Luxury timepiece worn by Pope Leo XIV, identified as Rolex, carries such a substantial price tag.
New US-born Pope Leos XIV Demonstrates a Down-to-Earth Style, Sporting a Wenger Dive Watch
In a historic first for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has been elected as the first American Pope. Known for his reserved, humble, and intellectually gifted demeanor, the new Pontiff's style extends to his choice of timepiece.
Unlike the luxury watches favored by some dignitaries, Pope Leo XIV has opted for a functional dive watch by Swiss brand Wenger. The timepiece, with its black PVD case and red bezel, complements the Pope's robes and signifies his preference for action over status symbols.
Detailed reports indicate that the Vatican's new timekeeper is a variant of the Wenger Ranger series, specifically the Wenger Swiss Military 7223X. Known for its practicality rather than opulence, the Wenger Ranger offers a utilitarian, durable design at a relatively affordable price point.
While some have suggested that the watch might be from other brands like Timex, Casio, or Victorinox due to subtle differences from the standard Wenger model, it remains undeniably a step up in complexity and style from the humble Swatch once worn by Pope Francis.
In contrast to previous Popes, including Pope John Paul II, who was seen with a luxury Rolex, and Pope Benedict XVI, who favored a bulky Erhard Junghans watch, Pope Leo XIV's choice of timepiece aligns more with the simplicity and modesty favored by Pope Francis.
Despite the scrutiny that Pope's watches have traditionally faced, Leo XIV's Wenger diver offers a testament to his practical and humble ethos, making a statement without resorting to extravagance.
Pope Leo XIV's preference for a Wenger dive watch from the Ranger series, such as the Wenger Swiss Military 7223X, showcases his inclination towards practicality and affordability in the realm of fashion-and-beauty, departing from luxury watches. This choice, a shift from minimalistic timepieces like the Swatch previously worn by Pope Francis, also marks a departure from the extravagant watches sported by previous Popes like the Rolex of Pope John Paul II and the Erhard Junghans watch of Pope Benedict XVI, mirroring the simplicity and modesty that Leo XIV is known for.