Cinema and watchmaking
Watches that became part of cinema: their role in the story, construction and versions available beyond the screen.
Interactive / 4 questions
Can you recognise a film from its watch dial? Choose answers and discover each model’s story.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum · Screen model
01A white dial, black strap and restrained 38 mm case: Keanu Reeves’s character wears the Manero AutoDate in John Wick 3. We examine the manufacturer’s confirmation and the appeal of this understated mechanical watch.
© Carl F. Bucherer · Image source
Le Mans · Screen model
02Steve McQueen wears a Heuer Monaco 1133B in the 1971 film Le Mans. The blue square and left-hand crown became part of the driver's image. We examine the original chronograph's construction and why later reissues should not be presented as screen-used watches.
© TAG Heuer · Image source
Complete watch filmography
03From Connery's Rolex and the red Pulsar display to digital Seikos and Craig's titanium OMEGA. A comprehensive guide to Bond's watches in the 25 main-series films: names, references, real photographs, movements, disputed identifications and two official clips featuring watch gadgets.
© Allstar / United Artists, 1965; Sean Connery in Thunderball; source: Christie's · Image source
Spectre · Screen model
04The Seamaster 300 from Spectre is recognised by its striped NATO and rounded seconds-hand tip. Reference 233.32.41.21.01.001 has calibre 8400, a 60-hour power reserve and an hour bezel that noticeably changes the usual diver look.
© OMEGA. Photograph from the official Swatch Group publication. · Image source
Tenet · Inspired by a film
05Black titanium, a large case and 80 hours of power. BeLOWZERO captures the mood of Tenet, although Hamilton's screen watches work differently from the production H78505330.
Photo: © Hamilton International Ltd. Production H78505330 · Image source
Apocalypse Now · Screen model
06The asymmetric Seiko from Captain Willard's wrist returned as the SLA033J1. The reissue has an automatic 8L35, sapphire crystal and 200 m water resistance. We examine what remains of the screen 6105 and what changed.
Photo: © Seiko Watch Corporation. SLA033 reissue, rather than a screen-used watch · Image source
Interstellar · Screen model
07A black dial, cathedral hands and a tiny “Eureka” on the seconds hand. Murph 42 brings the Interstellar watch's look into a production model with automatic H-10 and an 80-hour reserve.
Photo: © Hamilton International Ltd. Official photograph of model H70605731 · Image source
No Time To Die · Screen model
08Matte titanium, a brown dial and a mesh bracelet make Craig's Seamaster difficult to confuse with other Diver 300Ms. Version 210.90.42.20.01.001 also has its own technical foundation: calibre 8806 with Master Chronometer certification.
Photo: © OMEGA SA. Official photograph of 210.90.42.20.01.001 · Image source
The Odyssey · Inspired by a film
09A 42 mm bronze Hamilton created with Christopher Nolan and inspired by The Odyssey. Automatic H-10, titanium back and a run of 2 112 pieces.
Photo: © Hamilton International Ltd. Official press material · Image source
Interstellar · Inspired by a film
10Blue Murph keeps the recognisable hands and compact case, but changes the mood with a grainy dial and dark edge. Two versions with automatic H-10 and 80 hours of reserve.
Photo: © Hamilton International Ltd. Official Hamilton material · Image source
