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In our series “Who wears what?” », direction Cuba to take an interest in an emblematic revolutionary of the 20th century: Fidel Castro. Leader of the Revolution, charismatic commander, long-term leader… but also a lover of beautiful watches. And not just any: the Lider Maximo displayed on its wrist one of the most luxurious Swiss timepieces — the Rolex. A choice as surprising as it is iconic for a man supposed to embody anti-capitalism. Here’s what we know about Fidel Castro’s watches.
Castro’s taste for Rolex
Numerous archive photos attest that Fidel Castro wore several Rolex models during his public life. Among the most identifiable:
- Rolex Submariner : worn notably during the triumphal entry of revolutionaries into Havana in 1959. It symbolizes the warlike and robust image of the bearded commander.
- Rolex GMT-Master (reference 6542 or 1675): often seen on one’s left wrist in the 1960s, sometimes accompanied by a second watch on the same arm!
Yes, Fidel Castro sometimes wore two Rolexes at the same time. One set to Havana time, the other to Moscow time — symbol of the diplomatic axis between Cuba and the USSR.
A symbolic choice?
At first glance, wearing luxury Swiss watches seems at odds with the radical socialist ideology advocated by Castro. But looking closer, this choice makes sense:
- Rolex was considered at the time to be a precision, durable and reliable watch — qualities that Castro could claim symbolically.
- The choice of Rolex as a “tool” rather than “luxury jewelry” reinforces a virile and pragmatic posture.
- As a head of state in the Cold War, displaying a Rolex could also have diplomatic or strategic significance.
Castro, like Che Guevara, would have received these watches ceremonially or via diplomatic gifts. It is therefore not a question of a personal luxury purchase but of the use of functional objects… with strong symbolic value.
Two watches on your wrist?
The photos showing Fidel Castro with two Rolexes have long aroused curiosity. A possible interpretation: one was set to Cubathe other on Moscow. This detail illustrates its double geopolitical anchoring. Another simpler hypothesis: redundancy for security (in the event of a breakdown or bug, it always had the time).
In any case, these images reinforce the myth of Castro as a “military strategist”, always alert, even across time zones.
That said, Nicolas Hayek, Mr. Swatch, also liked to wear several watches on his wrists, but for other reasons…
What references did he carry exactly?
Here are the most often cited models:
- Rolex Submariner ref. 6536 or 5513 (not confirmed with certainty)
- Rolex GMT-Master ref. 6542 (without protective crown), then 1675 in the 1960s
These models are now highly sought after on the second-hand market, particularly the “revolutionary Rolexes” worn by Castro or Guevara.
A revolutionary Rolex?
Fidel Castro is not the only leader to have worn Rolexes while advocating socialist values. Mao Zedong was also reportedly seen with a Swiss watch. This shows that the symbolism of the watch often goes beyond simple ideological affiliation.
For Castro, the Rolex watch becomes a tool of war, a diplomatic object, an extension of his charisma. A fascinating paradox…and very photogenic.
What about quartz?
Oddly enough, the older Castro displayed with quartz as evidenced in the photos below.
FAQs
What watch did Fidel Castro wear?
Mainly Rolexes, including a Submariner and a GMT-Master (ref. 6542 and/or 1675).
Why was he wearing two watches?
Possibly to follow two time zones: Havana and Moscow.
Apparently yes, but the watch here served more as a functional and diplomatic tool than as a capitalist jewel.
Are these watches visible in photos?
Yes ! Many historical photos show Castro with his Rolexes on his wrist.
Can we buy the same models today?
Yes, but vintage references like the GMT 6542 or the Submariner 6536 have become rare and expensive on the collectors’ market.
