Miami mogul DJ Khaled, celebrated for his infectious energy and chart-topping anthems, recently opened his home to Complex’s Joe La Puma for an exclusive look at his breathtaking collection of rare watches and luxury automobiles. While La Puma is a frequent visitor, usually for Khaled's famous sneakers, this time the focus shifted entirely to the mogul’s impressive cache of timepieces and specialty vehicles. For Khaled, the genesis of his collecting passion dates back to his childhood, ignited when his father gifted him a box of baseball cards containing an OG rookie card. He emphasizes that the essence of collecting is the opportunity to connect with people who share the same deep passion. His extensive watch collection, which currently stands at approximately 51 pieces, many of which are kept in bulk and secured at the bank, was inspired by the beautiful, classic, and timeless Rolexes owned by his mother and father, whose growth and success he watched closely while they raised him.
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Khaled’s philosophy dictates that he collects "timeless pieces" and is always "leveling up," ensuring that the pieces hold their value for his two sons. Though he might occasionally wear a "bust down," his primary focus is on value and legacy. He gives intensely personal and often motivational nicknames to his watches. For instance, the Travis Scott Royal Oak AP is called "They said I couldn't get it, so I got it," acquired after he was initially denied a place on the list, which only motivated him further. The watch he calls "It's Personal" was named because a connection promised it to him. Another notable piece is the "21 Savage" watch, named after he saw the rapper wearing one at a Miami Heat game and immediately contacted his supplier. Competition also drives acquisitions; upon seeing Drake acquire a certain watch, Khaled, who calls the piece the "Drake Six God," immediately contacted his own connection and sent a picture declaring, "So do I". Other pieces commemorate significant life events, such as the watch he acquired the same week he obtained his corporate jet, which he aptly calls "the day I got my corporate jet". Sentimental items include a vintage Rolex nicknamed "Nicholas Cage" after he saw the actor wear it in a photograph, and another called "Happy Father’s Day," gifted by his family. Currently, the coveted "Barbie" watch is the object of his focus, having seen it on Drake, Messi, and Mark Wahlberg.
His vehicular collection mirrors this personalized approach. The Land Rover Land Delay he calls "Top Off" was purchased while he was recording the song "Top Off" with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Future. He notes that the car is super rare, and he removed the roof because "they don't want us to have a top off". His tribute to the late Virgil Abloh is the Virgil Maybach, which he calls "the virtual," a super rare vehicle with only about 150 models ever made, which serves almost as his everyday car. His specialized Rolls-Royce collection includes a long-wheelbase Phantom—which he calls the "Extendo" or "Tomahawk Steak" due to its extended size—a version that must be ordered in advance. In a surprise for his 50th birthday, his wife and children bought him two new Rolls-Royces, including the Cullinan SUV, nicknamed "Hermes" for its orange interior and matching Hermès pillows. While Khaled drives most of his cars, he is fortunate to have a "beautiful team" that drives him in the two new Rolls-Royces. Ultimately, the mogul states that his unstoppable hustle and the resulting collection are not about him but serve as inspiration and motivation for his two boys, his wife, and his family.
