Watch Spotting: The Collectors - by Rhonda Riche (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Through the collections of 30 celebrities, Watch Spotting: The Collectors sets out to illustrate what makes watch collecting so compelling and why timepieces symbolize more than just timekeeping.

The intricate mechanics, precision and artistry behind high-end watches have long been appreciated by collectors, but in more recent times watches have become cultural icons. Symbolizing luxury, wealth and success, timepieces now play a key role in pop culture with celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Rihanna elevating watches through endorsements, and rappers like Jay-Z and Drake flaunting high-end watches such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Rolex in their lyrics and public appearances, turning them into status symbols. Through the collections of 30 celebrities, chosen by Toronto-based watch writer Rhonda Riche, Watch Spotting: The Collectors sets out to illustrate what makes watch collecting so compelling and why timepieces have come to symbolize more than just timekeeping. With its marriage to pop culture, watch collecting has brought timepieces into mainstream consciousness in a fresh and bold way, making these wearable works of art more popular than ever.

Review Quotes

"Rhonda Riche's In-House Two-fer Here at Watchonista, we are particularly pleased that not one, but two, of 2025's best watch books happened to have been penned by someone very near and dear to our hearts: Editor-at-Large Rhonda Riche."

"In a more intimate coverage style that goes beyond the bling, its 160 pages examine 30 diverse celebrity collectors (from artist Andy Warhol to tennis legend Serena Williams), their deep passion for watches, and the very nature of watch collecting."-- "Watchonista Press"

"There's no better way to kick off this list than with a book by my friend and colleague Rhonda Riche, whose fresh, culturally fluent voice has made her one of today's exciting watch writers. Watch Spotting: The Collectors explores the personal watch collections of 30 celebrities--offering a vibrant, pop-culture-driven look at why high-end watches have become modern cultural currency. This isn't just another glossy coffee-table compilation. Riche goes deeper, revealing how timepieces have evolved into markers of identity, creativity, and status. From the refined tastes of Orlando Bloom and David Beckham to the bold flexes of Rihanna, Kevin Hart, Lionel Messi, Ryan Gosling, and even Taylor Swift, each chapter shows what their watches say about who they are--and what the collecting culture says about all of us. With its blend of celebrity, style, design, and storytelling, Watch Spotting is poised to become one of 2025's must-own horological titles. "-- "A Timely Perspective"

"For a lighthearted read, "Watch Spotting: The Collectors" by Rhonda Riche dives into the watch collections of 30 A-list celebrities. The 160-page book was published by ACC Art Books in September in Britain and in October in the United States ($30)."

--Melanie Abrams "The New York Times"

"Watch Spotting: The Collectors. set to be released tomorrow by ACC Art Books, delves into the private watch stashes of 30 big names, including Jay-Z, Rihanna, Pharrell, Serena Williams, Taylor Swift, Andy Warhol, and Tyler, the Creator."--Rob Bates "Jewelers' Circular Keystone"

"...a rare look at the timepieces that define success, status, and personal style."

"With stunning visuals and sharp commentary, this tome is essential reading for anyone fascinated by horology and its ability to make a statement."-- "Boss Hunting Press Clipping"

"Watch Spotting: The Collectors by Rhonda Riche is for the reader/watch aficionado who has an affinity not only for high end timepieces, but for pop culture, celebrity backstories, and why certain collectors choose the pieces they do."

"Riche transports the reader into the world of 30 prominent icons and shows how watches have become personal expressions of identity for musicians, actors, athletes, and artists alike."--NouvelleBox

"If celebrity watch spotting is your thing, and believe me, this is a growing tribe, then, Watch Spotting: The Collectors by ACC Art Books (left) is watch voyeurs dream come true. Thirty celebrities from Jay-Z to Andy Warhol, from Serena Williams to Rihanna, reveal what makes them tick. Watch Spotting: The Collectors, offers a singular peek into the watch wardrobes of those who have the ultimate timepieces on their wrists."-- "The Jewellery Editor"

"What do David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton, Ryan Gosling, and Jay-Z have in common? A declared passion for collecting luxury watches, valuable assets worth investing in for many (very good) reasons."-- "Vanity Fair Italia"

About the Author

Rhonda Riche is a Toronto-based writer specializing in watches, design and culture. She is currently Editor-At-Large for Watchonista, to which she contributes articles on collectors and their watches. She has written for The Globe And Mail, Sotheby's Insights and 'In Style', is co-author of the book Covet Garden Home, and was a regular contributor to CBC Radio 1's 'Definitely Not The Opera'. She has been nominated for several National Magazine Awards.