For luxury watch lovers and film history buffs alike, watches in films can leave a lasting impression. Some of film’s most memorable characters have worn notable timepieces. From James Bond’s impressive collection of watches to Captain Willard’s memorable Seiko, read below for the top 10 most iconic watches in cinema history.
What are the most iconic movie watches?
ICONIC MOVIE WATCHES
Rolex 6538
One of the most memorable movie watches, the Rolex 6538 was featured in numerous early James Bond films, including Dr. No, From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), and Thunderball (1965). Known amongst many collectors as “The Bond Submariner”, this watch set the standard for effortless style. For more on Rolex watches, check out our list of the top 5 most popular Rolex models, which includes the beloved Rolex Submariner collection.
Heuer Monaco
As racecar driver Michael Delaney, Steve McQueen sports this blue-dialed Tag Heuer timepiece throughout the film. The watch was discontinued in the 1970s and reintroduced in 1998 with updated mechanisms. The original watch worn by McQueen sold for $87,600 in 2009 and was again sold in 2012 for a whopping $799,500.
Seiko 6105
Apocalypse Now captivated moviegoers with its raw portrayal of the Vietnam War. At the heart of this war epic is the story of Captain Willard, who dons this memorable Seiko watch as he leads a mission to find rogue officer Colonel Kurtz. During the Vietnam War, Seiko 6105’s were one of a few watches available for purchase on US military bases, making it a historically accurate and unforgettable choice for the film’s protagonist.
IWC Pilot’s Chronograph
Blockbuster hit Top Gun showcases IWC’s Pilot’s Chronograph, a durable pilot’s watch that made a lasting impression on moviegoers. Perhaps in homage to the film, IWC released a collection of Top Gun pilot’s watches in 2012, with the Top Gun school’s name and logo on the back of the watch and a military look.
Seiko 7A28-7000
At the heart of James Cameron-directed Aliens is the Seiko 7A28-7000, designed by car designer Giorgetto Giugiaroto, who was named the Car Designer of the 20th Century and is well-known for designs such as the DeLorean DMC12, the BMW M1, and the Lotus Esprit S1. One notable design element of the Seiko watch is the chronograph feature protruding from the right side. The futuristic yet functional design of the timepiece matches the feel of the film.
Seiko H558
Arnold Schwarzenegger dons the Seiko H558 not only in Predator, but also in 1985’s Commando and 1987’s Running Man, cementing the watch’s place in cinema history. This watch model often sells for double its retail price on the secondhand market.
Panerai Luminor
Disaster film Daylight showcases the Luminor, one of Panerai’s most popular watches. In 1993, Panerai switched its focus from manufacturing military watches to catering to the public market. Story has it that Sylvester Stallone happened to come across a Panerai watch while visiting Italy and was so impressed that he bought it right away. Stallone wore Panerai off-screen and in numerous of his films, helping to make the Panerai brand famous.
Rolex 16013 Datejust
The violent Bret Easton Ellis novel of the same name, on which the movie is based, name-drops Rolex over twenty times. Though Rolex reportedly refused to be associated with this film due to its gruesome nature, the Datejust model was featured throughout.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
Though James Bond remained faithful to his Rolex for many years, in 2006, Daniel Craig donned the notable Omega Seamaster for his turn as James Bond. Omega invested a great deal in order to associate itself with the James Bond brand. The same model was worn by Craig in Quantam of Solace (2008) and by Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye (1995) Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World is not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002). For more information, read a comprehensive history of Omega’s relationship with James Bond.
Patek Philippe with brown strap
Ryan Gosling shined as a getaway driver in this 2011 film, sporting a one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe watch with a brown leather strap. Though this understated model isn’t available for public purchase, the watch played a notable role in the movie and left a lasting impression on viewers. Five or six models were used during filming and stunts, and reports say Ryan Gosling requested to bring one home from the film set as a souvenir once filming wrapped.
ARE YOU LOOKING TO UPGRADE OR SELL YOUR LUXURY WATCH?
If these iconic watches have inspired you to upgrade your current watch or if you would like to sell your timepiece, WP Diamonds is here to help. WP Diamonds offers a quick, easy service to sell your luxury watches, diamonds, and engagement rings to have money in your account in as little as 24 hours. Simply fill out the online form and one of our in-house experts will be in touch shortly with an initial price quote. If you would like to upgrade your watch, you can get up to 20% more on your offer in the form of store credit with our local jewelry store partners or 10% more in store credit at James Allen.
GET YOUR OFFER
Ten articles before and after
Largest Diamonds In The World | Top 10 Biggest Diamonds | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
Sell Girard-Perregaux Watches Online | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
Selling Designer Items | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
How to Upgrade An Engagement Ring | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
The Realities of Selling Diamonds | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
Top 10 Most Popular Rolex Watches 2021 | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
Ring Settings Explaained: See Which Ring Settings Are Most Popular | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
Declutter Your Life | Starting With Your Jewelry Box | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
Diamond Cut | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY
Sell Jewelry Online | How To Sell Online Safely & For The Most Money | CHURINGA Diamonds JEWELRY