SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryWatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch History
The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
“Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches” was written by Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, and Tobias Kargoll. (Image credit: Million Dollar Hop Hop Watches, teNeues 2025)
New York—"Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches,” a coffee table book following the history of timepieces in the hip-hop world as a symbol of hard-earned success, is debuting in the U.S. next month.
The book is a “journey into the soul of hip-hop, revealing the deep emotional ties between a revolutionary culture and the timepieces that have become its most potent symbols,” it said.
It explores watches worn by rappers including 2Pac, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, Rema, and Missy Elliott.
The book not only features these artists but discusses what it meant for them to own, wear, and include the watches in their music.
The book highlights the influence of brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and even Casio’s G-Shock.
Throughout its 320 pages, there are more than 300 color photographs of the rappers and their watches.
The 23 chapters progress from the defiant style of the 1970s to the “Quartz Era” of the 1980s, the “Golden Age of Hip-Hop” in the 1990s, and the changing of the dial in the 2000s.
The book is a “journey into the soul of hip-hop, revealing the deep emotional ties between a revolutionary culture and the timepieces that have become its most potent symbols,” it said.
It explores watches worn by rappers including 2Pac, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, Rema, and Missy Elliott.
The book not only features these artists but discusses what it meant for them to own, wear, and include the watches in their music.
The book highlights the influence of brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and even Casio’s G-Shock.
Throughout its 320 pages, there are more than 300 color photographs of the rappers and their watches.
The 23 chapters progress from the defiant style of the 1970s to the “Quartz Era” of the 1980s, the “Golden Age of Hip-Hop” in the 1990s, and the changing of the dial in the 2000s.
Lil Yachty wearing a customized Rolex Day-Date in 18-karat yellow gold (Image credit: David Cabrera, Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches, teNeues 2025)
Rick Ross wearing a 41mm white gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch (Image credit: David Cabrera, Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches, teNeues 2025)
"Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches” starts where hip-hop began in the streets of The Bronx in New York City.
It recounts the story of 2Pac supposedly gifting The Notorious B.I.G. his first Rolex.
The book also explores the “Five Time Zone” watch created by Jacob Arabo, also known as Jacob the Jeweler, of Jacob & Co. The “groundbreaking” timepiece ushered in the “Ice Age” of watches covered in diamonds.
“This book isn’t just about watches; it’s about the dreams, struggles, and aspirations etched into every glittering facet,” said the book.
Timepieces by brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet are seen as not just functional objects but a central expression of identity and status.
The book was written by the editors of the German digital magazine hiphop.de, Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, and Tobias Kargoll.
Previously, Kargoll has also published his book “Erfolgsformel Hip-Hop,” about the “formula to success” in hip-hop.
"Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches” was published by teNeues Publishing.
It retails for $125 and is available for pre-order at teNeues, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
More on Watches
The Latest
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
