Rapper DDG Reveals His $1M+ Watch Collection to WatchGuys: A New Generation of Collectors

Rapper DDG Reveals His $1M+ Watch Collection to WatchGuys: A New Generation of Collectors

Rapper and content creator DDG, who boasts over 7 million Instagram followers, has given an unusually candid tour of his personal watch collection in a new WatchGuys episode. Filmed inside a $35 million Getty Mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, the interview offers a fascinating glimpse into how a new generation of collectors approaches luxury timepieces.

The Evolution of a Watch Collection

DDG's journey into watch collecting began with a "bust-down" yellow gold Rolex Day-Date Presidential in 36mm – "all I could afford at the time." This initial purchase was followed by a two-tone Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, though that particular watch came with a cautionary tale.

The rapper admits he was scammed when trading what he believed was a genuine two-tone Royal Oak for a watch where someone had simply applied rose gold plating. "I was going just off naked eye" and didn't know enough about the secondary market to spot the switch, he explains.

Richard Mille as a Status Symbol

Today, DDG's collection has evolved considerably, with two Richard Mille watches at its center: a rose gold RM 30 acquired around 2020-21 and a smaller RM 29 he casually wears as a daily beater. The collection is valued at over $1 million.

For DDG, the Richard Mille represents more than just aesthetics: "I don't get [watches] because I'm like, this is going to look fire with my outfit. I get them because it's a conversation piece. There's been times where I walk in a room with my Richard Mille and it makes people think that 'maybe I can do business with him' or we have a conversation because they know I'm successful."

Insights on the Secondary Market

DDG's observations on the watch secondary market are particularly insightful. He notes that flipping watches for profit is increasingly difficult, pointing to rising gold prices, US tariffs on Swiss watches, and the narrowing window between retail and resale on anything other than truly limited references.

He also weighed in on the Swatch x AP Royal Pop saga, expressing frustration that AP would associate with a £300 pocket watch after he had invested so heavily to own something rare, though he admits he would have bought every colorway to resell had he spotted the opportunity sooner.

The Influence of Social Media on Watch Collecting

With over 7 million Instagram followers, DDG represents a new breed of watch collector who uses social media to share their passion. His candid interview with WatchGuys demonstrates how content creation and watch collecting intersect in the digital age.

This approach to watch collecting – transparent, personal, and shared with a large audience – is becoming increasingly common among younger collectors who view watches as both personal expression and conversation starters.

Key Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did DDG get into watch collecting?

A: DDG started with a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date Presidential in 36mm, which was all he could afford at the time. His collection has since grown to include multiple Richard Mille watches and other luxury timepieces.

Q: What is DDG's most valuable watch?

A: While he doesn't specify individual values, his collection includes a rose gold Richard Mille RM 30 and a smaller RM 29, with the total collection valued at over $1 million.

Q: What does DDG look for in a watch?

A: DDG prioritizes watches that serve as conversation pieces and status symbols rather than just fashion accessories. He values watches that can facilitate business conversations and demonstrate success.

Related Reading

Learn more about hip-hop's influence on watch culture

Discover other notable Richard Mille collectors

Sources

This article is based on reporting from WatchPro and includes information from the WatchGuys interview with DDG.