Watches have always had some sort of a cameo on screen, whether in the cinema or on television. A number have even become unforgettable stars in their own right.
Every time a Hollywood blockbuster or binge-worthy programme is released, everyone from around the world will surely have their eyes glued to the screen in anticipation.
This is so that to not miss the famous celebrities as they make an appearance. But what if the actors and actresses are not the only focus?
Yes, the film and television stars are already helping to widen the reach of luxury watchmakers by being their ambassadors – but the timepieces themselves are pretty capable of drawing attention too.
Watches have had cameos on screen and some are just unforgettable.
Who wouldn’t know of the role Omega played as a style companion for James Bond in his film series? More recently, we even saw a TAG Heuer-wearing assassin in Netflix’s The Gray Man.
Not only that, Bullet Train showed of both Cartier and Breitling watches.
Watch fans would also know that Cartier made it into numerous scenes for political television drama House Of Cards.
These iconic brands and their watch designs are just a few of many that are stars on screen in their own right.
But if you have somehow not noticed them, maybe it is time to rewatch your favourite film or television programme?
Licensed To Style
For superspy James Bond, a watch has always been part and parcel of his look. He has worn several brands, but his current choice is Omega.
Of course, Bond is known for his well-tailored suits – but with every different one he dons, there is surely an Omega watch to complete the outfit. He has maintained a long relationship with the watchmaker.
Daniel Craig is seen numerous times in the James Bond films wearing an Omega timepiece. Photo: Omega
And you will find it hard to not notice all the different Omega timepieces he has sported so far. The horological designs he straps on are marvels to behold.
In 2021’s No Time To Die, he wears a watch influenced by Daniel Craig. The actor’s knowledge of Bond was even said to be critical in creating a suitable new timepiece for the spy.
“When they showed it to me, I genuinely said, ‘You’ve done it’. There was nothing in the end that I needed to add,” Craig commented, about the collaboration.
“There’s the style of it, of course, but it’s also close to a military watch, and you have that heritage with Omega and the British army watches of the second World War. All of those things that I wanted to connect through, they’ve done it. I’m over the moon with it.”
Omega first appeared in a James Bond film back in 1995 – that is, Goldeneye. Since then, the secret agent would always wear an Omega timepiece.
It is said that a total of ten different models of the Omega Seamaster watches have been used in all nine films since Goldeneye.
For example, he wore a Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial and Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial for Casino Royale (2006). Quantum Of Solace (2008) saw him opting for the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial.
In Skyfall (2012), Bond relied on the Planet Ocean 600M and somewhat dressier Aqua Terra.
For Spectre (2015), he strapped on another two watches – the Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition and Aqua Terra 150m.
Then in No Time To Die, he wore the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition. This was a model released specially for the film.
In one scene, Bond was even seen sharing his own admiration with the character Q, saying: “Just showed somebody your watch. It really blew their mind.”
Symbol Of Daring
Another watchmaker who has made it into the film world is TAG Heuer. Released by Netflix in July, The Gray Man saw Ryan Gosling playing a trained assassin – and he wears the sporty Carrera Three Hands.
Gosling was already named an ambassador for TAG Heuer at that time, so his timepiece choice is not at all surprising.
Ryan Gosling is the poster boy for TAG Heuer in The Gray Man. Photo: Netflix
In the film, Gosling changes outfits but he never ever switches out his watch. That very TAG Heur model is always on his wrist.
“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,” the actor said in a press statement.
“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 Three Hands.”
Films aside, you will also notice that watches have made their mark in television series.
One good example is House Of Cards, which ran from 2013 to 2018 on Netflix. Robin Wright, playing the wife of a US congressman, wore Cartier watches in the different seasons.
Did you notice the many Cartier watches in House Of Cards? Photo: Netflix
In the first and second, she was seen with a Cartier Tank, but in the third, this was switched for the Cartier Tank Louis.
Portraying a fictional president, Michel Gill also wore Cartier timepieces. The actor was spotted with a Tank Louis Cartier XL during his inauguration scene. For day to day meetings, the Calibre De Cartier was his character’s choice.
That said, Cartier also starred in the film Bullet Train – released just last month. Watch lovers would have noticed that actress Joey King had the very elegant Tank Solo on her wrist in one scene.
But that is not the only watchmaker to have made it into the thriller. Brad Pitt is seen wearing a Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition. He could also be seen wearing the aviation watch on the film’s promotional poster.
Now, who are the real stars on screen again when it comes to the icons of the watch world?
These watches you see in films and televisions are just some of the many that can be considered as the real famous “faces” on screen.
Related reads:
The TAG Heuer Carrera Seen in The Gray Man Will Certainly Not Crack Under Pressure
Bond Back on The Silver Screen with The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition
