As most of you will know here at The MALESTROM we like our watches, nothing says more about a man than his choice of timepiece, along with shoes of course. We also have a penchant for movies, so when two of our obsessions are combined that’s something we get a bit excited about.
We’ve put collective heads together to come up with some of the greatest movie watches to grace the silver screen, that can add to the arsenal of an action hero and seriously increase the style points of even the suavest of characters.
Commando (1985) – Seiko H558
This Seiko was sported by Arnie in classics like The Running Man and Predator as well as Commando, so you know you’re wearing a badass piece of kit with one of these on your wrist. It was built for the most rugged of tasks, tested at -40c and up to +60c, a group of adventurers each wore one to scale Everest in 1988.
You’ll have to shell out some serious spondulas to get your hands on ‘The Arnie’ though, with them generally selling at over double their retail price second hand. So anything up to £1000. Become a hero isn’t cheap.
The Bourne Identity (2003) – TAG Heuer Link Chronograph: Model CT1111.BA0550
Any discerning modern-day spy needs a watch with style and substance which this TAG Heuer has in spades. The chronograph of forgetful operative Jason Bourne has a big black dial with large hour numbers, it’s sturdy and durable making it the perfect addition for someone prone to a bit of rough and tumble.
Although it might leave Bourne asking “Who am I, and where did I get this amazing watch?” One of these babies second hand will set you back about £1,200.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – Seiko LC 0674 5009
You could make a whole list of movie watches worn by just Bond himself. This silver Seiko was donned by Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me.
It was one of the least aggressive of Bond movie watches acting more as a communication device, first as a pager and also a printer that shot out strips of paper with important messages on it from M’s office, ‘007 TO REPORT HQ. IMMEDIATE. M.’
A bit of a rarity these days, if you do manage to track one of these down don’t expect much change from £300.
Mission Impossible II (2000) – Casio G-Shock DW6900-1V
Daredevil spy Ethan Hunt goes the chunky 90s favourite route with the Casio G-Shock DW6900 that he sports in Mission Impossible II.
The G-Shock markings have been removed for the movie and there are a few added features to keep Ethan ahead of the game, but this watch is still available to buy for just under seventy quid, we can’t promise you’ll suddenly be able to hang off the edge of a cliff face with no rope, but you’ll always have the right time. Check it out HERE.
Jaws (1975) – Alsta Nautoscaph
Richard Dreyfuss’ character in Jaws, Matt Hooper, wears this nautical but nice number from the Alstater Watch Company. Perfect for any young oceanographers going diving or indeed looking to hunt down a huge shark this chunky silver timepiece with a robust stainless steel case was about as water resistant as any watch of its time.
If you can hunt one down, expect to shell out around £1000.
Back To The Future (1985) – Casio CA53W Twincept Databank
There weren’t many things cooler in the 80s than Marty McFly, scratch that, let’s go with ever. And this classic Casio just added to his style points.
As movie watches go it’s up there in terms of functions with its 8 digit calculator, 1/100 second stopwatch, auto calendar, alarm, is water resistant to a depth of 100 metres and has a time travel function (ok maybe not the last one).
It’s a must-have for future fans everywhere. You can pick up one of these beauties for just over £20. What are you waiting for? Seriously, check it out HERE.
Scarface (1983) – Omega La Magique
This gold number as worn by Tony Montana in Scarface may be the most sought after on the list. It’s 18k gold and one of the thinnest watches in the world. Collectors call this particular Omega the ‘Phantom Watch’ as most never get to see one in person.
Only 261 were made, making any owners members of quite the exclusive club. You wouldn’t expect Pacino to put any old thing on his wrist now, would you? If and when one does come up, 3-4k would be the sort of money you’d be paying to own Tony’s other “little friend.”
Ghostbusters (1984) – Seiko M516 ‘Voice Note’ Watch
The Seiko Voice Note is worn by Ray, Egon, and Peter in Ghostbusters. The main choice for this watch was that it had the Voice Note functionality, which was used in the film to pick up EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena).
The recordings are terrible by today’s standards but were state of the art at the time. This digital wonder came out in 1983, but was made in such low volume you’ll pay a premium to get your mitts on one, expect to pay upwards of £400 to own one of these uber collectable movie watches.
American Psycho (2000) – Rolex Datejust 16013
Rolex introduced the Datejust back in 1946 but this stainless steel and gold version that lights up the wrist of the brilliantly twisted Patrick Bateman in American Psycho came out in the early 80s.
This one has a gold fluted bezel worn on a jubilee clip, but remember as Christian Bale’s character says, “don’t touch the watch.” As movie watches go this is a bit special. Expect to pay around £2,500 for a second hand one.
Escape From New York (1981)
So firstly, this isn’t (or wasn’t) a real watch so to speak. The timepiece in question was created for Snake Plissken in John Carpenter’s epic Escape from New York. In the movie Special Forces soldier-turned-convict Plissken is given 22 hours to rescue the president before explosives that have been injected into him blow up his carotid arteries (no pressure then!).
The time ticks away on his rather large and also beautiful brass and leather digital watch as he takes on this impossible mission. Luckily the people at Lifeclock saw a big brass shaped hole in the market and crafted the Lifeclock One: Snake Edition a homage to the watch. It’ll set you back $399 dollars, but you’ll probably agree that’s a small price to pay for your life.
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