Watches are no stranger to the silver screen. Although they can be a subtle and quite natural feature in films, they are never easily missed by watch lovers. In fact, there are countless websites and Instagram accounts dedicated to identifying watches worn by favourite celebrities and characters. But, the beauty of watches in movies is that they are often more than just product placement. As an accessory that can be very personal, watches can be used to strengthen characters or reinforce a certain setting. A prime example of this is how James Bond’s air of sophistication is upheld by his Rolex. Often this relationship works two ways, and a watch’s ties to a film can strengthen its individuality. So, for the cinephiles out there, we have rounded up our Top 5 Movie Watches that we have spotted over the years.
Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 1970 Re-Edition Metal Bracelet SUPERAUTOMATIC-BRACELET
Featured in Jaws (1975). Worn by Matt Hooper, played by Richard Dreyfuss.
Many have speculated over the years which model was worn by Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper. It was obviously a diver’s watch, and some believed it to be a Rolex. However, it was later confirmed as the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic.
As a very popular watch brand in the 1960s and 1970s, it’s no wonder an Alsta model was featured in one of the biggest films of the era. Unfortunately, the brand folded shortly after, but was resurrected again in 2014. Following this comeback, the Nautoscaph was then rereleased as a limited edition model, with just 1,975 pieces to reflect the year of Jaws’s release. Fortunately, this reissue is almost a direct copy of Dreyfuss’s watch in Jaws, but with some updated touches.
These slight changes include a modernisation of the materials. Crafted from satin-finished stainless steel, the square case measures 38mm in diameter. This is paired with a silver bracelet made of the same material, which is nicknamed the ‘Hooper’ bracelet in honour of the character. Set into the porthole-like case is a round black dial, featuring C3 Super-LumiNova luminescent hands and indices. Other features include a screw-in crown, water resistance up to 300 metres (30 bars), and an automatic movement.
Seiko Prospex Arnie Re-Issue Solar Divers 200m Black SNJ025P1
Featured in Commando (1985) and Predator (1987). Worn by John Matrix in Commando, and Dutch in Predator, both played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This Seiko model was affectionately dubbed the ‘Arnie’ after it was born by the actor in two separate roles. Another modernised reissue, the Prospex Arnie is a very beloved model by many. The pioneering Arnie was originally part of the 1982 “Hybrid Diver” which fused an analogue and digital watch into one. As a fan favourite, it has also been nicknamed ‘Tuna’ for its distinctively shaped stainless steel and plastic case.
Measuring 47.8mm in diameter, the case features a unidirectional black bezel. For optimal readability, the indices and hands are luminescent and contrast the black dial. These are securely protected by a durable hardlex crystal that encloses the dial. The Arnie is also solar-powered, so can be charged in natural or artificial light. But it is more than just a practical model. The silicone accordion-style strap perfectly merges the robustness diver watches need with comfort and contemporary style. With so many unique and practical features, it is unsurprising that Schwarzenegger loved it so much.
Hamilton Men’s Khaki X Wind Brown Leather Strap Black Dial H77616533
Featured in Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). Worn by Jake Morrison, played by Liam Hemsworth.
Hamilton is the master of the movie watch. Their models have been featured in blockbusters such as Tenet (2020), Ocean’s Eight (2018), and even the Men in Black series. In fact, the brand has a whole section of its website dedicated to showcasing its ‘cinema watches’.
In Independence Day (2016) in particular, many Hamilton watches can be spotted. For instance, the protagonist, who is portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, sports a Jazzmaster Automatic GMT. His character, David Levinson, is the director of the Earth Space Defense programme and uses the watch to track different time zones.
Liam Hemsworth’s character, Jake Morrison, is a spacecraft pilot and can be spotted wearing a Khaki X. Fit for any aviation professional, the Khaki X boasts the first-ever drift angle calculator to appear in a watch. This function is designed to allow pilots to determine the impact of crosswinds on their journey. The mighty and trailblazing model is powered by Hamilton’s H-21 automatic movement, which has a 60-hour power reserve. Its sleek black dial hosts silver indices and hands and is also encased by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This Khaki X is finished with a stylish brown leather strap with a pin buckle fastening.
Hamilton Men’s Khaki Pilot Black Dial Stainless Steel Strap H64615135
Featured in Interstellar (2014). Worn by Cooper, played by Matthew McConaughey.
Hamilton’s Murph model played a very integral and emotional role in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. It was used as a plot device, forming an essential part of the relationship between Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and his daughter, Murph. This led to the watch adopting the same name as the character.
Alongside the beloved Murph watch was this Hamilton Khaki Pilot model, which was worn by Cooper himself. This particular model is powered by an automatic Swiss movement with an H-40 calibre, with a reserve of 80 hours. Sapphire crystal glass protects a black dial, which features silver indices and hands. This is complemented by a high-quality stainless steel case and bracelet. Necessary for any science-fiction adventure, the Khaki Pilot is water resistant up to 100m (10 bar).
Casio Retro Calculator Watch Black Resin Strap Black Dial CA-53WF-1BEF
Featured in Back to the Future (1985). Worn by Marty McFly, played by Micheal J. Fox.
An acclaimed and well-loved science fiction film, Back to the Future remains a firm family favourite today. In the age of smartphones and smartwatches, the film’s charming encapsulation of what ‘advanced technology’ looked like in the 1980s is certainly heartwarming.
Part of this iconic prop list was the Casio Calculator watch, worn by Marty as he conducts his temporal experiments. Although it may look impractical compared to more modern-day watches, there is something very endearing about its nostalgic nature. But even though it’s not as advanced as its competitors, it’s not a redundant part of any watch collection. The Casio Calculator still has cultural relevance today, and its nostalgia and albeit clunky appearance are central to its appeal. For instance, it was worn recently on Stranger Things, a popular Netflix show set in the 1980s.
The nostalgia of this model still makes it an affordable and popular option that’s still on the market today. Forming a part of the brand’s Vintage collection, the Casio Retro Calculator watch is made of black resin and is therefore light and easy to wear. The face of the watch is a fully functional calculator with the time displayed on a digital screen above. Other functions of the watch include a daily alarm, calendar, stopwatch, and the option to add a second timezone.
Although that concludes our Top 5 Movie Watches list, there are so many other famous movie watches out there. If you have a favourite watch cameo, please drop it down below!
