Simu Liu’s superhero-worthy luxury watch collection: the Barbie and Marvel’s Shang-Chi actor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel with a gold Rolex Yacht-Master, and is an IWC Schaffhausen ambassador

Jan 25 , 2024

Actor Simu Liu, who made his name in the TV show Kim’s Convenience and later went on to star in Marvel’s Shang-Chi, has impeccable taste in watches. Photo: @jeanneyangstyle/Instagram

With a range of film roles in high-budget blockbusters, Simu Liu is one of the hottest actors in Hollywood right now – and he’s amassing a luxury watch collection to reflect his rising star status.

The Chinese-Canadian actor – Liu was born in Harbin, China before immigrating to Ontario, Canada at the age of five – has been an impassioned pioneer of Asian representation in Hollywood.

Simu Liu poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, in 2022. Photo: Reuters

He made history as the first Asian superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking the lead role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

More recently, he took to the beach alongside fellow Canadian Ryan Gosling in last year’s highest-grossing – and pinkest – blockbuster, Barbie. The actor is now commanding millions for each role, and he’s about to add another feather to his cap as the host of the upcoming People’s Choice Awards on February 18.

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Liu also has an impeccable sense of style, and that’s evident in his choice of timepieces. Here’s a closer look at the luxury watches this emerging icon loves to show off.

1. IWC Portugieser Chronograph

During Simu Liu’s press tour for Shang-Chi, he wore his IWC Portugieser Chronograph to every red carpet event. Photo: Simu Liu/X

The Kim’s Convenience star is an ambassador for IWC Schaffhausen, and he’s been vocal about his love for the luxury Swiss watchmaker. He wore his 18-carat gold IWC Portugieser Chronograph with an alligator leather strap when he did the press tour for Shang-Chi, and has said that the watch holds serious sentimental value for him as a result.

“That was the watch I wore on pretty much every red carpet that I did, and it was such a memorable moment for me, so every time I look at that watch, I feel like I’m taken back to that moment in my life,” he told Haute Time last year.

2. Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar Planet

Simu Liu at the 2021 Met Gala wearing the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar Baguette in white gold. Photo: Getty Images

Liu also has an affinity for the creations of Jacob & Co., a New York City-based watchmaker renowned for crafting the extravagant “Billionaire’s Watch”.

While Liu may not yet be in the realm of collectors who invest in that level of high-end wristwear (like DJ Khaled, for instance, who owns at least two Billionaires), the actor made a notable appearance wearing the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar Baguette in white gold at the 2021 Met Gala.

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This US$750,000 watch, a limited edition and extravagantly designed flying tourbillon, is nothing short of a masterpiece. It boasts a captivating rotating platform adorned with gemstone spheres symbolising the planets, along with a meticulously hand-painted blue magnesium globe representing Earth. With baguette-cut diamonds embellishing the 18k white gold lugs, this timepiece is a statement of both luxury and artistry.

3. Jacob & Co. Epic SF24

Simu Liu captioned his photo of the 2023 Unforgettable Gala with, “All I want for Christmas is an unforgettable night with my best friends celebrating Asian excellence in media and entertainment.” Photo: @simuliu/Instagram

At the 2023 Unforgettable Gala, an event dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in entertainment, Liu chose to accessorise with a Jacob & Co. Epic SF24. This watch, encased in Grade 5 titanium with an opaline black dial, stands out for its unique split-flap display, echoing the nostalgic charm of old split-flap boards found in airports and train stations.

This particular model is a rare find, limited to just 101 pieces globally, making Liu’s choice all the more special for an evening that honours Asian excellence.

4. Gold Rolex Yacht-Master

During his October appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Liu sported a striking 18-karat yellow gold Rolex Yacht-Master. This 40mm timepiece is distinguished by its signature bidirectional rotating bezel set against a crisp white dial with black hour markers encased in 18k yellow gold and complemented by Tritium hands.

The 18k yellow gold Rolex Yacht-Master was also worn by Victoria and David Beckham. Photo: Getty Images

No longer in production, it’s the same watch that Victoria and David Beckham wore for their 1998 engagement shoot – a fitting accessory for the style icons.

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5. Vacheron Constantin Overseas

Simu Liu arrives on the carpet for the 2023 Met Gala rocking one of his timepieces. Photo: EPA

Liu’s presence at last year’s Met Gala was marked by another memorable timepiece moment when he graced the red carpet with a magnificent Vacheron Constantin Overseas, which the actor customised with a black leather strap to match his Karl Lagerfeld-inspired black suit.

Celebrity style

The Kim’s Convenience star, who will serve as the host of the upcoming People’s Choice Awards, wore a Vacheron Constantin Overseas to last year’s Met Gala honouring Karl Lagerfeld
Liu also has an affinity for the New York City-based Jacob & Co., wearing the Astronomia Solar Baguette to the 2021 Met Gala and the Epic SF24 to the 2023 Unforgettable Gala