THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY FASHION:
ROLEX PRECISION WATCHES TAKE THE STAGE
Since the release of ‘Ripley’, Netflix’s latest adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s bestselling ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’, there has been an upsurge in the number of people looking to capture iconic ‘Ripley’ fashion and the style of the era.
As the timeless allure of “Ripley” transports us to an era of sophistication and intrigue, it’s not just the clothing that’s drawing attention. Accessories, particularly vintage watches, are witnessing a resurgence in popularity, echoing the iconic fashion and elegance depicted in the series
As one of the UK’s leading vintage watch specialists, we wanted to share a closer look into Ripley fashion and how not one but three vintage Rolex Precision watches sourced by Vintage Gold Watches took a central role in this hit new drama.
Ripley fashion: style of the time
The premise of “Ripley” revolves around Tom Ripley, a young man with limited prospects. Seizing an opportunity to escape his mundane existence, Tom assumes the identity of Dickie, the son of a wealthy American shipping magnate, to indulge in a luxurious life in Italy.
Clothes, shoes, and accessories serve as pivotal elements in the narrative, as they furnish Tom with the necessary accoutrements to convincingly assume Dickie’s identity. Thus, the fashion portrayed in “Ripley” was meticulously researched to ensure authenticity and evoke the essence of the era. Each garment and accessory is carefully selected to reflect the style and status of the characters, enriching the storytelling with visual cues that enhance the immersive experience for the audience.
The fashion depicted in “Ripley” exudes a timeless elegance, characterised by impeccably tailored suits and bespoke garments, a style notably more formal than many contemporary trends. While today’s fashion often leans towards mass-produced attire, “Ripley” showcases a refined sartorial aesthetic. However, even among the affluent, there’s a noticeable shift towards a more relaxed, almost sporty sophistication, reminiscent of the evolving styles of the 1950s and 1960s.
This transition is particularly evident in the sun-drenched locales of Palermo and Atrani, where the characters effortlessly blend comfort with class. Linen shirts artfully tucked into tailored trousers and open-necked polo shirts reflect a casual opulence that contrasts with the formality of traditional menswear of the time, capturing the evolving nature of men’s style across the decades.
Accessories play a pivotal role in capturing the essence of laid-back glamour, evoking the timeless charm of “Ripley.” From stylish silk scarves and iconic Cat Eye sunglasses to luxurious leather accents and sophisticated watches, each accessory contributes to crafting a look that exudes effortless elegance and allure.
Fastidious attention to detail was paid to ensure the clothing and accessories portrayed the sense of luxury and laissez-faire central to the story. It was this meticulousness that led them to contact us at Vintage Gold Watches to source three 1960s vintage Rolex Precision watches to star in the show.
Watches as a fashion symbol in Ripley
The evolution of watches throughout history is intricately linked to their status as symbols of wealth and prestige. While initially, only the elite possessed pocket watches, the widespread adoption of wristwatches solidified their status-symbol status. This transition marked a pivotal moment when various brands, styles, and movements emerged, allowing watches to transcend mere timekeeping devices and become expressions of personal taste and affluence.
With each unique timepiece, individuals could showcase not only their discerning taste but also their wealth, further cementing the watch’s role as an emblem of status and sophistication.
The notion of a watch serving as a reflection of one’s individual style holds significant relevance in “Ripley,” particularly as Tom adopts Dickie’s identity and inherits his possessions, including the coveted Rolex Precision timepiece. This iconic watch not only becomes a tangible symbol of Dickie’s refined taste and status but also serves as a pivotal element in Tom’s meticulously crafted facade. By donning Dickie’s watch, Tom not only embodies his persona but also subtly communicates his assimilation into Dickie’s world of luxury and sophistication. Thus, the watch becomes more than just a timekeeping device; it becomes a potent symbol of identity, style, and social standing in the intricate web of deception woven by Tom Ripley.
Choosing a vintage Rolex Precision watch for “Ripley” was deliberate, as it epitomises the fashion sensibilities of the era. Renowned for its timeless elegance and understated luxury, the Rolex Precision exudes a laid-back sophistication that seamlessly aligns with the film’s aesthetic. Originally crafted as a practical timepiece for everyday wear, its reputation for exceptional timekeeping further enhances its appeal.
Read the fascinating story of how Vintage Gold Watches helped source not one but three vintage Rolex Precision watches used in the filming of ‘Ripley’’.
A history of Rolex Precision watches
The prestigious Rolex Precision marque traces its origins back to 1914, when the esteemed Kew Observatory awarded Rolex a coveted class ‘A’ certification for precision. Since then, the Precision designation has adorned numerous Rolex models, catering to both men and women, in various shapes, sizes, and iterations. However, what unites them all is the iconic inscription of ‘Precision’ proudly displayed on the watch dial.
Crafted to embody versatility and exceptional timekeeping precision, the Rolex Precision was conceived as the quintessential all-rounder, designed to be worn daily without sacrificing style or reliability. Even today, vintage Rolex Precision watches continue to stand as solid investments, exuding an understated class and elegance while offering instantaneous quality and appeal.
The enduring allure of Rolex Precision watches remains as potent today as it was during the 1950s and 1960s. Characterised by simplicity personified, these timepieces have transcended mere trends, earning a revered status as timeless classics. With proper care, they not only retain their exquisite charm but also become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations as enduring symbols of craftsmanship and refinement.
A defining era for Rolex
Ripley fashion captures the essence of the late 1950s and 1960s and it was during this pioneering period for Rolex that helped establish them as one of the most coveted watch brands.
During the early 1950s, Rolex developed Professional watches to serve as tools, as such, the functions went far beyond simply telling the time. The watches were intended for professional and sporting activities, which were becoming incredibly popular during this period, including deep-sea diving, aviation, mountain climbing and scientific exploration. This helped Rolex watches gain a reputation for being the chosen watch of born achievers.
Rolex’s pivotal role in significant moments during this era solidified its standing as one of the foremost watch brands. The brand provided Oyster Perpetual watches to Sir John Hunt’s expedition team during their historic Everest summit. In 1953, Rolex introduced the Submariner, the inaugural divers’ watch that was waterproof to 100 metres. The GMT-Master became the official timepiece of renowned airlines like Pan American World Airways.
Through these endeavours, Rolex unequivocally demonstrated its reliability and desirability, cementing its reputation as a premier choice among discerning watch enthusiasts worldwide.
Recreate Mr Ripley fashion with your own vintage Rolex
At Vintage Gold Watches, we are privileged to see various Rolex Precision watches come into stock. Arguably, the majority we see are round with a clear, readable dial and design cues that are immediately recognisable but relatively small by today’s standards. With an average of 32mm excluding a crown, we have found this makes Rolex Precision watches incredibly popular with women and men looking to own a timeless piece of fashion history.
We do see slightly larger, rarer vintage Rolex Precision watches from time to time, like the ‘4325’ with a more substantial 35mm case that houses the ultra-rare patented super balance 18 Jewel Chronometer Grade Movement, as well as some models with sporting sub-dials or a centre seconds hand.
The vintage Rolex Precision watches we have seen also offer a variety of movements. This is often the more desirable, High-Grade Cal.1210 and Cal.1200, 17 jewels hand-wound movements. These are essentially the same as you might imagine from the name, with the 1210 giving a centre seconds hand and the 1200 allowing for a sub-seconds dial. The Cal.1210 even had a date iteration. This movement was based on the Cal.1000 Chronometer grade movement and stayed in production until the 1980s.
However, if you are looking for a watch with a story to add to your collection, the exact pieces used in filming ‘Ripley’ could be offered back to us in the future, so watch this space.
Get the look: affordable Rolex Precision watches
Indulge in Ripley’s timeless sophistication without breaking the bank with our collection of affordable Rolex Precision watches:
Rolex Oyster Veriflat Precision Ref.6512 18ct 1961
This Rolex Oyster Veriflat Precision Ref. 6512 from 1961 is a timeless piece of luxury, showcasing 100% genuine and original components. This meticulously cared for watch features an 18ct yellow gold case and a beautifully restored silver dial with original ‘Dauphine’ hands. Its high-quality Rolex Cal. 1000, 18-jewel hand-wound movement is in sparkling condition. Paired with a genuine Rolex black alligator strap and a gold-plated buckle. Fully inspected, serviced, and guaranteed, this stunning example is backed by the VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.
Rolex Precision Cal.700 9ct 1949
The Rolex Precision Cal. 700 from 1949 is a classic piece of horological history, boasting 100% genuine and original components. This beautifully preserved watch features a Rolex-signed 9ct yellow gold Swiss case and a classic 1940s dial with original, unrestored ‘leaf’ hands. The case, bezel, and case back are in immaculate condition, and the small 30mm diameter case (excluding the original unsigned crown) adds to its vintage charm. Complemented by a high-quality brown ostrich strap and a Rolex yellow gold-plated buckle. Fully inspected, serviced, and guaranteed.
Rolex Precision Cal.1200 9ct 1957
The Rolex Precision Cal. 1200 from 1957 epitomises timeless elegance, featuring 100% genuine and all-original components. Its high-grade Calibre 1200 hand-wound Rolex movement is housed within a 9ct Swiss-made case, measuring 31mm (excluding the Rolex unsigned crown). The ivory-cream dial, adorned with gilt ‘3 – 9 – 12’ standard Arabic numerals, remains in pristine condition, with its subsidiary seconds dial adding to its allure. Paired with a high-quality brown leather strap and a Rolex gold-plated buckle, this timepiece exudes sophistication from every angle. Backed by a VGWL 12-month written warranty, it promises both reliability and style.
Explore vintage Rolex watches
If the appeal of Rolex has captivated you while you have been watching ‘Ripley’ but you aren’t sure the Rolex Precision is the model for you, why not explore all of the vintage Rolex watches currently in stock? You can also find more information about acquiring a vintage Rolex watch in our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
Images courtesy of Netflix.
