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
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
