The Most Iconic Watches In Films
Having played important roles in our personal and professional lives for decades, watches have also enjoyed the spotlight on the silver screen for many years. Like with your own choice of watch, film-stars' timepieces not only have to look good, but also perfectly match their character’s style and personality - and in some cases, even adding depth to the storyline.
From James Bond and his OMEGA Seamaster to Men In Black and the Hamilton Ventura; they’ve all become iconic pairings and will share a cool association long into the future. Here are some of our favourite watches to have graced the silver screen…
1. TAG Heuer Monaco in ‘Le Mans’
Release date: 1971
A red carpet-worthy timepiece worn by the ‘King of Cool’, the TAG Heuer Monaco was Steve McQueen’s watch of choice in the 1971 film Le Mans in which two car racing champions face off on the world's hardest endurance course.
Launched in 1969 the TAG Heuer Monaco was instantly famous. Initially gaining attention for its striking square case, the Monaco’s status was further heightened by its silver screen appearance with Steve McQueen wearing a blue faced, black strap version of the watch. Remaining as one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic models today, steal Steve McQueen’s style with this TAG Heuer Monaco 1969 Automatic Chronograph Men's Watch.
Did you know? The TAG Heuer Monaco was the world’s first square-shaped automatic watch and square-shaped chronograph watch.
2. OMEGA Seamaster in ‘No Time To Die’
Release date: 2021
One of the most famous duos on the big screen, the OMEGA Seamaster is renowned for being a favourite choice for the James Bond watch. Since 1995, the suave spy has been saving the world with an OMEGA Seamaster on his wrist. From Planet Ocean to the dressier Aqua Terra, the bond between OMEGA and 007 goes way back, both sharing an adventurous spirit and swoon-worthy style.
In 2021, we saw the final time David Craig was to star as James Bond, which meant only one thing: this watch had to be special. An updated version of OMEGA’s original Bond watch, the brand have taken all the best bits of the iconic Seamaster Diver 300m and made them even better. You can read more about this OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m 007 Edition Titanium Automatic Men's Watch here.
3. TAG Heuer Carrera in ‘The Gray Man’
Release date: 2022
From one secret spy to another, Netflix’s hit film The Gray Man was released earlier this year and saw TAG Heuer ambassador, Ryan Gosling, play character Sierra Six. An action-packed film directed by Joe & Anthony Russo (the filmmakers behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame), his character definitely needed a watch that could keep up with all his adventures…
And what better watch than the TAG Heuer Carrera? Crafted for those who dare to live life to the fullest, the Carrera collection defies the boundaries of luxury watchmaking. You can wear the same watch as Sierra Six with this TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands Date Automatic Men's Watch.
“I play Sierra Six in the action-packed film, The Gray Man. Six is an agent whose life is on the line, every second of the day and he needs a watch that’s got him covered. It takes precision and dedication for him to survive, and so it seemed like the perfect fit for him to wear the TAG Heuer Carrera.” - Ryan Gosling.
4. OMEGA Speedmaster in ‘Apollo 13’
Release date: 1995
Starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon, Apollo 13 was based on a true story about a group of astronauts who believed they would be the third crew to step foot on the moon. Whilst their dream didn’t quite go to plan, the OMEGA Speedmaster played a live-saving role in getting them back to Earth.
Trusted by the astronauts on all six moon landings, as well as the crew of Apollo 13, the iconic OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch has not only earned its place on the silver screen, but in space exploration history as well. Certified by NASA for all manned space missions, this OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Master Chronometer Men's Watch definitely has a cool talking point.
5. Hamilton Ventura XXL in ‘Men In Black’
Release date: 1997
Since 1997, the Hamilton Ventura has played a starring role in every Men In Black movie. A key finishing touch to the secret agents uniform - the famous black suit and wrap around shades - the Ventura is an eye-catchingly futuristic timepiece perfect for this much-loved science-fiction film.
Famously starting out on the wrists of Agents K and J, played by Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, newest member, Agent M (played by Tessa Thompson), is also seen wearing the watch in the 2019 film. Take on every adventure that comes your way with this iconic Hamilton Ventura Quartz Watch.
Did you know? Elvis Presley was also a fan of the Ventura and wore this watch in his 1961 film Blue Hawaii.
6. Tissot T-Touch in ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life’
Release date: 2003
Worn by the beautiful Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life, the Tissot T-Touch accompanies the fearless explorer as she races against time to locate the legendary Pandora's box before it falls in the hands of the evil Jonathan Reiss.
Most famously seen about an hour into the movie, Lara Croft activates the compass mode, changing the hands of the watch from time mode to a compass position - a function that actually works on the Tissot T-Touch. Mounted on a brown leather strap custom made for the movie, you can get the Lara Croft look with this Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar Black PVD Titanium Watch.
7. Hamilton Khaki Aviation in ‘Interstellar’
Release date: 2014
Director and co-writer Christopher Nolan not only uses the elements of space to tell Interstellar’s unique story but also the concept of time and space. And part of telling this sci-fi story involves the Hamilton watch. Worn by Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, playing the character of Cooper (a NASA pilot), as he embarks on a mission in space, this Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto Men's Watch is the exact watch seen in the movie.
What makes it even more special is that Hamilton were asked by the producers of Interstellar to create this watch and another called the 'Murph watch'. Inspired by aviation in the twentieth century, this is the perfect choice for Interstellar fans, watch collectors and lovers of vintage, classic style alike.
8. Hamilton Indiana Jones American Classic Watch in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’
Release date: June 2023
Recognise this Hamilton Indiana Jones American Classic Gold Tone Leather Quartz Watch? Then you’ve probably seen it as the trusty companion of the one and only Indiana Jones. Not only a handsome accessory that can be seen adorning the iconic adventurer’s wrist when swinging from trees and battling the bad guys, this timepiece was built for action and every pursuit.
A revived version of an iconic Hamilton classic that was first introduced in 1941, this watch has been adapted for modern life with its slightly larger proportions. Capturing the spirit of adventure with its vintage-style brown leather strap, steel case, and small second sub-dial, this timepiece is featured in the final instalment of the iconic franchise.
Has reading about watches in films got you wanting more? From Lady Gaga to Idris Elba, find out how to get the celebrity watch look over on our blog.
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