Basketball player Michael Jordan spotted wearing a D.CANDAUX

Michael Jordan was spotted at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship overseeing his 23XI Racing team, accessorised with the David Candaux DC1 Titanium (ref. DC1-TI), a bold statement piece from one of independent watchmaking's most accomplished artisans. The sighting underscores Jordan's continued investment in rare, independent horology beyond mainstream luxury brands.

The David Candaux DC1-TI represents a complete titanium execution of Candaux's signature design language. The case measures 45 mm in diameter and employs grade-5 titanium throughout, delivering exceptional lightness and corrosion resistance without sacrificing structural rigidity. The in-house calibre is equally rendered in titanium, a material rarely seen in movement construction due to machining complexity. The dial presents two subdials—a running seconds register and a power-reserve indicator—set against a champagne or anthracite base. Hand-finishing defines this reference: Candaux applies the distinctive Côtes de Solliat (Solliat stripes) to the Cascade bridges, complemented by 18 inward beveled angles with hand-polished bevels and mirror-polished, straight-grained perlage beneath the bridges. Water resistance reaches 100 metres, appropriate for a dress-sports tool watch.

The DC1-TI occupies a rare tier among independent watchmakers. David Candaux, a founding AHCI member, produces approximately 50 to 80 pieces annually across all references, making each variant genuinely limited. The all-titanium execution commands attention among collectors seeking material innovation rather than conventional precious metals. Variants include white gold, rose gold, and stainless steel cases, yet the titanium remains the most technically demanding and visually distinctive.

Jordan's choice reflects a documented preference for independent and bespoke horology. His ownership of 23XI Racing—a NASCAR team co-founded with Denny Hamlin—aligns with the entrepreneurial ethos of the AHCI community. Wearing the DC1-TI at a championship race demonstrates appreciation for watches as functional instruments rather than logo-driven status symbols, a hallmark of serious collectors in motorsport environments.

Retail pricing for the David Candaux DC1-TI sits approximately USD 38,000–42,000 depending on dial configuration and finishing. Secondary-market examples trade between USD 42,000–50,000, reflecting stable demand and the brand's production scarcity. Waitlists for new DC1 models typically extend 18–24 months through authorised dealers, cementing its position among the most sought independent references.