Ed Sheeran bought a minority stake in Ipswich Town FC in August, which means you’ll probably spot him at most home games. Over the weekend, the singer-songwriter-turned entrepreneur did more than just support his local team. He made his way from the stands on to the pitch after the match, gatecrashing new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s post match interview with Sky Sports in the process.
Given the result suited Ipswich, the move got a mixed reception. But gatecrashing aside, what was more noticeable was the watch strapped on Sheeran’s wrist for his impromptu moment, pulling up to Portman Road wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref 5164A-001.
For anyone with near-$100,000 of disposable cash to spare, it’s a pretty good watch to wear to the footie. It’s a sports watch that’s equal parts rugged and bougie, and it’s the semi-ocatagonal cousin to the Gérald Genta-designed Nautilus. Plus, with a 12-bar water resistance and rubber strap, it’s more than equipped to battle any celebratory beer showers.
Sheeran put the watch’s casual credentials on full show, with cuffed Stone Island cargo pants and Nike Air Force 1 Ultra Flyknit “Robert Kraft” sneakers (which honor the New England Patriots Chairman, Robert Kraft). He rounded out the fit with an Ipswich town training top, and a pint of Guinness, which funnily enough also matches the watch’s colorway.
The Aquanaut isn’t just a popular choice for high-profile fans of the beautiful game, but players, too. Harry Kane is the proud owner of a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time, and Bukayo Saka, his teammate on England’s national team, has flexed an Aquanaut Chronograph in rose gold. Big name wearers aside, the Aquanaut remains popular because of its polished simplicity that manages to look and feel sporty and chill and yet still refined enough to pull off with a suit.
Ed Sheeran is a bit of a pro when it comes to casual watch wearing. He’s the kind of guy who’ll wear a Tiffany Dial nautilus with a black tee and jeans, or a black ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with an Ipswich Town footie jersey and make it look like the most natural thing in the world. And that’s because it kind of is. Models like the Aquanaut and Nautilus are sport watches, and pair crazy complications and drool-inducing designs with hardy materials. And he doesn’t only wear top-price watches. You’re just as likely to catch him with a G-Shock (maybe even his limited edition collab watch), or the hype-y Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch, only adding to his watch collecting kudos.
The 33-year-old has been a watch guy for some time. But matching your pint with a luxury Patek Philippe Aquanaut is a way to up the ante for casual watch flexes.
This story originally appeared on British GQ.
