Watch Paparazzi

Boxer Gervonta Davis spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Gervonta Davis, the undefeated WBA lightweight champion and one of professional boxing's most bankable stars, was recently spotted wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph in 18K rose gold — specifically the Reference 5980/1R-001, a watch that sits at the intersection of haute horology and sports-watch iconography.

Introduced in 2006 to mark the 30th anniversary of the original Nautilus, the 5980 brought genuine chronograph complication to Gerald Genta's integrated-bracelet design for the first time. The case measures 40.5mm in diameter and houses the Calibre CH 28-520 C, a lateral-clutch flyback chronograph movement beating at 28,800 vph with a column wheel and a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The salmon-toned dial of the 5980/1R — a warm, slightly graduated finish — pairs with the rose gold case and integrated bracelet to produce one of the most visually cohesive watches Patek has ever made in the Nautilus line.

The 5980 was quietly discontinued in 2021, which immediately intensified collector interest. Patek Philippe never produces in excess of demand, and chronograph Nautiluses have always been manufactured in smaller numbers than the standard three-hander 5711 or 5726 annual calendar variants. The rose gold iteration, in particular, is regarded as the most desirable execution of the reference — the warm metal tones complement the integrated bracelet design in a way that steel or white gold does not quite replicate.

Davis, promoted by Floyd Mayweather for much of his career and now one of the sport's independent megastars, has cultivated a public image that reflects his financial ascent from West Baltimore. High-end watch collecting has become a visible part of that narrative, and the 5980/1R is exactly the kind of piece that signals serious horological taste rather than mere spending power.

At retail, Patek Philippe listed the 5980/1R at approximately $107,500. On today's grey market, the reference commands considerably more — current secondary market valuations place it in the $365,000 range, reflecting both its discontinued status and the sustained global demand for rose gold Nautilus references across all complications.