Watts On Screen: Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling in Drive (2011), Credit: FilmDistrict
“You give me a time and a place, I give you a five minute window. Anything happens in that five minutes and I'm yours. No matter what.” - The Driver in Drive
Featuring Ryan Gosling as the main protagonist who utilises just short of 900 words in the 100-minute run time, Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Drive’ adaptation offers up luscious cinematography and an ‘80s L.A. backdrop that oozes character. A key part of the tense thriller is our hero’s own Patek Philipe that is arguably one of the most famous “movie watches” since the Omega and Rolex models presented in the James Bond series. Only the watch featured in the movie isn’t one that you could ever find on the market, it’s actually a fake! Now, if you’re a watch person (and I am assuming you are) you have more than likely read or heard the story, explained by Josh below, multiple times, but what it offers us is just a glimpse at Ryan Gosling’s appreciation for all things horology. With dynamism and style Gosling is one of the biggest names in Hollywood and has fast become one of the most well known “watch guys” out there, often adorning himself with iconic models from brands like TAG Heuer, Rolex and Omega - so sit back and let’s have look at Watts on Screen: Ryan Gosling.
Omega
Gosling is well known for having stylistic input in the films he features in and this is no different with his characters' timepieces. Simplistic and genre-appropriate the 34mm Omega Y6277 in 2016's La La Land features a time-only dial with applied Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 that perfectly accompanies the 1940s, Hollywood Jazz aesthetic the main protagonist reveres. First appearing in a scene early-on with main character Seb driving a Buick Riviera, the watch appears consistently throughout all the musical movements and romantic narrative.
TAG Heuer
The watches of Barbie (2023). The Heuer Carrera 1158CHN, Heuer Carrera 110.515, and Heuer Carrera 2448NT.
In 2021 Gosling became a brand ambassador for TAG Heuer and it didn’t take long for them to start appearing in his movies. The Gray Man released in 2022, presenting the rather understated Carrera Date, which features their Caliber 5 movement on a steel bracelet and then in 2023 Greta Gerwig’s Barbie came along and took the world by storm. For Barbie, TAG, Gerwig and Gosling went the extra mile to ensure Ken had the perfect accessories to enhance such a bold character. They opted for some true classics and even a favourite of Jack Heuer himself including the Heuer ref. 1158 CHN from 1971 on an 18k gold bracelet, the barrel-shaped ref. 110.515 from 1974 with a Côte de Genève dial, and a Carrera ref. 2448 NT on a leather strap. A lot more fitting than he standard shoe-horn to provide some sponsor screen-time.
Rolex
Often touted as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all-time, 2011's Crazy Stupid Love features Gosling as the not-so-lucky-in-love Jacob Palmer. Though in the end he finds his muse, something he doesn’t struggle with is style and sophistication. During the film we see two notable pieces, one being a Rolex ref.16610 Submariner and the other being a delightful Rolex Bubbleback ref.3372. The aforementioned sub features a 40mm case size and the timeless aesthetic with the deep back dial and iconic bezel we have all come to know and love. The Bubbleback however is a lot more niche and precisely highlights Gosling’s adroitness at picking timepieces to perfectly match the character he is playing. Paired with a brown leather strap the unique yellow gold bubble casing it exudes class and charisma, ideal for a character such as Jacob Palmer.
Vintage Rolex Air King Advertisement circa 1950
There are plenty more examples of Gosling sporting iconic watches in his movies but to round this off we're going to look at one from his personal collection displayed at the Golden Globes in 2017. For me, this takes the crown (pun intended) of the selection we have just covered off purely for its attainability. Glamorous award nights are regularly awash with one-off specials and grail pieces from brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. The sort of models the regular enthusiast could only dream of owning. But at this particular event, Gosling stepped up to the podium to receive his award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy with a time-only, 1950s Rolex Air King 5500. This all-steel model features a 34mm case size, off-white dial and 3, 6, 9 Arabic numerals. Aside from it’s aesthetic, the beauty of the Air King 5500 is there are plenty of examples of this around and that you, yourself could go out and buy for a relatively affordable price. Or even better, let us source it for you here.
We’re done for today but it's only a matter of time before Gosling has our jaw's dropping with his on or off-screen watch choice and we're all here for it. In the meantime check one of our other blogs or browse our shop to find your next timepiece.
Written by Piers Mansell for Watts On Watches.
