The art of fine watchmaking and filmmaking are linked by skills that are strikingly similar. Artistry, technical prowess, craftsmanship, talent, patience, and attention to details are essential to succeeding in both arts.
Watches then are bound to be of interest to filmmakers, who appreciate beauty and the process of fine craftsmanship. Some of America’s best directors love watches and have chosen to make it a part of their work, on both sides of the screen.
Here’s what they wear on their wrists:
Martin Scorsese has had an illustrious 50-year career in cinema, with films widely considered as classics – such as Taxi Driver (1976) and The Departed (2006). He has featured watches in some of his movies; and finally combined both interests in 2008, when he became a mentor for the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. He’s an ambassador for the Rolex Day-Date and is often seen with his Rolex Submariner. Photo from Martin Scorsese on Instagram
Sofia Coppola is as much a style icon as she is an acclaimed director. Known for her female-focused and offbeat The Virgin Suicides (1999) and Lost In Translation (2003), her filmmaking style has an almost romantic quality that is also evident in her day-to-day style. She wears a Cartier Panthere; and also worked on a film to promote the reintroduction of the iconic 80’s watch. Photo from Cartier on Twitter
Before he was a filmmaker, James Cameron was an adventurer; and he eventually combined both interests in his groundbreaking films Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009). In 2012, he embarked on a mission with Rolex to dive 11,000 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean using the Deepsea Challenger vessel. The dive was a success, and in Cameron’s honor, Rolex released a special version of the Rolex Seadweller, the Deepsea Cameron D-Blue, which he wears to this day. Video from GQ on YouTube
Kathryn Bigelow made history in 2010 as the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar, for her Iraq war film The Hurt Locker (2008). She remains the only woman who has won the accolade and continues to make strides in the action film genre.With a background in painting and visual art, her films have great color and restless movement, but for her watch, she likes it simple. She wears a black dial Rolex Date. Video from GQ Brasil on YouTube
Quentin Tarantino’s offbeat style is apparent in his films and personal taste, and when it comes to his watches, the Pulp Fiction (1994) and Kill Bill (2003) director also likes ones with visual impact. His favorite, the IWC Pilot, is one of the most superbly designed and striking watches in the market. Video from On the Red Carpet on Twitter
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The FIFA World Cup isn’t just a battle for global football supremacy—it is arguably the world’s most watched, unofficial runway for high-end horology. While the golden boots make the goals, the wristwear makes the ultimate statement. If you look closely at the sidelines, the locker room tunnels, and the podiums, you’ll find that the history…
When the world’s most elite footballers aren’t dominating the pitch, they are dominating the global luxury watch market. For the absolute upper echelon of the sport, the tunnel walk into the stadium and the steps down from the private jet have become the ultimate runways for haute horology. From ultra-rare grand complications to factory-set diamonds…
The 2026 Academy Awards delivered everything we expect from Hollywood’s biggest night: historic wins, impeccable tailoring, and a red carpet overflowing with world-class horology. While we saw plenty of exquisite timepieces from maisons whose heritage and origins are deeply rooted in France—such as Cartier, whose Parisian flair remains the gold standard for evening wear despite…
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