LIST: The five most important TAG Heuers on film
Felix ScholzTAG Heuer is no stranger to the power of the silver screen, and has been the wristwear of choice for some of cinema’s most iconic heroes and villains – from spies to accidental drug lords. Take a look at five of the most iconic TAG Heuer watches captured on film.
The Bourne Identity
When Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne burst onto screens in 2002, his lo-fi style of secret agent shenanigans was in stark contrast to Brosnan’s over-the-top Bond swansong in Die Another Day. The TAG Heuer Link Chronograph he wears perfectly matches his practical, utilitarian fighting style. If Bourne can take someone out with a Bic pen, imagine what he could do with his watch.
Why that watch?
The TAG Heuer Link is perfect for Bourne. Rugged and reliable, without drawing attention to itself.
The Living Daylights
James Bond is defined by the objects that surround him. Guns, cars, suits and, of course, watches. Over the years Bond has worn many brands, most famously Omega and Rolex. But he’s also worn TAG Heuer – although the exact model was shrouded in mystery. It was Timothy Dalton in 1987’s The Living Daylights, and at the time all that was known was that it was a Heuer diving watch with a glow-in-the-dark dial. It wasn’t until 2010 when, thanks to Blu-Ray and the power of the internet, the specific model was identified as a black PVD Heuer diver.
Why that watch?
The military style of this blacked out Heuer diver is a perfect match for Bond in full action mode.
Breaking Bad
Not just the preserve of cinematic heroes like Bourne and Bond, TAG Heuer is also the brand of choice for everyone’s favourite anti-hero, Walter White. A Monaco features prominently in an episode of season 5 called ‘Fifty One’ with the sweep of the chronograph’s hands symbolising time running out for Walter.
Why that watch?
It’s a left-field choice for a science-teacher-turned-drug-kingpin, but then again it’s the perfect midpoint between a Casio calculator watch and an iced-out AP.
The Wolf of Wall Street
One of the hottest watches of the ‘80s, the TAG Heuer 1000 Exclusive gets some fairly prominent screen time in Scorsese’s opus of excess.
Why that watch?
What better symbol of fiscal decadence than a solid gold dive watch?
Le Mans
No mention of TAG Heuer on film would be complete without Le Mans. The image of Steve McQueen in his white, Gulf Oil striped racing suit, is iconic. No less recognisable is the Heuer Monaco prominently strapped onto his wrist, so it’s hardly surprising that TAG Heuer have capitalised on the association. One of the last great stars form the Golden Age of Hollywood, McQueen exuded an aura of cool that many have attempted to replicate, but few have achieved – though the person who bought one of the watches worn by McQueen during filming for a cool $799,500 USD in 2012 is giving it a red hot go.
Why that watch?
The Heuer Monaco is no fashion accessory, but rather a real racing instrument. One of the first watches to be powered by the revolutionary Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement, the Monaco is as technologically important as it is distinctive.