Inside Rapper DDG's Million-Dollar Luxury Watch Collection

DDG, whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., has experienced a remarkable career trajectory, moving from creating YouTube diss tracks to achieving significant musical success, marked by his double-platinum single “Moonwalking in Calabasas” in 2020. This rise in his career has been paralleled by the expansion and increasing extravagance of his personal watch collection. Recently, DDG provided an exclusive glimpse into his prized collection during a conversation with Robertino Altieri, the CEO and founder of WatchGuys, held at a luxurious Los Angeles mansion. He reminisced about his initial foray into high-end timepieces, which began with a yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date, affectionately known as the “Presidential,” acquired for approximately $20,000. He humorously noted that this was the most he could afford at the time, recognizing it as a classic choice.

DDG’s taste has since evolved to embrace more intricate and expensive watches from prestigious brands such as Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet. He has owned over five Richard Mille watches, explaining that his acquisitions are driven not merely by aesthetic appeal but by their symbolic representation of status and success. He views these timepieces as “trophies,” tangible indicators of his achievements. Audemars Piguet also holds a special place in his collection, with a rose-gold Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked serving as his everyday watch for the past two years. However, he expressed reservations about the recent Royal Pop collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Swatch, suggesting a cautious approach to its potential appeal.

DDG’s approach to collecting also involves strategic trading to continuously upgrade his pieces. He admits to making some less-than-ideal decisions early in his collecting journey, such as trading his gold Presidential for a steel Datejust before fully understanding the nuances of watch valuation. He also recounted an unfortunate incident where he was defrauded out of a rare two-tone Royal Oak. Despite these learning experiences, his horological expertise has clearly matured, with his current collection valued at over $1 million. Highlights include a Patek Philippe Nautilus embellished with diamonds, a Richard Mille RM 030, and a Richard Mille RM 61-01 “Yohan Blake.” DDG remains committed to expanding his collection, viewing it as an ongoing journey that will continue as his success grows, proclaiming, “If I make $100 million tomorrow, give me some more watches.”

DDG's journey from a YouTube personality to a double-platinum artist and discerning luxury watch collector exemplifies how passion and dedication can transform into tangible success. His evolving collection not only showcases an appreciation for fine craftsmanship but also serves as an aspirational symbol of achievement and the pursuit of excellence. It highlights the importance of continuous learning and growth, even when faced with setbacks, as one navigates the complexities of personal and professional aspirations.