The silver screen is the best billboard in the world. Not only do you have the visual aspect, but you also have the time to explain the product, associate it with the ideal movie star, and even (in some cases) give it a unique character that the audience will forever associate with that watch. Much can be learned about a character through their choice (or counter-choice) of a watch. Throughout the history of cinema, many characters have worn watches and fashions and have enjoyed unprecedented success or longevity as a result. Savvy product placement can make a brand a lot of money, but more than that, it affects our cultural context in a real and tangible way.
We especially love luxury watches on the silver screen because of the awe they inspire. Avid collectors love to rewind to the past and see these beautiful (and now vintage) – pieces. Often, these replica watches even inspire an entire generation of collectors. So here, we’ve rounded up some of the most iconic movie watches you may have missed.
The watch only made a cameo appearance in the famous movie “Glengarry Glen Ross”. But today, we’re still talking about it. Alec Baldwin, playing an outside executive “from downtown”, says these cutting words and shows off this famous fake Rolex Day-Date in yellow gold, which immediately went down in movie history. The watch was already famous for being worn by world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities – the movie interlude was really just a cheerleader for this iconic Rolex gold watch.
It’s a sneaky good movie, with an even better luxury watch lurking on the wrist of the debonair Mr. Clooney. George Clooney excels in the difficult role of Lee Gates, but the wordless performance of his solid gold Omega Speedmaster Professional watch is truly moving.
The premise of “Money Monster” is terrifying. A disgruntled investor goes berserk and overtakes a game show on live television. Who is the host of the show? None other than George Clooney. His character, Lee Gates, is held hostage along with his tempting stock. To know his (and its) fate, you must watch this movie.
Matthew McConaughey stars as the boisterous Mark Hanna in this 2013 classic. Hannah is a perfect example of the era. A genius, his methods, and approach are …… unconventional to say the least. These people in the film are very wretched in many senses of the word. You need to be a little wild to survive in that dog-eat-dog environment.
The fake Rolex Datejust is a flawless badge of power, but for a character like Mark Hanna, it can also serve as a disguise for the rest of the world. A luxury watch and a smart suit can go a long way toward earning somebody’s trust. One of the smartest investments he’s ever made.
We’re ending this list with a real curveball. Few people doubt Natalie Portman’s ability to play any role sent her way, but her performance as astronaut Lucy Cola is really something. The Oscar winner shines in the role, as does the unusual-yet-authentic Omega Speedmaster X-33 in titanium that calls her wrist home.
We’re going to end this list with a real curveball. Few doubted Natalie Portman’s ability to play any role, but her performance as astronaut Lucy Cora was truly remarkable. The Oscar winner shines in the role, as does the unusual but authentic Omega Speedmaster X-33 titanium watch on her wrist.
The film is a truly compelling exploration of the mental state of an astronaut who does and sees more than many mere mortals can comprehend. Perhaps this explains her somewhat odd choice, although this unusual analog/digital hybrid quartz watch is indeed the model worn by the astronauts, as it offers a high degree of functionality. While it is far less recognizable than the classic Speedmaster Moonwatch, the X-33’s appearance in the movie is highly accurate, which only further enhances the authenticity of this must-watch film.
