“One of a kind”—Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary reflects on his watch collection

Kevin O’Leary, the longtime investor on ABC’s reality series Shark Tank, is not only known for backing businesses but also for his commitment to horology. On May 10, 2025, O’Leary took to Instagram to share insights into his luxury watch collection, stating:

“You know in your journey collecting watches you always start off with the classics. You love Rolex, AP, Patek Philippe. They're all fantastic and of course I've got them in my collection. But after a while, after you've got a lot of watches, you start seeking out piece unique. In other words, just one of a kind."

Known to fans as 'Mr. Wonderful,' O’Leary has been a regular shark since the show’s debut in 2009, investing over $8.5 million in more than 40 businesses. As Shark Tank continues its 16th season, O’Leary remains a central figure on-screen and within the watch collector community.

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Shark Tank: Kevin O’Leary’s commitment to custom timepieces

Kevin O’Leary’s reputation for collecting custom timepieces is rooted in his belief that horology is an art form deserving of serious commitment. On May 10, 2025, in a video posted to his Instagram account, he stated:

“That’s what I focus on these days. Can I find a watch that no one else has? The answer is yes. That’s what I collect.”

The Shark Tank investor stated that one-of-a-kind pieces are not just symbols of wealth but indicators of a relationship with master watchmakers.

“I think they're showing respect because I have also respected horology for a long time. I don't flip watches. I don't trade them. I collect them. I invest in horology and I support watchmaking,” he said.

His passion also carries financial implications. In an April 7, 2025 interview with Fox Business, O’Leary criticized the imposition of a 34% tariff on Swiss watches, voicing concerns about the potential impact on collectors.

“Don’t take my watch away from me,” he said. “I speak on behalf of millions of collectors.”

The Shark Tank investor revealed that he learned about the new tariff while attending a global watch show in Geneva, Switzerland.

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O’Leary’s watch collection over the years

O’Leary’s journey as a watch collector began in 1975. While speaking to GQ on November 10, 2023, at the Grand Seiko GS9 collector meetup in Hollywood, he described how his approach to collecting evolved over the decades.

Initially drawn to classic models from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet, O’Leary eventually sought more exclusive offerings, including Grand Seikos. During the event, O’Leary told Grand Seiko USA President Brice Le Troadec, “I have to have the pink,” referring to a new pink-and-green U.S.-exclusive model revealed at the meetup.

In the same GQ interview, O’Leary elaborated on why he chooses not to sell or trade his timepieces. He said:

“I don’t flip watches. I don’t trade them. I collect them.”

He went on to explain that his collection has been stolen twice, which has led him to store watches in safes located across different countries. He declined to specify how many watches he owns, citing security concerns.

O’Leary also frequently wears two watches simultaneously. The Shark Tank star explained that it serves a functional purpose: he often needs to keep track of time in both New York and Abu Dhabi.

Furthermore, he said on CNBC that he switches watches multiple times a day—morning, noon, and night—believing that leaving a watch unworn causes it to lose its “soul.” Beyond style and function, the watches represent what O’Leary considers artistic craftsmanship.

Kevin O’Leary’s watch enthusiasm extends to his future plans as well. In the GQ profile, he mentioned that he intends to be buried with his watches. “Don’t worry about that,” he told his wife when she suggested auctioning them after his death.

“All of these watches are coming into my coffin. I’m like the Pharaoh of time.”

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Shark Tank airs every Friday at 8 pm EST on ABC.