Netflix’s docuseries The Last Dance featuring Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls was probably the best thing that happened to us in 2020 yet. Especially if you grew up in the 90s in this part of the world. NBA was the coolest thing on TV and every kid in school wanted to play basketball.
Across 10 hour-long episodes, the story moves back and forth between the 1997/8 season (Jordan’s last season with the team) and Jordan’s earliest days. Loaded with never-before released footage, candid interviews, phenomenal replays, internal conflict, inter-team feuds, tear-jerking moments and more, 10 hours watching The Last Dance was definitely time well spent.
So imagine our delight when, no more than a minute plus into the first episode, we discovered that Jordan’s wrist game is as unimpeachable as his style moves. His Royal Airness has exquisite taste for timepieces. And by exquisite, I mean, EXQUISITE.
It’s a Roger Dubuis
So when the camera panned to Jordan’s cigar lighting up as he took a long drag, we got a super clear view at the watch. Beyond any doubt, it’s the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Automatic Skeleton, white edition. A 2019 model.
Jordan’s fondness of crazy big watches comes as no surprise. There are photos of him all over the Internet sporting everything from platinum Rolexes to oversized IWCs and Richard Milles if you cared enough to Google.
The Excalibur Spider Pirelli Automatic Skeleton by Roger Dubuis, sits squarely within that circle of oversized, over-engineered, and sometimes overpowering timepieces.
First, there’s the 45mm black DLC titanium case overmoulded with white rubber, and a fluted bezel in the same material marked with white lacquered lines. Then, the crown as well is overmoulded with white rubber. And the entire structure is completely skeletonised. Case, lugs, and movement too. It’s got an imposing presence yet is light as can be.
But because this is a limited edition co-created with tyre-makers Pirelli, there is a Pirelli CinturatoTTM intermediate tyre profile engraved on the underside of the strap. Plus a special laser engraving etched on the case back.
Not forgetting the rubber inlays taken from certified Pirelli tyres that had competed in, and won, an actual F1 race. Jordan must have bought it because of this unique association with auto-racing.
Priced at S$102,900, this 88-piece limited edition is one of the most unconventional co-branded timepieces you’ll ever see.
Along came Pippen
They’re obviously not on talking terms right now but we believe it was completely unplanned that Pippen also wore a Roger Dubuis on the set. Wrist twinning just doesn’t feel like something these two NBA hall of famers would ever do. While Jordan’s piece is light and stealthy, Pippen’s was all shiny and showy.
As filming took place at Pippen’s new house, which was completely unfurnished, his interview footage was mainly tight shots. We couldn’t see much of the house but that’s okay because we got crystal clear views of his Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon in white gold.
It’s a pretty old model, launched in 2013, but really it’s a timeless classic of the Genevan manufacture. You could easily spot those distinctive triple lugs from afar, and the notched bezel too. But what is more likely to leave you googly eyed are the two mesmerising flying tourbillons.
Oscillating at their own frequencies and regulated by one differential system, they are always perfectly synchronised—just like Pippen and Jordan! Great on its own, but greater together.
Suffice it to say, Pippen’s watch is big league stuff. At S$460,000 a pop, the Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon appeals to watch connoisseurs who want to be seen and who adore being in the limelight.
The Last Dance is currently streaming on Netflix.
