Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wore a $2 million vintage watch from the 1950s that tracks the cycles of the moon while talking about how AI could help medical research
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently detailed his plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to permanently accelerate medical research while wearing a vintage $2 million Rolex designed to track the mechanical cycles of the moon.The tech billionaire was spotted with the rare timepiece on his wrist during a filmed interview on the 'No Priors' podcast alongside his wife, Priscilla Chan.
The couple used the platform to discuss the goals of their medical research facility, Biohub, an initiative funded by the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative that aims to deploy cutting-edge computer models to identify, treat and eradicate human diseases.The conversation focused on the future of digital science, but horological experts were immediately drawn to the historical masterpiece sitting on Zuckerberg's left wrist.
The watch was identified as a vintage Rolex reference 6062 "Stelline," an incredibly scarce mid-century creation that stands as one of the most valuable and highly sought-after collector pieces in the world. Depending on the specific case metal and overall state of preservation, examples of the Stelline routinely cross the seven-figure threshold at international auction houses, with top-tier variations valuing upto $2 million.Zuckerberg is an executive worth an estimated $200 billion who spent his early career pioneering the digital world.
Yet, he chose an entirely mechanical, analogue instrument from the 1950s to accompany a discussion on solving complex biological problems with modern AI algorithms.A masterpiece from the Golden Age of horologyThe Reference 6062 holds a special place in Rolex history. It was introduced around 1950, before the Swiss watchmaker became best known for tough tool watches such as the Submariner, Explorer and GMT-Master.
Produced for only a few years, the Reference 6062 was one of just two Rolex models ever fitted with an automatic triple calendar and an integrated moonphase complication. The other was the Reference 8171.What made the Reference 6062 stand out was its ability to combine advanced watchmaking with Rolex's reliable design.
It used the automatic calibre 9¾ movement inside the brand's signature 36 mm Oyster case with a screw-down case back, helping it retain the water-resistant qualities for which Rolex had become famous.The dial displays the day and month through two small windows below the 12 o'clock marker. A central pointer hand shows the date by moving around the outer edge of the dial, while the moonphase display sits inside the small seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.
The nickname "Stelline", which means "little stars" in Italian, comes from the rare version of the watch that replaces standard hour markers with eight star-shaped gold markers.The Reference 6062 also has a special place in Rolex history. Company records show that Rolex used the name "Cosmograph" in advertisements for the Reference 6062 many years before it became closely linked with the Daytona chronograph.
This connection has made the watch one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex models.Collectors have shown just how valuable the Reference 6062 has become. In 2023, a well-preserved pink gold Stelline sold at a Christie's auction for 2.2 million Swiss francs, or about $2.7 million. An even rarer version with a black dial and diamond hour markers sold at auction last year for $6.2 million, making it one of the most expensive Rolex watches ever sold publicly.The evolution of a billionaire's wristZuckerberg wearing multi-million-dollar vintage Rolex watches gives a glimpse into his personal style.
For years, he was known for wearing simple grey T-shirts and hoodies, like an average Joe.Since then, the Meta chief has built an impressive collection of luxury watches. In September 2024, Zuckerberg shared an Instagram photo wearing a Patek Philippe Reference 5236P, a platinum Grand Complications In-Line Perpetual Calendar watch with an alligator leather strap.
The watch originally retailed for $148,331 before it was discontinued and displays the day, date and month in a single horizontal line.A few days later, during an appearance at the Acquired podcast event, Zuckerberg was seen wearing a De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius in rose gold. The rare Swiss-made watch is worth more than $80,000, and only 20 pieces are made each year.
Some versions of the Starry Varius, featuring dials made from genuine meteorites, can sell for as much as $260,000.Does the Meta CEO always wear luxury watches?Zuckerberg's watch collection includes some of the world's most respected independent watchmakers. At the 2024 Meta Connect conference, he wore an all-aluminium watch from F.P.
Journe's LineSport Souveraine collection. Produced between 2011 and 2014, the model can sell for as much as $299,000 on the resale market. In January 2025, during a video about Meta's US operations, he was seen wearing a Greubel Forsey watch worth more than $900,000. The timepiece is made up of 281 hand-assembled parts.Greubel Forsey CEO Michel Nydegger later told Bloomberg that Zuckerberg showed a "true appreciation for the most traditional approach to fine watchmaking."His collection also includes a yellow-gold Rolex Daytona "Le Mans" worth about $300,000, a rare F.P.
Journe Chronomètre Bleu Byblos that sold for $254,000 at a Sotheby's auction, and a George Daniels Anniversary watch valued between $400,000 and $800,000. His most valuable modern watch is an F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Cœur de Rubis, featuring a solid ruby dial and a matching yellow-gold bracelet.
Limited to just 20 pieces worldwide, it is estimated to be worth around $2 million.Despite owning several rare luxury watches, Zuckerberg has also been seen wearing much simpler timepieces. In April 2025, he appeared on The Colin and Samir Show wearing a white Casio G-Shock GA2100WS-7A with a bright blue dial.
The Japanese quartz watch costs around $120, making it the least expensive watch he has worn in public.Get the latest technology news and updates. Download the TOI App.