Rare and Underrated Versace Watches from the '90s and Early 2000s

When most people hear “vintage watches,” their brains immediately jump to the usual suspects: Rolex flexes, Omega classics, or maybe that plastic Swatch you regret giving away at a garage sale in 1998. But if you want something bold, flashy, and criminally underrated, you should look at vintage Versace watches from the 1990s and early 2000s. Yes, the brand better-known for gold chains, wild prints, and outfits that made red carpets look like gladiator arenas also made some seriously eye-catching watches.

While everyone else is fighting over Submariners and Speedmasters, you could be quietly scooping up some of the loudest, most unapologetically stylish timepieces ever to exist, without breaking into the same financial bracket as a Marvel movie budget.

The Golden Age of Over-the-Top Wristwear

Versace has always been about drama, opulence, and that Italian confidence that says, “Yes, I can pull off leather pants at brunch. Thanks for noticing.” In the 1990s and early 2000s, the brand’s watches nailed that same vibe. Before licensing deals made things more cookie-cutter, you could find unique Swiss-made pieces with quality movements and over-the-top designs that would make Liberace proud.

Verace wristwear brought oversized gold-plated cases, Medusa heads glaring from the dial like they are ready to turn your enemies to stone, Roman numerals with all the subtlety of a Vegas marquee, and straps that looked equally at home at a runway show or a mafia sit-down in a Scorsese film.

These watches weren’t some watered-down fashion accessories. They mirrored Gianni Versace’s fearless design DNA, which emphasized luxury with a wink and plenty of swagger. Donatella carried that energy forward, too. And the result? Watches that were eccentric, theatrical, and way ahead of their time.

Models That Deserve a Comeback

If you’re wondering where to start, a few gems stand out from the herd.

Versace Medusa Chronograph (mid-1990s)

The Medusa Chronograph is the poster child of 1990s Versace wrist candy. The Medusa head sits front and center at 12 o’clock, daring you to look her way. Bold Roman numerals command the dial like something straight out of Dynasty’s imaginary Italian spinoff. Paired with either textured leather or a chunky gold bracelet, this watch was designed for someone who doesn’t believe in blending in. Try finding one in excellent condition. It’s like spotting a mint-condition Tamagotchi that still works. That rarity makes it a thrill for vintage collectors.

Versace Character Collection (early 2000s)

Imagine the Y2K era distilled into watch form: geometric cases, audacious color splashes, and sometimes even leopard print accents. Yes, Versace made leopard print watches and somehow pulled it off. These models radiate millennium energy but in a way that feels cool instead of cringe. Bonus points if you snag one with a domed crystal, because the light play is pure jewelry-drama.

Versace Destiny Collection (late 1990s to early 2000s)

This line had a trick up its sleeve—or more accurately, up your sleeve. Miniature Versace logos or diamonds floated around the dial, orbiting like tiny planets every time you flicked your wrist. The result was a conversation piece that doubled as art. The Destiny collection was clearly made for someone who thought ordinary, stationary bling was way too tame. With those glittering pieces shifting around the dial, it managed to feel elegant yet playful and novel.

Why These Pieces Are Rare

Versace wasn’t pumping these fun specimens out at Rolex levels. Production was smaller, distribution was scattered across boutiques, and in some cases, the releases were region-specific. That means you’re not going to accidentally spot someone wearing the exact same one you’ve got when you pop into Starbucks.

To make things trickier, a lot of people back then treated these watches like fashion accessories instead of investments. Translation: many got worn hard, stuffed in drawers, or left without proper maintenance. A little Versace watch repair goes a long way toward keeping these timepieces in shape, while neglect almost always ends badly.

Finding one in excellent shape, complete with the original bracelet, box, or paperwork, is like finding an unopened Pokémon card pack from 1999. If you see it, pounce.

How to Spot the Real Deal

Counterfeits were running wild in the early 2000s. (If you remember those sketchy mall kiosks, you know the vibe). So how do you separate authentic Versace-watch wheat from the counterfeit chaff?

• Look for Swiss movements clearly marked on the dial or caseback.
• Materials should feel substantial. Look for stainless steel or high-quality gold plating, not cheap, tinny metal.
• The Medusa logo should be crisp, symmetrical, and intimidating in the best way.
• Check for serial numbers etched into the caseback or between the lugs.
• Original boxes and paperwork that match the logos of that era are a bonus.

When in doubt, take it to someone in professional watch repair who knows their stuff. A pro can crack open the case, check the guts, and tell you if you’re holding authentic vintage or a mall special that came with free sunglasses and parking validation. An expert will also evaluate the watch to let you know if the mechanics are sound.

Why You Should Consider Adding One to Your Collection

Why? Because collecting should be fun, and standing out is way cooler than chasing what everyone else already wants. Owning a vintage Versace watch says you appreciate bold design, you’re not afraid of color or flair, and you’re probably the kind of person who orders the weirdest cocktail on the menu just to try it. It also says you have your own style and taste rather than simply wearing what everyone else is.

If that’s not enough to convince you, remember that fashion is cyclical. Oversized gold? Back in. Bold logos? Huge again. Mixing luxury pieces with streetwear? Basically the whole point of Instagram these days. A vintage Versace fits perfectly into that world without looking like you raided your dad’s watch box.

Don’t Sleep on These

Look at how vintage Cartier “Must de” watches went from ignored to exploding in value once influencers decided they were cool again. Versace’s 1990s and early 2000s timepieces are primed for the same glow-up. The longer you wait, the more expensive they may get. It’s like concert tickets for a band you loved before they went mainstream.

So if you stumble on one in good shape, don’t hesitate. Get it, wear it, flex it, and know you’ve got something that’s rare and on the verge of blowing up in the collector market.

In short, these watches are stylish, underrated, and timeless—like the rare band tee that makes people instantly respect your taste.