Which watches did Fidel Castro wear?
In our “Who Wears What?” series, we’re heading to Cuba to look at one of the 20th century’s most emblematic revolutionaries: Fidel Castro. Leader of the Revolution, charismatic comandante, long-serving head of state … but also a lover of fine watches. And not just any watches: the Líder Máximo wore on his wrist one of Switzerland’s most luxurious timepieces — a Rolex. A choice as surprising as it is iconic for a man meant to embody anti-capitalism. Here’s what we know about Fidel Castro’s watches.
Castro’s taste for Rolex
Numerous archival photos attest that Fidel Castro wore several Rolex models over the course of his public life. Among the easiest to identify:
- Rolex Submariner: worn notably during the revolutionaries’ triumphant entry into Havana in 1959. It embodies the bearded commander’s rugged, warrior-like image.
- Rolex GMT-Master (reference 6542 or 1675): often seen on his 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 — a 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 championed by Castro. But on closer inspection, the choice makes sense:
- Rolex was considered at the time a precise, tough and reliable watch — qualities Castro could symbolically lay claim to.
- Choosing Rolex as a “tool” rather than a “luxury jewel” reinforces a virile, pragmatic stance.
- As a Cold War head of state, wearing a Rolex could also carry diplomatic or strategic weight.
Castro, like Che Guevara, is said to have received these watches through protocol or as diplomatic gifts. So this was not a personal luxury purchase, but the use of functional objects … with strong symbolic value.
Two watches on the wrist?
Photos showing Fidel Castro with two Rolexes long fuelled curiosity. One possible interpretation: one was set to Cuba, the other to Moscow. This detail illustrates his dual geopolitical anchoring. Another, simpler hypothesis: redundancy for safety (in case of a failure or glitch, he still had the time).
In any case, these images reinforce the myth of Castro the “military strategist”, always on alert — even across time zones.
That said, Nicolas Hayek, Mr Swatch, also liked to wear several watches on his wrists, but for other reasons …
Which references did he wear exactly?
Here are the models most often cited:
- Rolex Submariner ref. 6536 or 5513 (not confirmed with certainty)
- Rolex GMT-Master ref. 6542 (without crown guards), then 1675 in the 1960s
These models are now highly sought-after on the pre-owned market, especially the “revolutionary Rolexes” worn by Castro or Guevara.
A revolutionary Rolex?
Fidel Castro isn’t the only leader to have worn Rolex while advocating socialist values. Mao Zedong is also said to have been seen with a Swiss watch. It shows that a watch’s symbolism often goes beyond simple ideological affiliation.
With Castro, the Rolex becomes a tool of war, a diplomatic object, an extension of his charisma. A fascinating paradox … and a very photogenic one.
What about quartz?
Curiously, the older Castro was seen wearing quartz, as evidenced by the photos below.
FAQ
Which watch did Fidel Castro wear?
Mainly Rolexes, including a Submariner and a GMT-Master (ref. 6542 and/or 1675).
Why did he wear two watches?
Possibly to track two time zones: Havana and Moscow.
On the surface, yes, but here the watch served more as a functional and diplomatic tool than as a capitalist piece of jewellery.
Can these watches be seen in photos?
Yes! Many historical shots show Castro with his Rolexes on his wrist.
Can you 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.
