Tech Desk: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has made headlines by commissioning seven bespoke luxury watches from Swiss brand Vanguart, each valued at a staggering ₹1.5 crore. Six of these exclusive, AI-themed timepieces were gifted to his colleagues, blending high-end horology with cutting-edge artificial intelligence concepts.

These unique Vanguart Orb models feature intricate OpenAI branding and internal AI references. Engravings like ‘compute is destiny’ adorn the rotor, while ‘scaling’ is found on the crown pusher. Most notably, the case back displays a Python-style code: ‘if AGI.aligned: deploy()’, a subtle yet powerful nod to the critical importance of artificial general intelligence safety before deployment.

This isn’t the first instance of OpenAI gifting exclusive wristwear; earlier, 400 custom Tudor watches inscribed with ‘Good Research Takes Time’ were distributed. Altman, known for his taste in luxury, boasts a collection including a $650,000 Greubel Forsey watch and a $20 million McLaren F1, underscoring his penchant for combining technological innovation with opulent living.

The initiative highlights the intersection of tech culture and luxury, turning internal company jokes and crucial safety principles into wearable art. It’s a statement piece, reflecting not just the wealth but also the unique ethos of the pioneering AI company.