Cover In 1965, the Omega Speedmaster Professional was qualified by NASA for all manned space missions (Photo Courtesy of NASA)
In 1965, the Omega Speedmaster Professional was qualified by NASA for all manned space missions (Photo Courtesy of NASA)
1 / 1
Whether on the wrists of charming spies or intrepid astronauts, these refined watches combine form and function on the silver screen
For its appearance in the 1962 film Dr No starring Sean Connery, the Rolex Submariner 6538 was nicknamed the “James Bond” and immortalised as the suave British spy’s first-ever watch. Waterproof to 200 metres and coupled with a sleek look, it was a piece that befitted both black tie affairs and thrilling adventures. In 1995, however, the title of the “Bond Watch” was transferred over to the Omega Seamaster, which debuted in the film GoldenEye. It has since graced the wrists of two 007s, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, and has become an immovable part of the iconic franchise. Watches in films do more than just sit pretty on a character’s wrist; they complete and complement the personality of their wearer. Throughout the history of cinema, some timepieces have grown to become as recognisable as the person wearing them or the movies they appear in. Below are a few examples:
More from Tatler: Radically refined: Bvlgari’s defining turn at Watches and Wonders 2025
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso — ‘The Dark Knight Trilogy’ (2005-2012)
Above Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in ‘The Dark Knight’ wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso (Photo: IMDB)
Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in ‘The Dark Knight’ wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
Director Christopher Nolan’s celebrated take on the Gotham City hero pairs Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne with a Jaeger-LeCoultre signature. Mirroring Batman and his civilian alter ego, the Reverso is all about duality. A timepiece that alternates between dressy and sporty, its Art Deco design speaks softly as it perfectly complements Wayne, a billionaire who doesn’t need to show off. Once he puts on the mask, however, the mild-mannered man is tucked away, just as the Reverso could flip over its case to protect the dial—a feature historically used to withstand the strenuous nature of polo.
Omega Speedmaster Professional — ‘Marooned’ (1969)
Above The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 (Photo Courtesy of Omega)
Above The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321’s decorated caseback (Photo Courtesy of Omega)
The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 (Photo Courtesy of Omega)
1 / 2
Marooned, the first interstellar film after the successful Apollo 11 mission, featured the Omega Speedmaster Professional, which in 1965, NASA declared to be “flight qualified for all manned space missions”. Proudly proclaimed as the first watch on the moon, and widely known today as the “Moonwatch”, it was worn by Buzz Aldrin on July 21, 1969, and it has been the astronaut’s choice for space expeditions since. Aside from its robustness, the Speedmaster’s chronograph was crucial for timekeeping during mission-critical events. Its manual-winding movement also ensured reliability—especially in a zero-gravity environment, which could affect automatic movements.
Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto — ‘Interstellar’ (2014)
Above The latest of the Hamilton Khaki Field Murph collection (Photo Courtesy of Hamilton)
The latest of the Hamilton Khaki Field Murph collection (Photo Courtesy of Hamilton)
1 / 1
Watches are often sported in films as a way to accessorise a character. However, Interstellar uses it as a plot device for protagonist Joseph “Coop” Cooper, played by Matthew McConaughey, to communicate with his daughter, delivering Morse code with the second hand. Since the film’s release in 2014, fans have raved for a commercial version of the custom-designed piece to hit the stores and in 2019, Hamilton caved and came out with the Khaki Field Murph Auto—a near-identical replica named after Cooper’s daughter Murphy or “Murph”.
Tag Heuer Link Chronograph — ‘The Bourne Trilogy’ (2002-2007)
Above Matt Damon as Jason Bourne wearing the Tag Heuer Link Chronograph in ‘The Bourne Identity’ (Photo: IMDB)
Matt Damon as Jason Bourne wearing the Tag Heuer Link Chronograph in ‘The Bourne Identity’ (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
With Matt Damon in the title role, the first three movies in the gritty Bourne franchise, adapted from the novels of Robert Ludlum, influenced many action films in the late 2000s to early 2010s. First making an appearance in The Bourne Identity, the Tag Heuer Link Chronograph is the kind of no-nonsense and durable timepiece someone like covert operative Jason Bourne would need. Its sporty yet minimalist look matches the character of someone who needs to blend in with the crowd and doesn’t mind getting rough. One might even call it a tactical choice.
IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph — ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)
Above Jim Dimatteo wearing his IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph (Photo Courtesy of IWC)
Above The IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Chronograph TOP GUN Edition ‘‘Mojave Desert’’ (Photo Courtesy of IWC)
Jim Dimatteo wearing his IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph (Photo Courtesy of IWC)
1 / 2
Since 2007, IWC Schaffhausen has been providing watches to the graduates of TOP GUN—a nickname for the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Programme. Thus, it’s no surprise to see several IWC pilot’s watches in Top Gun: Maverick, the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 film starring Tom Cruise. Having historically supplied military timekeepers, the Swiss watchmaker was simply the ideal choice; it is also the only company licensed by the legendary Navy Fighter Weapons School to carry the iconic name and logo. While the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor”, worn by characters Rooster and Hangman, looked sleek in a black ceramic case, nothing is as commanding as the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII TOP GUN Edition worn by the character Phoenix. Its black and green accents, coupled with the aura of exclusivity—being reserved for graduates of the programme— underscore its elite status in the film and real life.
NOW READ
Watches in the world of motorsports: why they matter and the best racing-inspired pieces today
Game, set, watch: tennis legends and their timepieces
IWC Schaffhausen featured in the upcoming Brad Pitt-starring film ‘F1’ by Apple TV
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
