Images released by the Washington Free Beacon and shared on social media depict Senate hopeful Abdul El‑Sayed wearing a Sinn U‑1 SE diver’s watch valued at roughly $4,000 and an Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase Chronograph estimated at about $10,000. A further photograph from a styling session shows a timepiece resembling a Rolex Submariner, a model that retails for around $15,000, although the campaign denies ownership of that particular watch.
Value of the watches compared with everyday costs
The price tags on the watches exceed the typical monthly grocery bill in the United States by up to ten times, a disparity highlighted by an unnamed Michigan voter who described the display as contradictory to El‑Sayed’s advocacy for taxing the rich.
Financial background and disclosures
Financial disclosure forms reveal that El‑Sayed’s net worth has risen since his 2018 gubernatorial campaign. In 2016 the couple reported combined earnings of $237,000. A 2025 filing lists $278,939 earned as Wayne County health director, $50,000 from paid speaking engagements and ownership of Incision Media LLC valued between $100,000 and $250,000. The couple also own rental real estate in Michigan and India estimated at $750,000 in total.
El‑Sayed’s campaign explains that he wears a Mühle Glashütte Rescue‑Timer to symbolise rescuing politics from corporate corruption and a vintage “Doctors Watch” reflecting his medical background.
Political positions and past statements
El‑Sayed has called for taxes on billionaire fortunes, criticised the influence of oligarchs and expressed opposition to the existence of trillionaires while many people struggle to afford food and health care. In his 2020 book Healing Politics he argued that Rolex advertisements increase feelings of material inadequacy among low‑income drivers, and he has previously questioned how many motorists could truly afford such watches.
Professional background and family
El‑Sayed attended Columbia University medical school but did not complete a residency or obtain a medical licence. His wife, psychiatrist Sarah Jukaku, runs a private practice called Mind Work Psychiatry that does not accept insurance and requires patients to pay directly.
External commentary
Watch collector Josh Rogin described the collection as impressive and noted that some pieces are not sold through retail channels, while stylist Sophie Strauss attempted to align El‑Sayed’s wardrobe with his radical political stance during a styling session.