FAMOUS WATCHES IN MOVIES:
OUR ICONIC FAVOURITES
Watches in films do much more than simply keep time; they enhance the storyline and add layers to the characters who wear them. In classic cinema, a well-chosen watch could turn into an iconic symbol, purely by being on the wrist of the right actor.
From the sweeping drama of classic films to the thrills of modern blockbusters, certain watches have left an indelible mark on movie history. These famous watches in movies do more than just tell time—they often become an integral part of the characters who wear them.
Here are what we believe are some of cinema’s most famous and fascinating watches.
Omega La Magique in Scarface (1983)
Image courtesy of luxuriousmagazine.com.
Few cinematic characters leave as lasting an impression as Tony Montana, portrayed by Al Pacino in the 1983 film Scarface. Montana’s larger-than-life persona and extravagant lifestyle extended to his choice of wristwear, with the Omega La Magique standing out as a particularly iconic piece.
Set against the backdrop of 1980s Miami, a decade defined by excess and luxury, Scarface perfectly captures the era’s penchant for the bold and the opulent. The Omega La Magique, featured prominently in the film, was used as a symbol to reflect this extravagant style. Released in 1982, this watch was a marvel of its time, featuring the analog electronic quartz Omega Calibre 1357. With only 261 pieces of the reference BA 191.8523 Z ever produced, the Omega La Magique is a rare and sought-after collector’s item.
The watch in Scarface is an 18k solid yellow gold timepiece with a distinctive transparent dial and a gold chain bracelet. Often referred to as the ‘Phantom’ due to its see-through dial that gives the effect of floating hands.
Since the release of Scarface, the Omega La Magique has gained a cult following among watch enthusiasts and collectors, earning the nickname “Scarface Omega” due to its association with the film. Its ultra-thin profile, with a case only 2.6 mm thick, and its innovative design make it a standout example of 1980s horological engineering.
In addition to its cinematic fame, the La Magique represents a significant chapter in Omega’s history of thin watch designs. Inspired by earlier models like the Omega Dinosaur, it remains one of the most memorable and rare Omega vintage watches.
Rolex Day-Date “President” in Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Image: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref.1807 18ct 1973
With its outstanding reputation, it’s no surprise that Rolex is one of the most popular watch brands in movies. In the cutthroat world of real estate depicted in Glengarry Glen Ross, the Rolex Day-Date “President” stands out as a powerful symbol of success and authority.
The Rolex Day-Date had already earned its nickname as the “President’s Watch,” due to its association with influential leaders of the time. As Mick Jagger so eloquently put it, a Rolex Day-Date will identify you as “a man of wealth and taste.” This perfectly aligned with the film’s themes of ambition and ruthless competition.
In a standout moment from the film, Alec Baldwin’s character, Blake, delivers his blistering “Always be closing” speech while flaunting his Rolex Day-Date. His yellow gold Rolex, with its champagne dial and distinctive fluted bezel, becomes much more than just an accessory when Blake yells, “You see this watch? This watch costs more than your car”.
To this day, the Rolex Day-Date “President” remains an emblem of prestige, power, and unrelenting ambition, forever etched in cinematic history thanks to its unforgettable role in Glengarry Glen Ross.
Explore our very own Vintage Rolex watches, highly prized for their timeless design, superior craftsmanship, and historical significance
Heuer Monaco in ‘Le Mans’ (1971)
Image courtesy of timeandwatches.com
Few timepieces are as iconic in racing films as the TAG Heuer Monaco worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans. This watch isn’t just a piece of jewellery; it’s a symbol of motorsport heritage and vintage cool. The TAG Heuer Monaco, with its bold square case and distinctive blue dial, perfectly complements McQueen’s rugged and rebellious persona in the movie. At the time, the brand was still called Heuer without the ‘TAG’.
When Le Mans was released in 1971, McQueen insisted on wearing the same watch as his character’s inspiration, the legendary racer Jo Siffert. This decision catapulted the TAG Heuer Monaco into the spotlight, cementing its status as a horological icon.
Today, the Monaco is celebrated not only for its innovative design but also for its association with McQueen and the golden age of motor racing, making it one of the most recognisable watches in cinema history. The original watch that McQueen wore during filming recently sold for $87,600 at auction.
Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” in Apollo 13 (1995)
Image: Omega Speedmaster Ed White Cal.321 1965 | Vintage Watch Centre
Few watches are as legendary as the Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch,” and its role in the 1995 film Apollo 13 only cements its iconic status. Worn by Tom Hanks in his portrayal of astronaut Jim Lovell, this timepiece is more than a mere prop—it’s a symbol of space exploration history.
Certified by NASA for space missions, the Omega Speedmaster has earned its place in the annals of space travel. It was the watch worn during landmark missions like NASA’s Gemini 4 and the Apollo 11 moon landing. In Apollo 13, the Speedmaster’s presence reflects the real-life role it played during the harrowing 1970 Apollo 13 mission.
On April 13th at 10:08 PM EST, an oxygen tank exploded aboard the Service Module, leading to the abort of the Apollo 13 mission. This incident gave rise to the famous phrase, “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
After addressing the immediate issues on the spacecraft, the crew faced the challenge of correcting its course. The spacecraft had drifted 60 to 80 nautical miles off track, risking a fatal re-entry angle. Astronauts needed to manually realign the spacecraft with a precise 14-second fuel burn.
Jack Swigert used his Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012-66, to time the crucial 14-second burn, as the onboard digital timers were unreliable. His accurate timing helped the crew return safely, forever cementing the watch’s place in space exploration history.
Rolex Datejust in American Psycho (2000)
Image: Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Model Ref.1625 18ct Pink Gold c1961
In a film centred on a character obsessed with status and the material symbols of success, the choice of watch was always going to be significant. American Psycho hit the mark with a two-tone 36mm Rolex Datejust 16013 with a Jubilee bracelet and tapestry dial. It was an elegant and eye catching design that perfectly encapsulates the excess of ’80s New York. The watch looks fabulous wrapped around Patrick Bateman’s wrist, embodying his desire for perfection and luxury.
However, the movie’s shocking violence posed a challenge to the inclusion of the Rolex Datejust. Rolex almost refused to permit the watch’s appearance due to the film’s graphic content. A compromise was ultimately reached: the watch would not be shown during any of Bateman’s vile or violent acts. Despite this limitation, the Rolex Datejust still made a memorable impact, becoming one of the most famous Rolex watches in movies.
Rolex Submariner 6538 in Dr No (1962)
Image: Rolex Submariner Ref.5508 1959 – Superb Tropical Dial
The Rolex Submariner 6538 may easily be the most easily identifiable of the secret agent’s watches. First worn in Dr No, Sean Connery’s debut appearance as the world’s favourite MI6 spy, it also featured in the next four Bond movies. However, the face was paired with a new strap in each subsequent appearance.
In the franchise’s early days, Ian Fleming ensured Bond always wore a Rolex. Though he never explained the decision, the Rolex brand complements 007’s smooth and sophisticated style. In other words, the two are a natural fit.
The 6538, often referred to as the “Big Crown,” is distinguished by its notably large 8-mm crown. This design feature was specifically intended to help divers wearing gloves. Unlike later models, the 6538 does not include a crown protector, making its appearance quite distinctive. In addition to this unique characteristic, the 6538 also boasts Rolex’s renowned Oyster case and Oyster bracelet, features that are shared with its successors.
Read our article to learn more about iconic James Bond watches in film.
Discover iconic watches from the movies
From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, these famous watches in films have captured the imagination of audiences around the world. To stay updated on the latest vintage timepieces and never miss out on new arrivals, sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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