Robert Downey Jr.’s (And Tony Stark’s) Most Suitable Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT Ref. Q193K450

Although Bvlgari was the brand that originally commissioned Tony Stark’s wrist for 2008’s pioneering Iron Man, by the time that Iron Man 2 debuted in 2012, the tables (or marketing budget) had turned and the Marvel world’s most interesting man was now a Jaeger-LeCoultre fan.

In fact, in one scene, when prompted on which watch he wanted to wear, he asked for it by name: “the Jaeger.”

Tony Stark wearing a Bvlgari Diagono Chrono in Iron Man. Image: Watchesinmovies.info

I find JLC a much more fitting brand, and the AMVOX 3 Tourbillon GMT a much more fitting watch, than the previous Bvlgari Diagono models featured in the first film. Nothing against Bvlgari here, but the AMVOX collection combines two ultra-performance brands, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin, to create some very sleek timepieces.

The AMVOX 3 is cased in ceramic, the brand’s first foray into the material, with platinum case elements. The movement itself, with tourbillon, dual-time, AM/PM, and date complications, is crafted in steel and accented with titanium.

Whereas the Swiss movement manufacturer put forth the horological technology, the dial design is where Aston Martin’s influence shines through.

It’s remarkably similar to a speed gauge, mainly due to the layout of the lumed indices on the grill-like hour track. There’s also a skeletonized tourbillon bridge, which not only exposes the beautiful engine beating within, but also recalls the weight-reducing practices employed in the car manufacturer’s performance vehicles.

There’s tons more design details to unpack here, but one thing is clear, this AMVOX 3 is an ideal mix of nerdy, cool, and high-tech. Now, does the combination of those three words remind you of anybody?

Urwerk UR-110RG

For those already familiar with Urwerk’s watches, the association with Tony Stark can seem like a natural one. Indeed, the brand’s timepieces are easily recognized by their alien case designs and awe-inspiring satellite time display. Much like Iron Man’s equipment, they just look like a watch from the future.

As it turns out, the Urwerk UR-110RG made it’s way onto Tony Stark’s wrist in Spiderman: Homecoming not as a marketing ploy, but as a direct request from RDJ. An avid watch collector himself, Downey has clearly developed a refined taste for eccentric timepieces, much like his character’s cultivated taste for innovation.

Image: Philips.com

Although the brand initially refused the request, they did in fact end up providing an UR-110 in rose gold for Mr. Downey to wear on screen.

A quick glance over the watch is all that’s needed to comprehend how unconventional and unique the Urwerk is. Not only by its asymmetrical case design, which is intended to peek out from under a sleeve to display the time. But also by the time display itself, which boasts revolving indices (“satellites”), bright yellow markings, and internally spacious case.

Sold At Phillips Auction

Image: Philips.com

Not merely a talented actor but also a philanthropist, Robert Downey Jr. agreed not only to part ways with the special watch, but also donate its earnings to charity. In the Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN held by Phillips, the watch sold for a hammer price of $150,000, with all proceeds going to the Manusodany NGO.

Fortunately for RDJ, the watchmaker created yet another UR-110RG as the one used in the movie, and gifted it to the actor to ensure his personal collection would no go without one of their remarkable watches.

Since Spiderman: Homecoming, a couple of other Urwerk models have made cameos in the Avengers series, namely the UR-105CT Iron and UR-111C Black Cobra.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116710LN – Bamford “Ghost” Customization

To be honest, it’s no surprise that a brand as prestigious as Rolex has made its way into RDJ’s collection. The brand’s most popular steel models, as well as their precious metal ones, are commonly spotted on the wrists of red-carpet stars.

Rolex Submariner “Hulk”. Image: Rolex.com

And while Robert Downey Jr. does possess a ‘sterile’ Submariner Hulk 116610LV in his collection, it wouldn’t be RDJ if he didn’t also keep a Rolex with a bit more flair. Enter, the GMT-Master II “Ghost” customized by Bamford Watch Department.

This bespoke GMT “Ghost” touts a PVD-treated case, crown, and bracelet for a blacked-out look. The hour indices have also been altered to a dark gray tone with white outlines, and are themselves echoed by the white-fill numerals on the Cerachrom bezel. Of course, the hands at center also follow the same color scheme.

Robert Downey Jr. Rolex GMT Bamford Ghost. Youtube: GQ

It’s safe to say that every GMT-Master fan out there will not be a fan of this Bamford GMT, and even fewer would be able to pull it off. It takes a bold and unorthodox personality to rock this kind of timepiece, which is what makes it so fitting for RDJ’s personal watch box.

On Bamford Watch Department…

Present-day Bamford boasts various official partnerships through which they can customize watches and retail them in new condition. These include the likes of TAG Heuer, Bvlgari,  and Zenith.

Nevertheless, this endorsement is quite recent. For the majority of their history, BWD was perceived as a rogue operation defiling Switzerland’s finest timekeepers.

Bamford TAG, Bvlgari, and Zenith Custom Watches. Images: Bamfordwatchdepartment.com

That was until they exploded in popularity. Like ’em or not, the customizations done by Bamford are unlike anything offered by brands, and watch collectors once more have spoken with their pocketbooks, creating a significant demand for the limited designs.

Bamford’s watches remain polarizing to this day, though they are slowly establishing themselves as a true watch comapny with various Bamford-branded models.

Bell & Ross BR01-94 Titanium Orange LE Ref. BR01-94-TO

Aside from a (counterfeit or movie prop) Speedmaster, the Bell & Ross in RDJ’s collection is the most affordable of all, even considering its 500-piece limited production run. It’s also not a watch he purchased himself, as he shares in the video interview.

A gift from Ben Stiller after filming Tropic Thunder, the BR01-94 Titanium Orange is also an appropriate fit for Tony Stark. As it’s name implies, it’s crafted from ultra-light titanium with a carbon fiber dial, both materials encountered in the aerospace industry, an industry Mr. Stark is very familiar with.

With its bright orange indices and hands, this B & R is a bit flashier than their usual watches, but the design works well nonetheless. The square case of the BR01 watches is evidently quite versatile, and a great fit for more than just traditional pilot’s watches.

There seems to be a theme throughout RDJ’s collection of traditional timepieces with a twist, as seen with this classic Bell & Ross and the previously discussed Rolex GMT-Master II. If nothing else, it’s a clear representation of the movie star’s unique personality, one which has brought him much success.

GQ (YouTube) – RDJ Shows Off His Epic Watch Collection

We’ve only covered some of Robert Downey Jr.’s luxury watch collection. You can check out the rest  of it in GQ’s classic video below:

What’s Next?

If you enjoyed this review of Robert Downey Jr.’s collection, make sure to check out some of our other popular watch articles below:

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• Best Of The Trilogy Set? The Omega Speedmaster ’57, On The Wrist
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