For over a decade, Casey Neistat has been a defining voice on YouTube, known for his cinematic vlogs, relentless work ethic, and a philosophy that champions creativity and living life to the fullest. His influence extends far beyond filmmaking, touching on technology, travel, and personal style. For watch enthusiasts, his wrist has become a surprisingly compelling focal point, offering a glimpse into the tastes of a creator who values function and story over pure status. This unique perspective makes a deep look at Casey Neistat’s Watch Collection (A YouTube Spotlight) – WatchRanker so fascinating.
Unlike many collectors who chase rarity or complication, Neistat’s approach to watches is refreshingly pragmatic. His choices are tools for his craft, companions on his adventures, and artifacts with personal history. They are worn hard, scratched, and loved, reflecting the very essence of his “do more” mantra. From a humble Casio to a custom-built Richard Mille, each piece tells a part of his story, making his collection a case study in how watches can be integrated into an active and creative life.
The Heart of Casey Neistat’s Watch Collection (A YouTube Spotlight) – WatchRanker
At the core of Neistat’s collection are a few key timepieces that have become almost as iconic as the man himself. These are the watches he has worn consistently through major life chapters, each earning its place through durability, functionality, or deep sentimental value.
The most famous of these is undoubtedly the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” on a Jubilee bracelet. This watch was a constant presence on his wrist for years, from his daily bike commutes through New York City to international adventures. It perfectly embodied his lifestyle: a robust, professional tool watch designed for travel. The scratches and scuffs it accumulated weren’t seen as imperfections but as a honest record of his journey. Its eventual sale, which he documented, was a symbolic moment for his audience, showing that even cherished possessions can be let go to make way for new chapters.
Another cornerstone is the Apple Watch. For a tech-forward creator like Neistat, its integration was a natural fit. He often spoke about its utility for fitness tracking, notifications, and as a remote for his filmmaking gear. The Apple Watch represents the modern, connected side of his life, a tool that enhances productivity and health. Its presence in his collection highlights a key lesson: a watch doesn’t have to be mechanical to be meaningful; its value is defined by how well it serves its purpose for the wearer.
More Than Just Tools: The Sentimental and Custom Pieces
While the Rolex and Apple Watch handled daily duties, other pieces in his collection carry profound emotional weight. The Casio F-91W is a prime example. This humble, sub-$20 digital watch is the antithesis of a luxury timepiece, yet Neistat has spoken fondly of its perfect simplicity and reliability. It serves as a reminder that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a great watch, and that sometimes the best tool is the one that does its job without any fuss.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is his custom Richard Mille RM 2.1. This watch is a statement piece, a high-horology marvel known for its avant-garde design and extreme price tag. Neistat’s version was customized with a “DO MORE” inscription on the rotor, directly linking it to his personal brand and philosophy. This piece shows his appreciation for extreme engineering and art, proving that his horological interests are broad and not confined to any single price point or style.
What We Can Learn From Casey’s Wrist
Observing Casey Neistat’s relationship with watches offers several practical takeaways for anyone interested in building their own collection. His philosophy is less about investment or impressing others and more about personal connection and utility.
First, embrace the scratches. Neistat never babied his watches. He wore them while skating, working, and traveling. This “worn-in” look gives a watch character and tells your story. A watch that lives in a safe is a possession; a watch on your wrist, gathering marks from your life, becomes a part of you.
Second, prioritize function that fits your life. He didn’t wear a dress watch to the skate park or a fragile piece while building a studio. His choices were always context-appropriate. When considering a new watch, think about how it will integrate into your daily routine. Does it have the water resistance for your activities? Is it comfortable for all-day wear? Does it serve a specific function you need?
Finally, value the story. Whether it was the GMT marking his global travels or the Casio representing a no-nonsense approach, each watch in his collection had a narrative. The best collections are often built one story at a time, not from a checklist of “must-have” references.
The Evolution of a Collection
Like any dynamic aspect of life, Neistat’s watch collection has evolved. The sale of the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II signaled a shift, and he has been seen with other pieces like a Tudor Black Bay, showcasing an ongoing appreciation for robust tool watches. This evolution is a normal and healthy part of collecting. Tastes change, life circumstances shift, and what was once a perfect watch may no longer fit. Being open to trading, selling, or simply rotating pieces keeps a collection fresh and personally relevant.
In the end, the story of Casey Neistat’s watches is a lesson in intentionality. His collection isn’t large or traditionally “complete,” but every piece, from the cheapest digital to the most exclusive custom creation, was chosen with purpose. It reflects a life lived at full speed, where objects are tools for creation and tokens of experience, not just accessories. For anyone building their own collection, that might be the most valuable insight of all.