Watches in films have always done more than tell time. They build character, hint at status, and sometimes even become part of the plot itself. From sci-fi epics to satirical comedies and high-octane blockbusters, cinema spectacles have turned wristwear into a storytelling device as important as costume or dialogue.
Whether it is a weathered tool watch symbolising survival, a luxury timepiece projecting power, or a military chronograph reinforcing discipline and precision, the watch on a character’s wrist often says more than words ever could. Over time, these cinematic timepieces have evolved from subtle accessories into cultural icons, blurring the lines between horology, fashion, and storytelling itself.
INTERSTELLAR
Centred around the story, the custom-made Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto watch worn by Cooper’s daughter, Murph, served far more than just as an accessory — it literally carried the message that would save humanity. In one of the pivotal scenes, Cooper communicates with Murph while in another dimension through Morse code by vibrating the watch’s second hand. This one final act allowed her to decipher the code and deliver the final message she needed to solve the gravitational equation, transforming the timepiece into a symbol of hope, sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
Christopher Nolan reportedly worked closely with Hamilton to create the piece specifically for the movie, blending parts from different designs into what insiders later described as a “Frankenstein watch.” The movie prop eventually became a commercial release in Hamilton’s Khaki Field Murph features a 42mm case, a black dial with beige Arabic numerals, luminescent skeletonised hands and “Eureka” written in Morse code on the seconds hand. It is powered by the ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve, cementing the Murph as one of cinema’s most recognisable watches.
BARBIE
Ryan Gosling’s Ken famously wore three vintage TAG Heuer Carrera watches at once, turning luxury timepieces into a visual joke about masculinity, ego, and status. The exaggerated styling reflected Ken’s newfound obsession with patriarchy and importance after entering the real world. According to Gosling himself, the triple-watch concept symbolised the idea that “important” men are so busy they need multiple watches. Instead of subtle product placement, Barbie used watches as comedic costume design to deliver its satire — flashy, excessive, and completely in character.
The watches themselves were just as exaggerated as Ken’s personality. The film featured three vintage gold Carrera chronographs: the 1971 Heuer Carrera 1158 CHN with its Calibre 11 automatic movement and gold Milanese bracelet, the 1974 Carrera 110.515 with a barrel-shaped case and engraved dial, and the 1960s Carrera 2448 NT with a black dial and classic chronograph layout. Together, the trio transformed Ken’s costume into a satirical display of excess and performative masculinity.
GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, wears an elegant Omega Seamaster 1948 while unravelling the murder mystery surrounding a group of wealthy friends gathered on a billionaire’s private Greek island. A far cry from the Seamaster divers Craig wore during his James Bond years, the vintage-inspired design mirrors Blanc’s refined vacation-esque outfit, Southern charm and old-school detective persona, making it less like a flashy luxury piece and more like an extension of his intelligent personality.
Blanc’s Seamaster 1948 features a 38mm stainless steel case, a domed silver dial, Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The limited-edition model, limited to 1,948 pieces, was worn on a brown leather strap and designed as a tribute to Omega’s original post-war Seamaster watches. Its understated elegance stood in sharp contrast to the oversized, attention-seeking watches worn by the film’s wealthier suspects, reinforcing Blanc’s role as the calm observer in a world obsessed with appearances.
TOP GUN: MAVERICK
Watches returned to their traditional cinematic role as symbols of precision and heroism in this action-packed film. As Maverick trains a new generation of Navy pilots for a dangerous, high-risk mission, IWC Schaffhausen supplied several pilot watches that perfectly matched the franchise’s aviation DNA and military aesthetic. The rugged chronographs and cockpit-inspired designs reinforced Maverick’s image as a disciplined yet rebellious fighter pilot, while strengthening IWC’s long-standing connection to aviation culture. Rather than acting as product placement, the watches became extensions of the film’s themes of legacy, pressure, and control in extreme conditions.
One of the standout models was the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” ref. IW389004, designed and worn by the training fighter pilots as a tribute to the elite TOPGUN naval aviation programme. The watch features a 44mm black zirconium oxide ceramic case, a matte black dial with tactical-style chronograph subdials, and a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. Powered by the in-house IWC 69380 automatic chronograph movement with a 46-hour power reserve, the watch combines military durability with cockpit-inspired precision — perfectly reflecting the high-performance world Maverick inhabits throughout the film.
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