7 Famous Watches From Top Movies

The entertainment industry has a far-reaching impact on society. We see it influence the highest levels of politics all the way down to the accessories we wear. Entertainment such as movies, TV, and music influence the way we think and what we do, whether we realize it or not. One of the main realms of influence we see is in fashion and cultural style. Some of the most celebrated films are remembered for their iconic costumes. Every detail matters and something as subtle as a watch can tie the whole costume together and create something memorable. Below are seven famous watches that have graced the wrists of characters from some of Hollywood’s most beloved films. 

1. For The Agent: Omega Seamaster

We can’t talk about watches in film without first looking at the best-dressed man in film – James Bond. While Bond has historically worn a Rolex, the newest reboots featuring Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig have made the switch to Omega. Craig’s Bond can be seen sporting both an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial and a Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial. The accessory switch was significant enough that it even got a nod in the dialogue of “Casino Royale.” Bond’s love interest, Vesper, asks if he’s wearing a Rolex, to which he responds, “Omega.” These Omega designs perfectly capture the balance of luxury and ruggedness that is the signature style of 007. 

2. For The Scientist: Omega Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster holds the famous title of the first watch on the moon. It was tested by NASA among many other watches and came out on top for its ability to withstand intense pressure and zero gravity. All NASA astronauts in the 1960s were given an Omega Speedmaster and many astronauts continue to wear them today in their space travel. It is fitting then that the Speedmaster was also worn by Tom Hanks in “Apollo 13,” as it was worn by the real-life crew of Apollo 13. Omega has even publicly released a commemorative Speedmaster to memorialize the design worn on the Apollo 13. The Speedmaster can also be briefly seen on the wrist of Tony Stark in “Captain America: Civil War,” who is known for his high-flying escapades as Iron Man. 

3. For The Executive: Rolex Daydate

In his cameo in the film “Glengarry Glen Ross,” Alec Baldwin’s character (a pompous salesman) proudly wears a gold-plated Rolex Daydate. He boasts, “that watch costs more than your car,” and it is n2o exaggeration. The Daydate currently retails at nearly $37,000 new. It is an excellent choice for the high-level executive looking to display prestige and affluence. As its name states, it displays both the day and the date on the watch face. It features a white dial, fluted bezel, and president bracelet coming together for a distinguished and refined look.

4. For The Super Hero: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual

In perhaps the most fitting example on this list, “Doctor Strange” of the Marvel universe can be seen wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual in his debut film. Dr. Strange’s superpower is the ability to control and manipulate time, so it’s only fitting that he has a literal drawer full of luxury timepieces. A few of the other watches in his collection include TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Rouge 1931, though these were not worn in the movie. Unfortunately, his Master Ultra Thin Perpetual meets an untimely demise in the film and is smashed into a million pieces – a devastating moment for watch enthusiasts everywhere! 

5. For the Femme Fatale: Carl F. Bucherer Manero AutoDate

Though this list predominantly features male characters, there have also been famous female characters sporting memorable timepieces. At the top of this list is Charlize Theron’s character in “Atomic Blonde”  – an undercover agent. We’ll avoid spoilers, but Carl F. Bucherer watches play a key role in the plot of the film. Theron’s character wears a classy but solid diamond-studded Manero Autodate while tracking down a murderer. The Manero Autodate is also worn by Keanu Reeves in the title role of the “John Wick” movies. 

6. For The Intergalactic Agent: Hamilton Ventura XXL

The Ventura is perhaps the most visually striking of the watches on this list. It is part of the signature uniform of the Men in Black and features a unique arrowhead shape watch face. This watch has been around since the mid-1950s but reached a surge of popularity in the 1990s with the release of “Men in Black.” A variety of Ventura models have been featured in the “MIB” movies over the years. In the newest 2019 film, Agent M wears a Ventura with a classic black strap, black dial, and stainless steel case. 

7. For the Teenage Hero: Casio CA53W Twincept Databank

Now for something completely different, Marty McFly’s famous Casio watch from the “Back to the Future” movies is not luxury by any means, but this vintage gem is just as memorable. Time is a key player in this trilogy and Marty can be seen looking down at his signature watch on the poster for the movie. He is wearing a Casio CA53W Twincept Databank, which features an eight-digit calculator, a stopwatch, an alarm, and a calendar. As a tech-heavy company, it comes as no surprise that Casio was ahead of the curve and accurately predicted the coming popularity of smartwatches. If you’re looking for a great throwback accessory (or maybe a Marty Halloween costume), this watch can still be purchased today for less than $20. 

These seven iconic watches are just a small portion of the unique and famous watches that have been featured in movies over the years. From plain and practical to flashy and luxurious, watches are an influential part of film history and culture. Do you have any favorites that we missed? We hope you feel inspired to dust off that watch in your drawer, give it a good tuneup, and give this underrated accessory the attention it deserves. 

Image via Flickr by cloudzilla

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