We’re proud to present an all new IWS series: “Watches in Movies”!
In 2020 (and perhaps for this year as well), we spent a lot of time at home. To pass the time, I’m sure that most of us watched a fair few movies. But can you take a guess as to how many watches made appearances that you might have missed?
We did some – ahem – research (glued to our TVs), and compiled several notable timepieces from the movies.
Without further ado, let’s begin with Episode 1! (We’ll let you know how many of these we’ll be releasing soon)
Hamilton and Men in Black
Let’s start with a movie that everyone has seen: Men in Black (1997), starring legendary actor and rapper, Will Smith.
One characteristic accessory which appears throughout the film, as well as the sequel, is the Hamilton Ventura. This steel timpiece was first presented in 1957, and if one thing can be said about it, it’s undeniably unique. It was also a trailblazer, too: it was the world’s first electrical, battery powered watch.
You can take your sunglasses off now, don’t worry: you won’t get “Neuralyzed”!
The watches in “The Wolf of Wall Street”
We now move from science fiction to the “true” story of Jordan Belfort, aka the Wolf of Wall Street (Leonardo di Caprio). Although this was arguably his best ever performance, he only just missed out on the Oscar award, which was ultimately given to Matthew McConaughey for his work in Dallas Buyers Club (2014).
After its release in 2013, many exited the movie theatre wondering what watch the gaudy and ultra-wealthy protagonist was wearing, and many today ask that same question.
“Surely, it’s got to be a yellow gold Rolex Submariner!”
Close, but no cigar. The trained eye will note that, although they are rather similar, two TAG Heuer watches are worn by di Caprio’s character. In order of appearance, a 1980s TAG Heuer Professional 1000, and a TAG Heuer Diver with a diamonded dial and bezel, both in yellow gold.
The Professional 1000’s story takes place in the end of the 70s, when the Quartz Crisis was in full swing. TAG adapted to these difficult times by launching the “Series” collection (1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 6000).
Jack Heuer himself designed the debutant 1000 Series: at the ISPO sports clothing/equipment fair in Munich, Heuer’s stand was opposite that of an American-based Diving brand, whose manager lamented to Jack about how they couldn’t procure a suitable and reliable diver’s watch for their clients.
That’s all the inspiration that Jack Heuer needed. He designed a quartz-powered diver to reduce crown wear (which would wind the movement if it were mechanical).
Jordan Belfort’s second TAG Heuer is a 2000 Series Solid Gold Chronometer, with diamonded hour markers and bezel. Although equipped with an ETA movement, the watch cost $50,000 even back then, with the “base” version costing about $10,000. But Jordan Belfort was the richest of the rich, so, naturally, diamonds it was.
In his early Wall Street days, the “Wolf” didn’t have all the flashy yellow gold timepieces: in fact, at the beginning of the film, the newly hired trader wore a Seiko 7N43-9070 (maybe the most “under the radar”watch in the movie) whilst meeting with his first boss.
Although not worn by the Wolf himself, Rolex does in fact makes two appearances in Scorcese’s masterpiece.
Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill) wears a yellow gold Daytona, pretty flashy…
…and Matthew McConaughey’s Mark Hanna wears a “Two-Tone” Rolex Datejust. This character is pretty well known for his “hum”, maybe the most memorable scene of the film.
The “Two-Tone” Datejust was, and is, a staple in the Rolex catalogue, named after the dual colour of the case and bracelet, made from two different metals. Normally, these were yellow gold and steel, just like the one above.
This combination peaked in popularity during the 80s and 90s, so it’s an appropriate choice for this character.
American Psycho
The “Two-Tone” Rolex Datejust is worn by a character with a similar occupation in another equally iconic film.
Can you guess who?
[Answer: Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale in American Psycho (2000)]
Nowadays, a “Two-Tone” Rolex Datejust is often seen as a “grandfathers'” watch – probably becuase that style was very popular when your grandfather wore it!
That’s not to say that any implementation of “Two-Tone” is considered “old”, however.
Starting in 2017, we’ve seen some very well-received incorporations of this style: Tudor (Black Bay), Audemars Piguet (Royal Oak), Montblanc (1858), Girard Perregaux (Laureato), and even Rolex, too (Rolesor Daytonas and Datejusts).
Tag Heuer and Steve McQueen
We can’t talk about TAG Heuer and cinema without talking about the legendary Monaco.
This was the first “square” watch, and, in 1969, was the first chronograph to be powered by an automatic movement. Like the Series 1000, the Monaco was also designed by Jack Heuer.
The story goes that the King of Cool, Steve McQueen himself, personally chose the Monaco to be his trusty wrist companion in the film “Le Mans” (have a read of our dedicated article).
Recently, one of the Monacos that McQueen wore in the movie was auctioned by Phillips Bacs & Russo for well over $2 million USD – the most for any Heuer timepiece.
Watches in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Just as cinematography has become a medium to communicate emotions and ideas, it’s become a lucrative opportunity for watchmakers: timepieces in film started out as accessories which reflected a character’s personality, but have also become another form of advertisement for watch companies.
IRON MAN
Iron Man 2 contains a quote which watch enthusiasts won’t ever forget: when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is getting ready for a party, The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) asks him what watch he would choose. Without much hesitation at all, Stark replies “…the Jaeger”.
DOCTOR STRANGE
But Iron Man isn’t the only Marvel character who is into watches (specifically, Jaeger-LeCoultre): enter Doctor Strange.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s character – also getting ready for a cocktail party – consults his watch drawer and picks a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar.
Unfortunately, the Doctor gets into a car accident (don’t worry, it’s not a spoiler), which severley damages the watch.
Doctor Strange’s Jaeger LeCoultre timepiece is powered by the in-house cal. 868, measuring 4.72mm thick, or thin, I should say, as that is an astonishing achievement for such a complicated watch. Paired with the manufacturer’s expert case designers, the entire timepiece’s thickness is of 9.2mm. It’s a remarkably versatile watch, as it can be worn for formal occasions and casual attire alike.
This reference is available in yellow, rose or white gold, but also steel, which is an excellent value proposition. For €20,000 you have one of the most fascinating complications in all of horology, from the most respected watchmakers ever.
Not bad, no?
We’ll end Episode 1 with a Marvel character, and we’ll begin Episode 2 with one, too! Can you guess which one? Let us know in the comments!
-Translated by Patrick R.
