A wristwatch featured in a film may reach the status of an icon, even in the course of a mistake. The watches can be an element of the plot or used to enhance the characters. It is a way to demonstrate how screen time affects the worth and popularity of a watch, especially when it is worn by the appropriate actor.
In the mid-1990s when the introduction of a watch in films was simply a decision of style. It eventually morphed into product placements strategically incorporated into the plot. Whatever the way these watches were incorporated into movies, and some are now stars on their own.
This article will present to you our top Rolex watches that popped up on silver screens and had a profound impact on films as well as watchmaking.
The Top 5 Most Famous Rolex Watch Designs Ever
- Rolex Datejust: American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho is a disturbing novel written by Bret Easton Ellis. The film named after it is just as disturbing. While it’s the case, it’s hard not to admire Patrick Bateman’s style of dressing. The principal character was played by Christian Bale, which was the breakout role for him.
An interesting tale, but Rolex only permitted Bale access to the Date just as long as the actor was not involved in any criminal or criminal acts. Although it restricted the role of the watch in the film but it did allow the Date just to leave a lasting impression.
- Rolex Submariner 6538: Dr. No (1962)
If you imagine James Bond, you would likely immediately think of Omega. While James Bond’s most famous name did leave Omega but the Rolex watch will forever have the distinction of being the very first James Bond watch: the Rolex Submariner 6538.
This dive watch is considered to be one of the most coveted and was used in the first film of the series’ literary arc, Dr. No. The watch was used by Sean Connery himself and is widely praised for its outstanding mechanical capabilities, design, and its connection with James Bond.
- Rolex Daydate: Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
In the 1992 drama-turned-play, Alec Baldwin delivered a stunning performance that is arguably the most famous line: Always be Closing. In addition, an aspect that’s likely to be more popular than the film itself is the all-gold Rolex Daydate on his character’s wrist.
It is a glitzy model, even though it is relatively inexpensive according to Rolex standards. It was, nevertheless, an effective way to convey his somewhat demotivating talk about his success. As a bonus, it is also possible to see Al Pacino’s character from the film, Richard Roma, wearing the double-tone Rolex Date just.
- Rolex GMT Master 1675: Apocalypse Now (1979)
Marlon Brando bought the GMT Master watch sometime in the 1970s. He decided to wear it during the filming of his character Col. Walter E. Kurt ,z aex-Greenen Beret who became a rogue soldier throughout the Vietnam War. Naturally, the directors requested that he remove it during the films; however, the actor refused to wear the bezel. Instead, he just removed the bezel, which gave it a unique and naked appearance.
The watch was believed to be lost to the past until it came back and was eventually auctioned off. In the year 2019, it was auctioned off at a price of $1.952 million.
- Rolex Datejust 36: Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Matthew McConaughey played Mark Hanna Belfort’s boss in the classic film from 2013. He introduced Wolf, the character played by Leonardo DiCaprio, to the world of crazy riches and the methods he employs that are somewhat bizarre. One of the more memorable scenes in the film, the character instructs Bel for ton the famous Wall Street chant over lunch, and you’ll find him wearing a 1980s two-tone Rolex Date just and the Jubilee bracelet.
Another Rolex that was featured in the film was in 18k gold Rolex Cosmography Daytona with a black dial. It was worn by Jonah Hill, who played Donnie Azof who was a character who was based on Belfort’s actual business associate and acquaintance.
Rolex and the Cinema
Films are an excellent opportunity to advertise the brand or product. Celebrities with fame, coupled with a compelling plot, will leave lasting impressions on viewers. The image you want to portray is linked to a brand, a benefit for the watch industry that it has recognized. In a variety of films, the watches of protagonists are staged randomly, and that’s when you’ll know that product placement has been successful.
Rolex has been linked for years with film, and its watches have been featured in films that were released from 1962. What’s most remarkable is the fact that, in many instances, it was the case that Rolexes in these films were completely natural. They weren’t PR strategies that were technically savvy rather an individual decision. In the film Dr. No, for instance, the producer Cubby Broccoli was said to have given Connery the watch that was on his wrist. It became a cult timepiece.
The Bond name is so renowned and holds such significance that it was the one who established the concept of advertising in movies that you watch. Rolex is also owed to the franchise for having launched its watch with enormous success. The average of 6538 is a rarity that can be sold for as much as six figures if it’s in good condition.
Conclusion
It has been established as one of the best marketing platforms. It’s not just an aesthetic element, but an opportunity to describe an item, tie it with a story, and in some instances, create a distinct identity with which it will always be a part of.
There is a lot to be discovered about a person by their appearance and, in this case, the choice of their wristwear. Through the years of film, we’ve seen a variety of characters wearing watches that have had a record-breaking popularity as a result.
A well-placed product can make even the most obscure brands rise. However, what’s more important is that it can cause the consumer to associate a brand with a specific way of life or emotion, altering the impression of it in tangible as well as intangible ways.