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Saturday, October 24, 2026

Beyond the Silver Screen: Iconic Watches of Hollywood Legends

From Faye Dunaway's Rolex to Steve McQueen's TAG Heuer, legendary actors' timepieces are as memorable as their film roles.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
Beyond the Silver Screen: Iconic Watches of Hollywood Legends

Icons transcend their craft, and for many silver-screen legends, their choice of wristwatch became as iconic as their performances. These timepieces, often worn on and off-screen, have stood the test of time, maintaining their allure across decades. Here's a look at five larger-than-life stars and the prestigious watches they made even more glamorous.

Faye Dunaway: Rolex

Faye Dunaway, in her Oscar-winning role as a TV executive in the 1976 film "Network," famously incorporated her two-tone Rolex Lady-Datejust into her wardrobe. The watch, a blend of Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold with a Jubilee bracelet and diamond hour markers, became a subtle yet significant accessory to her character.

Marlon Brando: Omega

While Marlon Brando was often associated with Rolex off-screen, he was photographed proudly displaying an Omega Seamaster 300 during a break from filming the 1964 comedy "Bedtime Story." This stainless steel timepiece with a black wave-pattern dial and mesh bracelet became a personal favorite, showcased even during his Malibu downtime.

Marlon Brando and an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M watch.

Catherine Deneuve: Cartier

The epitome of French chic, Catherine Deneuve was rarely seen without her Cartier Baignoire timepiece in the 1960s. A gift from her then-husband, photographer David Bailey, the yellow gold watch with an oval case and leather strap was a constant companion. Deneuve wore it in several of her most famous films, including Roman Polanski's "Repulsion" (1965) and the 1967 drama "Belle de Jour."

Catherine Deneuve and a Cartier Baignoire watch.

Steve McQueen: TAG Heuer

Dubbed the "King of Cool," Steve McQueen's choice of a TAG Heuer Monaco wristwatch perfectly matched his persona as a stoic race-car driver. He famously wore the distinctive red, white, and blue chronograph, with its square blue dial and perforated leather strap, in the 1971 film "Le Mans," performing many of his own stunts.

Steve McQueen and a TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph watch.

Claudia Cardinale: Bulgari

Italian screen legend Claudia Cardinale embraced the glamour of "la dolce vita" with her extensive Bulgari jewelry collection, which included a beloved Bulgari Serpenti watch. This 18-karat yellow gold timepiece, adorned with enamel scales and sapphire eyes, was auctioned for nearly $228,000 posthumously in late 2025. Cardinale was pictured wearing the watch in 1974.

Claudia Cardinale and a Bulgari Serpenti watch.

These watches, much like the films and stars they are associated with, continue to be symbols of enduring style and cinematic history.


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