Words: Jonathan Wells
The Marvel character to most recently appear on the big screen is a strange one – literally. In Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the titular role, and is tasked with saving the world from a series of supernatural foes. With psychedelic trips through various realities and mind- (and world-) bending sequences throughout, it’s a wonder that the surgeon-turned-sorcerer can keep track of it all.
However, thanks to the watch on his wrist, at least he is able to keep tabs on the time – no mean feat in a film series that slows down, speeds up and reserves hours in equal measure. If you happen to have already seen the two cinematic epics, you’ll know how prominent a part the watch plays. But, if you were wondering what the hype around the timepiece is all about, then look no further…
Jay Maidment © MARVEL 2021
What is the watch’s significance?
The Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual, which, in the film, appears to be the £20,700 stainless-steel variant, is the watch worn by Doctor Strange and is first put on his wrist when he is living the high-life in Manhattan. More importantly, it’s the timepiece that Strange, then still a neurosurgeon, wears during the crash that maims his hands and consequently slingshots him into a world of alternate dimensions and mystic arts.
Jay Maidment © MARVEL 2021
Moreover, although this piece of wristwear, gifted to Strange by a former romance, is later cracked and fragmented, he continues to hold on to it throughout the film – something that, one could easily say, symbolically acts as the last remaining connection to his life as a mortal. In Multiverse of Madness, we see the cherished accessory return…
What about its appearance?
This 39mm watch was seemingly chosen for the film for two reasons: while the silver-coloured case and black strap have a cold, clinical look, the stars and moon that are placed in the deep-blue crescent-shape day/night indicator bring a touch of the celestial and the other world – a design feature that draws the eye when either seeing it in person or when watching the big screen.
Ultra thin in profile, it is a little more exciting head on. The dark colours provide it with a visual unity and a clean, contemporary appearance. Numerals and digits have been eschewed in favour of polished black nickel appliques, and the silvered dial is commendably tidy for a watch that tells so much.
The strap comes in black leather, and sports a buckle with a 18mm width. The item is also available in other options, such as pink gold with a brown strap.
And the technical specs?
Other than inspiring would-be world savers, the automatic-movement Master Ultra Thin Perpetual contains 336 pieces that make it a true beacon of horological engineering.
It is water resistant to 5 bar, the thickness of the case is just 9.2mm – a dimension that earns the watch its ‘ultra thin’ moniker – it features a self-winding function, and has 28,800 vibrations per hour. Rather impressively, 46 jewels allow for the year, month, date, hour, minute, second and moon phases to be flawlessly relayed to the wearer – across the three hands, a trio of subdials and a year window.
Want more watch content? Here’s all the horology-related news you need to know this month…
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