10 Famous Movie Watches that Stole the Spotlight
Any movie buff will know that luxury watches aren’t always just sophisticated accessories when featured on the big screen. They can often tie into a storyline seamlessly, adding even more depth to its characters, and leaving a lasting impression on their audience.
Many of the high-end timepieces displayed on the wrists of Hollywood’s biggest names have since become stars in their own right. Now, countless film fanatics are eager to get their hands on the same watch as their favourite actor or actress.
The way luxury watches are often showcased on the silver screen can spark a real sense of inspiration in fashion lovers and watch connoisseurs alike. The big screen can be a huge influence on picking a timepiece to buy or may even inspire a luxury watch collection. Whether the hero of your favourite movie wears an Omega, Breitling or Rolex watch, their character is likely to be forever associated with their chosen timepiece.
We’ve rounded up ten of the most iconic movie watches that stole the spotlight in every scene. Read on to learn more about some of the best movie watches from some of the most loved classic films and a few more recent motion pictures.
Contents
1.2 – Apollo 13
1.3 – Salt
1.4 – Le Mans
1.5 – Blood Diamond
1.6 – Jason Bourne
1.7 – Marriage Story
1.8 – Murder Mystery
1.9 – Inception
2.0 – The Switch
10 of the Best Movie Watches
- American Psycho (2000) – Rolex Datejust Two-Tone
- Actor: Christian Bale
- Character: Patrick Bateman
- Watch: Rolex Datejust Two-Tone (Ref: 16013)
In the cult classic film adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel, American Psycho, Christian Bale plays serial killer Patrick Bateman – a psychotic character obsessed with status. With meticulous attention to his wardrobe, grooming and workout regimes, it’s clear to see why his choice of watch has captured the attention of the film’s audience over the years, despite his character’s nature.
Bateman wears a Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 36mm watch which was first released in the 1980s, featuring a jubilee bracelet and distinctive tapestry detail. The dial is encircled by a beautiful gold fluted bezel that adds to the dressy feel of this famous timepiece. After the American Psycho movie, it was quickly adopted by Wall Street men and became an iconic fashion piece that many fans aspired to own.
Our expert says:
The Rolex Datejust is possibly one of the most recognisable watches in the world. Adorned by millions, the Datejust truly surpasses all fashion trends and has seen it rise to the upper echelon of horology. Rolex’s philosophy of evolution rather than revolution has seen subtle tweaks to the watch’s design over the years, while still maintaining the essence of the Datejust. For those who want a watch that is more than a timepiece, but a status symbol as well, look no further than the Rolex Datejust.
- Apollo 13 (1995) – Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
- Actor: Tom Hanks
- Character: Jim Lovell
- Watch: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch (later known as Omega Speedmaster Professional)
As the main wristwatch used by NASA for its crewed space expeditions, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch was the first choice to be worn by Tom Hanks and the spacecraft crew in the movie Apollo 13.
Based on real events, the film is pivotal to the success of this particular watch. The movie demonstrates how the astronauts relied on the timepiece to help them navigate back to safety after an oxygen tank exploded on board.
In 1965, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch received its official NASA flight qualification for all crewed space missions due to its ability to resist extreme temperatures, vacuum and zero gravity. Featuring a sleek black bezel and dial with chronograph detail, the watch was worn by the cast either on a sturdy steel bracelet or a durable thick velcro band, an accessory that astronauts use to wear their watch over their spacesuits in real life.
Our expert says:
The Omega Speedmaster has become a cult classic in the world of watches. The allure of not only owning a quality timepiece, but the heritage of one of mankind’s greatest achievements makes the Omega Speedmaster a true standout in any watch collection.
- Salt (2010) – Omega Constellation Double Eagle
- Actor: Angelina Jolie
- Character: Evelyn Salt
- Watch: Omega Constellation Double Eagle Mission Hills World Cup
The Omega Constellation Double Eagle Mission Hills World Cup watch is showcased in the movie Salt, starring Angelina Jolie. Playing the part of Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of planning the assassination of the Russian president, Jolie is featured in many explosive action scenes and wears the iconic watch throughout.
Interestingly, the script was originally written with Salt as a male, with Tom Cruise being approached to play him. After backing out, the writers rewrote the script with a female lead, and Angelina Jolie was cast.
The Omega Constellation Double Eagle Mission Hills World Cup women’s watch has a slim 35mm case diameter, offering a lightweight and easy-to-wear accessory. Complete with an excellent level of precision and stability, this high-performing timepiece features a titanium case with black buttons, two outlined subdials and a comfortable black rubber strap. It also has an impressive power reserve of 52 hours and operates with a 3313 self-winding automatic movement, making it a popular choice with fans and watch enthusiasts alike.
Our expert says:
Often worn as a dress watch, this film highlights the array of watches available within the Omega Constellation range. The sheer amount of options Omega offers the customer means the watch can be truly tailored. Available in multiple case sizes and different materials, the Omega Constellation can be the perfect watch to showcase your style.
- Le Mans (1971) – Tag Heuer Monaco
- Actor: Steve McQueen
- Character: Michael Delaney
- Watch: Tag Heuer Monaco
While the Tag Heuer Monaco watch was first launched in 1969, it wasn’t until Steve McQueen wore it in the 1971 movie Le Mans that its popularity skyrocketed. McQueen plays the role of Michael Delaney, a racing driver taking part in an auto race on the world’s hardest endurance course: Le Mans in France. Delaney is under extraordinary pressure throughout the film and wears the distinctive Tag Heuer Monaco watch during the race, which features a blue dial and black strap.
This classic timepiece offers a unique aesthetic with its distinctive square case and sub-dials, push buttons and diamond-tipped horizontal hours indexes. While Le Mans was considered a flop at the box office, it went on to experience a great deal of long-term success, with the original watch worn by McQueen being sold for $87,600 at an auction.
The watch’s value highlights the significance of its role in the movie and its legacy in the watch industry. An updated version of the watch is available today and still maintains the iconic square case design.
Our expert says:
With a back catalogue of leather, steel and rubber, the Tag Heuer Monaco’s iconic square design pairs perfectly with any watch strap. One of the most iconic watch designs available, the Tag Monaco’s vivid blue dial is a personal favourite.
- Blood Diamond (2006) – Breitling Chrono Avenger
- Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio
- Character: Danny Archer
- Watch: Breitling Chrono Avenger
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Rhodesian diamond smuggler Danny Archer in the Oscar-nominated film Blood Diamond. Set in war-torn Sierra Leone in 1999, it follows Archer as he attempts to recover a priceless diamond so that he can sell it and escape the continent. He sports a Breitling Chrono Avenger watch featuring a modern black dial and solid titanium 44mm case on a brown calf leather strap.
While the dial often looks blue in certain scenes, this is due to the anti-reflective coating of the sapphire crystal, which can give the illusion of a blue hue when looking at the watch from certain angles.
The Breitling Chrono Avenger may be the perfect timepiece for DiCaprio’s character. It is durable, shockproof and has a water resistance of up to 300m, allowing it to withstand the unsettled conditions he experiences throughout the movie.
Our expert says:
With famous ties to aviation, Breitling’s bold styling and chunkier designs are often perfect for those who want a luxury yet robust watch. Capable of reaching incredible depths and fitted with luminous hour markings, the Breitling Avenger embodies the spirit of adventure.
- Jason Bourne (2016) – Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph
- Actor: Matt Damon
- Character: Jason Bourne
- Watch: Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph
Matt Damon returned as Jason Bourne in 2016 in the fifth and final instalment of the Bourne movie franchise. He wears a suave Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph watch as the film sees him being hunted by the CIA once more after spending 10 years away from the agency that trained him to become a deadly weapon. Damon’s character gives this luxury timepiece a sense of strength and versatility, making it an even more coveted piece by watch lovers.
The first series of Formula 1 watches were designed by Eddy Burgener, featuring a stainless steel case and fibreglass coating. In the movie, the watch features a black 42mm case and black bezel, which are steel coated with black titanium carbide. It also has a black rubber strap designed for optimum comfort and understated style.
Our expert says:
The Tag Heuer Formula 1 range of watches is the perfect way into the world of luxury swiss made watches. With modern styling and reliable build quality, Tag Heuer’s success with the F1 line is obvious when you consider the reasonable price point.
- Marriage Story (2019) – Rolex Oyster Perpetual
- Actor: Adam Driver
- Character: Charlie Barber
- Watch: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 (Ref: 114300)
Marriage Story sees spouses Charlie and Nicole Barber attempt to navigate through an amicable divorce, bringing up a host of difficulties for the two to contend with, from bitter accusations to resentment.
Throughout the movie, Adam Driver chose to wear his own personal Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39, which adds to the raw and personal nature of the storyline. Driver’s watch features a blue dial and contrasting lime green accents, a domed, polished bezel and a fully brushed Oyster bracelet that gives off a truly sophisticated aesthetic.
This particular model was first released in 2015 but has since been discontinued and replaced with the Oyster Perpetual 41 line, famed for its colourful, contrasting dials. Adam Driver is also a part of the Breitling Cinema Squad, highlighting his passion for watches.
Our expert says:
Rolex’s introduction of colour into the Oyster Perpetual line of watches has brought a breath of fresh air to the range. The new dials have created a more stylised watch, which can be tailored further thanks to the 5 different case sizes available. Often seen as the Rolex “Starter” watch, this new lease of life was perhaps first triggered with the 114300 model and is now a great addition to any collection.
- Murder Mystery (2020) – Breitling Superocean Heritage
- Actor: Luke Evans
- Character: Charles Cavendish
- Watch: Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 46
The Netflix comedy Murder Mystery sees Luke Evans take on the role of Charles Cavendish – a yacht-owning billionaire who becomes entangled in the mysterious death of his uncle, alongside Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston who play the main characters. His lifestyle is rich and opulent, so the impressive Breitling Superocean Heritage that he wears on his wrist is incredibly fitting.
Evans’ timepiece features a blue dial, black bezel, steel mesh strap and a 46mm stainless steel case. This classic diver’s watch operates with the Breitling 13 self-winding automatic movement, complete with a 48-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 200m. It has a high-performing chronograph function and a date window placed at the 3 o’clock position, making it an excellent choice.
Our expert says:
The Breitling Superocean range of watches is hugely diverse in styles. The retro-inspired heritage models pair a larger watch casing with a steel mesh-like bracelet, creating a fashionable understated timepiece. The standard Superocean, in recent years, has been fitted with a rubber bezel insert creating a sportier timepiece.
- Inception (2010) – Tag Heuer Carrera
- Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio
- Character: Dom Cobb
- Watch: Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic (Ref: WV211B.BA0787)
Many luxury watches are featured in Inception, but the most prominent is the Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic, worn by Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo Dicaprio. During the action-packed storyline, which follows his ability to gain access to people’s dreams, he wears the watch throughout, treating watch lovers to many glimpses of the suave-looking timepiece.
DiCaprio’s Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic features a black dial with a durable steel case and bracelet. Complete with a date window at the 3 o’clock position and luminous hands, it has a variety of subtle details that make it unique.
It operates with a Calibre 5 automatic movement, which guarantees an excellent level of precision at all times. Leonardo DiCaprio is an ambassador for the Tag Heuer brand and is frequently spotted in their advertisements.
Our expert says:
The Tag Heuer Carrera is a fantastic range of watches. With subtle yet sleek designs, the Carrera never looks out of place. The chronograph versions of the Tag Heuer Carrera are a real stand out from the range, offering extra functionality for the user.
- The Switch (2010) – Rolex GMT Master II
- Actor: Jason Bateman
- Character: Wally Mars
- Watch: Rolex GMT Master II Coke
In the romantic comedy The Switch, Jason Bateman stars alongside Jennifer Aniston as Wally Mars, her best friend. Along with likeability and a great deal of hilarity, Bateman also brings us an excellent choice of wrist wear in the form of the Rolex GMT Master II Coke. His timepiece combines a sleek black dial, contrasting black and red bezel and a stainless steel case to create a distinct design.
Known as ‘The Coke’ by many watch enthusiasts, it continues to be a hugely popular choice within the industry. The Rolex GMT-Master wristwatch was originally designed in collaboration with Pan-Am airways to be used by its pilots when travelling through multiple time zones. For this reason, it can measure three different time zones.
Our expert says:
The Rolex GMT-Master is a hugely popular watch. With different colour bezels and bracelet options, the GMT has something to offer everyone. The Rolex GMT-Master’s bidirectional bezel makes it perfect for the frequent flyer, enabling those with a little knowledge the ability to measure three time zones. Water-resistant and fitted with luminous hour markers, the GMT-Master merges functionality and style beautifully.
Through the exposure they received from featuring on the big screen, many of the watches mentioned in this article have continued to remain popular. At Miltons Diamonds, we pride ourselves on having an exceptional knowledge of all of our watches, from Rolex and Omega to Tag Heuer and Breitling.
Want to see more of the best movie watches? Visit our Bond Watches page to explore all of the most iconic James Bond watches by movie.
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