Do television shows really have the budget for luxury timepieces? The answer seems to be a resounding yes. Many of television’s favorite heroes and villains have made their marks with luxury watches that help define their character in the minds of viewers. Today, let’s take a journey through the most iconic watches we have seen on TV… plus, where to find similar timepieces to evoke the same style as your favorite stars.
Tony Soprano’s Presidential Rolex Day-Date
The highly awarded TV show The Sopranos aired on HBO from 1999 to 2007 – and James Gandolfini’s portrayal of New Jersey don Tony Soprano made the show the masterpiece that it was. His watch, of course, was befitting of his stature as the head of the local chapter of the Italian mob. Tony Soprano rocked a 36 mm yellow gold Rolex Day-Date, a timepiece that has been fondly nicknamed the “President’s Watch” due to its popularity among icons like John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ronald Reagan. It is a classic and timeless piece – just like Tony Soprano himself.
Notably, Tony’s watch was not the only luxe timepiece to appear in The Sopranos. Michael Imperioli, playing up-and-coming youngster Christopher Moltisanti, wore a few different Cartier watches throughout his time on the show, including a diamond-set Cartier Tank-Francaise and a quirky Cartier Roadster model. No spoilers here, but if you’ve seen The Sopranos, you might have an idea of why Tony’s watch is a hallowed classic while Christopher’s is more off-beat.
Tom Wambsgans’ Succession of Watches
HBO’s hit series Succession is nothing if not a parade of wrist candy – from Patek Philippe to Richard Mille, it seems as though every major luxury watchmaker has had a moment to shine in this show. In a series where money is everything and class is conveyed through the quiet luxury of upscale outfits and accessories, it should come as no surprise that watches are part of the developmental arcs of some of our favorite characters.
Tom Wambsgans, whose rise to the top is nothing short of legendary, begins his time on Succession wearing a Cartier Ballon Bleu. From the beginning, it is clear how important watches are as a status symbol to this Minnesotan-turned-Manhattanite. In Season 1, he gives his father-in-law, Logan Roy, a Patek Philippe Complications as a gift. Eventually, we see him upgrade to the chunkier and perhaps more masculine Cartier Santos, as seen in Season 3.
Tom’s best watch, however, appears during Season 4, the show’s final act – and frankly, it should have been our first clue about the show’s ending. Tom sports a self-winding Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph that is absolutely breathtaking. Tom’s stainless steel watch sports a black face and three chronograph dials. You can find similar Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches at Avi & Co. if you’re looking to channel the style of Waystar Royco’s new CEO.
“White Lotus” and the Rolex Submariner
HBO’s Emmy-winning show The White Lotus returns for a third season in February 2025 – but before we head to Thailand for this series’ latest installment, let’s take a look at the defining watch of Season 2, which was set in Sicily. The motley cast of characters makes this show what it is, but one watch in particular stood out as perfectly matching its wearer. We’re talking about the Rolex Submariner on the wrist of Theo James’ arrogant financier Cameron Sullivan.
Rolex watches have long been symbols of status, taste, and class – and the Submariner is no exception. White Lotus’s Cameron opted for the model dubbed the “Smurf,” which features a blue bezel and a blue dial, somewhat similar to the “Cookie Monster” edition pictured above. These sporty timepieces are particularly connected with Wall Street and its stock market stylings, making it the perfect choice for self-interested Cameron to show off his wealth and prowess to those around him… particularly his frenemy, techie Ethan Spiller. We can’t wait to see what gorgeous timepieces Season 3 will bring.
Jerry Seinfeld Makes a Statement in Breitling
Some critics might argue that 90s sitcom Seinfeld is not the same caliber of “great TV” as some of the other shows we’ve mentioned on this list. On that front, we’ll have to agree to disagree – but TV tastes aside, Seinfeld is a veritable Breitling bonanza. The man, the myth, the legend Jerry Seinfeld appears to take cues from nobody as he sports oversize Breitling watches with his curly mullet and denim button-downs throughout the show. It’s oh-so 90s… but in the best way. And the best part? These aviation watches remain stylish 30 years later.
Jerry Seinfeld seems to prefer the Breitling Navitimer, a timeless watch that has been making waves since the 1950s. Originally created with airplane pilots in mind, the Navitimer has made its way into the style archives as an icon of street style and oversize glamour. The watch’s 43 mm face lends itself to the “boyfriend watch” trend that is currently popular – and the slide back toward watch face largesse makes it the perfect time to add a Breitling to your collection.
Richard Mille Watches Drive to Survive
Is Netflix’s Formula 1 hit Drive to Survive a critically acclaimed television masterpiece? Not exactly, but it is certainly a fascinating inside look at the politics, performance, and pomp of Formula 1 motorsport racing. We would be remiss to talk about Formula 1 without mentioning the watch brand worn most among these high-achieving athletes: Richard Mille.
British driver Lando Norris is among the series’ favorite athletes to focus on. He has been driving with the McLaren Racing team for over six years, and recently signed a contract extension to remain on the team through the 2025 season. He is also a noted Richard Mille partner and owns several different RM models, including the 72-01 flyback chronograph (pictured above), the thin and lightweight 67-02, and the McLaren collaboration 11-03 watch.
Many other Formula 1 drivers also sport Richard Mille watches, including Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso. Richard Mille is known for having a broad swath of incredible partners, ranging from athletes to musicians to actors, that represent the innovation and creativity behind this iconic brand.
Gossip Girl’s Iconic Patek Philippe
The CW’s provocative series Gossip Girl earns a place on this list for more reasons than one – there are countless incredible timepieces showcased in this series that is known for highlighting incredible clothes and designer styles. After all, it is set on Manhattan’s Upper East Side! While we could spend all day talking about the watches of Gossip Girl, there is one timepiece that stands out above the rest: the Patek Philippe Aquanaut that Serena tried to give Dan as a Christmas gift in Season 1.
We’ll give Serena credit for one thing: She does have great taste. However, it’s no wonder that Dan didn’t feel comfortable accepting this present. This is a $70,000 watch… and they are supposed to be juniors in high school at the time! There is no denying that this Aquanaut is striking, though. The rubber strap makes it durable and comfortable, while the black face and understated color palette makes it versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Makes you wish you had a trust fund the size of SVDW’s, doesn’t it?
Patek Philippe is not the only designer that shows off its wares on Gossip Girl, however. Chase Crawford, who plays preppy athlete Nate Archibald, is often seen wearing an IWC watch. Serena van der Woodsen and her family members, including mom Lily, frequently sport Cartier watches, signaling their elite lifestyle and their status as Manhattan royalty.
Shop Watches Worthy of the Silver Screen at Avi & Co.
Television shows throughout the decades have used luxury timepieces to signify their characters’ wealth, status, and taste. Now, you can do the same. At Avi & Co.’s three upscale boutiques, we have the singular mission of helping our customers access the world’s most coveted timepieces. Instead of wasting time on waiting lists or rummaging for proof of past purchases, pay for the watch you want when you want it with a trusted secondary market retailer like Avi & Co.
Wherever you call home, there is an Avi & Co. store near you. Our showrooms are located in Aspen, New York City, and Miami…so what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today, and discover the timeless timepieces that you have been dreaming about. Trust us, there is nothing quite like fastening the epitome of luxury around your very own wrist. Stop by today to find out for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
