Dazzling Timepieces on the Silver Screen: Rolex, Seiko, and More - Star-Studded Watches in Movies
Movie Star-Inspired Timepieces: Appearing on-screen in everything from Rolex to Seiko. - Movie stars donned watches, ranging from Rolex to Seiko.
By Christian Hensen**
What would 007 be without his watches? Whether it's Rolex, Omega, or even Seiko, Bond's timeless accessories have left their mark for generations. This isn't just crucial for the respective brands but also for the films, as watches convey a language of their own and can subtly or blatantly communicate messages.
Catch Jonah Hill's wrist in "The Wolf of Wall Street," and it's evident where he stands. A luxurious Rolex is just another fashion accessory for a wealthy stockbroker. Sometimes, watches also mirror a film's theme, like Matt Damon's choice of a Tag Heuer Carrera 7753 SN chronograph in "Le Mans 66 - Against All Odds**" to measure racing times.
Iconic Flicks Propel Select Watches to Superstardom
For collectors, film watches are a double-edged sword. While prominent screen appearances boost desire and demand, they also bring unwanted attention, contributing to heightened prices.
This phenomenon can be manageable. For instance, the Seiko worn by Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) in "Apocalypse Now" can be yours for approximately 2,000 euros. However, when it comes to stars like Paul Newman or Steve McQueen, prices can easily soar into the millions. A Tag Heuer Monaco worn by McQueen in "Le Mans," set to be auctioned after 50 years, could reach such figures again in December (more on that here).
Some legendary models have already carved a place in history. The Rolex Daytona owned by Paul Newman, sold for $17.8 million, remains the most pricey Rolex ever sold[3]. That said, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime currently holds the overall record[2][5].
Peruse a curated collection of watches worn by stars in renowned films in our gallery.
More Snapshots from Our Gallery
- Timepieces
- Rolex
- "Le Mans"
- Bidding War
- James Bond
- Jonah Hill
- Paul Newman
- Matt Damon
Enrichment Data:
Detailed Analysis:
The most expensive watch ever sold is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, which garnered an astounding $31.19 million at a 2019 charity auction[2][5]. This extraordinary stainless steel timepiece boasts 20 complications and a dual-face design, created to commemorate Patek Philippe's 175th anniversary[2][5].
Though Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona (not a Patek Philippe) holds the record for the most expensive Rolex ever sold, fetching $17.8 million in 2017[3], the Grandmaster Chime remains the overall record-holder. The Patek Philippe was auctioned for charity and did not belong to a particular actor[2][3][5].
Key Concepts:
- Most expensive ever: Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ($31.19M)[2][5].
- Actor-owned record: Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ($17.8M)[3].
- I'm not gonna be able to get Jonah Hill's Rolex, worn in "The Wolf of Wall Street," as it likely mirrors his character's luxurious lifestyle.
- Most likely, the actor Steve McQueen's Tag Heuer Monaco, similar to the one worn in "Le Mans", will be likely to edge its way into millions during the upcoming auction.
- The world of fashion-and-beauty, gadgets, and technology converge in the lifestyle of actor James Bond, with his Rolex watches being an essential part of his edged identity.
- A closer look at our gallery reveals the Seiko worn by Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) in "Apocalypse Now," a watch that, despite its iconic screen presence, can be yours at around 2,000 euros.
- Keep an eye on our gallery for more timepieces from "Le Mans," especially the eagerly anticipated bidding war for the same Tag Heuer worn by Matt Damon in the film.

