When you are one of the richest individuals on this planet, people often expect you to live an extravagant life, splurging millions of dollars on the finest and rarest things money can buy. Especially if you’re the absolute monarch of the most powerful Arab nation. We’re talking about King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, who is considered to be the most influential member of the Saudi royal family. Estimated to be worth $1.4 trillion, the House of Saud is nearly 16 times the British royal family’s net worth, according to CNBC. Obviously, King Salman can easily afford just about anything that has a price tag on it. In fact, he even has the power and might to buy things that are not even on sale. However, the Saudi royal is known for showing love for simpler things. The King of Saudi Arabia is frequently spotted wearing a Chopard Imperiale Ref. 388532-3002, an unassuming timepiece with a Quartz movement and a price tag of just $6,510.
The Chopard Imperiale is a very simple yet elegant watch with a stainless steel case and a matching bracelet. The small 36mm case has a fixed bezel, while it features a lotus-shaped crown studded with a gemstone. The watch gets a two-tier dial with an outer ring featuring a flat silvered finish and index hour markers. Roman numerals mark the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. The date window appears at the 3 o’clock position and the center of the dial gets an engraved embroidered pattern. Instead of a mechanical movement, the watch is equipped with a battery-powered Quartz movement. Interestingly, the Chopard Imperiale is a ladies’ watch, which reminds us of Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in Asia. The Indian billionaire is also often spotted wearing a discontinued Rolex timepiece for ladies.
Born on December 31, 1935, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, King Salman is the 25th son of King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He ascended to the throne on January 23, 2015, following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah, and has been the King of Saudi Arabia ever since. Before becoming king, Salman served as the Governor of Riyadh Province for 48 years, from 1963 to 2011. During his tenure, Riyadh witnessed significant development and modernization.
According to some estimates, King Salman has a net worth of around $18 billion, which makes him the third wealthiest royal in the world. Yet, the king chooses to stay away from the conspicuous display of wealth, which is demonstrated by the choice of his watch. In stark contrast, his son, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, lives a flamboyant life. Colloquially known by his initials MBS, he currently serves as the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and is considered the de facto ruler of the nation. With a reported personal wealth of at least $25 billion, MBS doesn’t shy away from living a decadent life, which is clearly evident from his $400 million superyacht that has a $450 million painting onboard.
Serene – Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s jaw-dropping pleasure vessel
Measuring 133.8 meters in length, Serene is one of the world’s largest private superyachts. Built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, the gigantic luxury superyacht was delivered to its owner in August 2011. The ship was built for Russian vodka tycoon Yuri Shefler for $330m, but it was purchased by MBS in 2014 while vacationing in the south of France. It was also leased by Bill Gates in the same year for $5 million per week, before being bought by the Saudi Crown Prince. The vessel’s exterior design is the work of Espen Oeino, while her interior is styled by British designer design house Reymond Langton Design.
The award-winning superyacht is packed to the gills as far as amenities and features are concerned. Serene can comfortably accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 suites comprising one VIP cabin. The owner’s suite is a stately double cabin with a private swim platform and private lift. It also features a snow room which is an unusual thing on a superyacht, several children’s playrooms, a climbing wall between the decks’ slides, and an exciting underwater viewing room.
The wellness and beauty center is outfitted with spas and hammams, while the vessel also gets an outdoor cinema, a piano room, and a dance floor. However, the most interesting fact about the superyacht is that it’s home to the world’s most expensive painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which was purchased for almost half a billion dollars in 2017. Mohammed bin Salman reportedly brought the painting and hung it on a cabin wall on the superyacht Serene.
