The rapper donned the knockout Nautilus during a surprise concert on the last day of the year
Nelly rung in the new year with some Dirty South swagger.
On Sunday, the Texas-born rapper made a surprise appearance at the New Year’s Eve “Party Like a Royal” event at Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. As you might expect, he dressed up for the occasion, donning a black jacket with a shimmering pinstripe detail and tuxedo pants. He added the requisite flair with diamond bracelets, diamond earrings, and a Derrty Ent necklace. But it was the rapper’s watch that stole the show.
Nelly’s diamond-studded Patek Philippe Nautilus—reference 5719/10G—is nothing if not spectacular. It showcases a staggering 1,343 diamonds. The 18k white gold case houses a dial set with an eye-popping 255 stones, not to mention a trio of baguette diamond hour markers and an 18k gold dial plate. The piece’s bonkers bracelet, meanwhile, features 803 more stones and 150 baguette diamonds.
As you would expect, the frostbitten timepiece houses the Nautilus’s signature rounded octagonal bezel, as well as horizontal embossing on its dial. A self-winding movement, dubbed the Caliber 26-330 S C, powers the watch with a frequency of 28,800 vph. Its date and sweep seconds functions also run on the calibre, providing a solid 45-hour power reserve. For those that like to see behind the curtain, the movement’s 21k gold central rotor and its horological sleights of hand can be seen through the transparent caseback.
Nelly wasn’t the only celebrity at the New Year’s Eve event. Actor Neil Patrick Harris and legendary producer Timbaland were also on hand for the festivities. Harris played host in a nautical-inspired look that paired a white blazer with navy trousers and loafers. Timbaland, meanwhile, held it down as a special guest DJ, performing in a street-style look that included a chequered button-up and funky camo-print jeans.
As for the “Hot in Herre” rapper, Nelly joined a list of megawatt musicians who made headlines with jaw-dropping timepieces in 2023. Back in June, Rihanna wore a 47 mm white gold Brilliant Flying Tourbillon by Jacob & Co as a choker in Paris. Jay-Z, meanwhile, decided to part ways with his diamond-studded Jacob & Co. Caviar Tourbillion World Timer for US$1.5 million in October.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA
