considered valuable collectibles? They symbolize tradition, and exceptional craftsmanship, with many being historic gifts, making them highly desirable for collectors of haute horlogerie.

What Time Is It in Church? A Deep Dive into the Papacy’s Most Iconic Watches

Prestigious luxury watches for Popes

Swiss Made and Made in Germany

5 Q&A’s about Popes’ watches

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