LIST: 5 out of this world watches perfect for the Guardians of Galaxy, just in time for Vol. 2

Barbara Palumbo

As Marvelites and Comic-Con attendees undoubtedly already know, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the much-anticipated follow-up to the 2014 original, is in Australian cinemas today. As a closet Marvel fangirl (Pssst, Antman. You never return my calls.), this is a big deal for me. So to celebrate I’ve put together five (very different) watches, for the five (very different) Guardians, and added an auditory accompaniment taken from “Awesome Mix Tape #2”, just for fun. Enjoy.

Star-Lord (Peter Quill)

According to his Marvel bio, infant Peter stared up at the stars in the night sky for nearly an hour before his mother found him, after surviving an attempted murder by his step-father. It is this legend that helped give Peter his character name of Star-Lord, and in turn led me to the Seiko Astron GPS Solar made in partnership with Giugiaro Design. Not only is the word “Astron” derived from the Greek word meaning “star”, but the titanium case, ceramic bezel, and high magnetic resistance make the piece both extremely lightweight and tremendously durable; traits that are ideal for, say, flying through galaxies at high speeds.

Associated track: “My Sweet Lord” – George Harrison

Gamora

This ass-kicking Zen-Whoberi gives new meaning to the term “Green Goddess”. As the once-owner of the Time Gem – a stone that allows the user total control over the past, present, and future – and original member of good-guy team Infinity Watch, I feel Gamora is the Guardian most likely to appreciate some fine Swiss craftsmanship. So I chose the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver in a color that would blend in on a woman whose color so obviously stands out: fizzy lime green. Oh, and the rubber strap, stainless steel case, and 300m resistance should also ensure this AP is worthy of a place on the wrist of “the deadliest woman in the whole galaxy”.

Associated track: “Lake Shore Drive” – Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah

Drax the Destroyer (Arthur Douglas)

I immediately knew that Drax should wear a Hublot, but the bigger question was which Hublot? With several collections that could be easily tied to his story, it seemed fitting to go the route of Drax’s human nickname, Art. Before becoming Drax the Destroyer, Arthur Douglas’s family was killed, which is when his spirit was placed into the body of an ink-covered slab of muscle. The Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu was a collaboration between the brand and London-based tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi’s studio. To take the Drax connection beyond the character’s body art, look at the dial’s motif – which, according to Hublot, is “drawn out by the subtle play and superposition of rings and squares” – and know that actor and ex-wrestler Dave Bautista is more than familiar with those particular shapes.

Associated track: “Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang” – Silver

Rocket Raccoon

As the captain of the starship Rack ‘n’ Ruin and frequent user of both rocket skates and a jet pack, Rocket is no stranger to aviation, which is part of the reason the Oris Big Crown 1917 Limited Edition suits the masked Guardian so well. The 40mm case size and easy-to-use pin-lever movement make for a no muss, no fuss throwback era, pocket watch-style timepiece. And with all of the gadgets that Rocket must master as a member of the team, not having to figure out how to use a highly complicated watch might be a nice change of pace.

Associated track: “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra

Baby Groot

Debate still rages as to whether Baby Groot is the actual offspring of Groot or a direct clone (perhaps a cutting?) of regular Groot, but whichever it is, there’s no denying how vital the Flora colossus is to the team. And while Baby Groot isn’t quite big enough to strap a watch onto its soon-to-be lengthy limbs, at some point it will be a full-grown Groot, which is when knowing the time will come in handy. And given that Groot isn’t all about destruction, I felt that the Jaquet Droz Loving Butterfly Automaton would serve as a perfect reminder of the beauty of nature. (He is Groot.)

Associated track: “Father and Son” – Cat Stevens
Here’s hoping that GOTG#2 is anywhere near as good as the first, but do me a favour… no spoilers, okay? America doesn’t get to see it until May.