The watchmaking and film industries have been entangled with each other for decades now. Brands like Hamilton and OMEGA are often featured in blockbuster movies, with popular examples such as the Omega James Bond watches and the Hamilton Interstellar watch. Indeed, there is no denying that a watch feature in a film is a good way to attract attention to the timepiece and add to a character’s aesthetic.
One of the recent crowd-favourite watch placements in film is the appearance of the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual in the Doctor Strange franchise. Seen often throughout both Doctor Strange films, this watch is notable in that it is not just a decorative piece. Instead, this Doctor Strange watch actually plays an important role in the films’ plots as well, further cementing its significance.
Read on to find out all you need to know about this iconic Doctor Strange watch.
A Look at the Doctor Strange Watch
Anyone who has seen the Doctor Strange movies would know that the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual plays an important role in films. Some might argue that this is just another blatant form of product placement for lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who is known to be an ambassador of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Nevertheless, the filmmakers have been able to seamlessly incorporate the JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual into the Doctor Strange films, giving it both frequent close-ups and plot relevance.
In the first movie, the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual is gifted to Doctor Strange by Christine Palmer, his former love interest. As a result, Strange develops a very strong emotional attachment to the watch. He is spotted wearing this Doctor Strange watch many times and continues to hold onto it even after it is shattered. The Doctor Strange watch is even prominently featured in the sequel, as it acts as a tangible reminder of everything the wizard has gone through and his failed romance with Palmer.
Now that we know a little more about why this Doctor Strange watch is so important to the sorcerer, let us take a closer look at it and find out why it is worthy of being worn by one of Earth’s mightiest heroes.
Case and Caseback
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual is housed in a high-grade stainless steel case that exudes luxury right off the bat. It has a 39mm case diameter and a thickness of 9.3mm, which gives the watch a rather slender, petite build. This is quite impressive, as it requires a lot of skill and mastery to be able to craft a case of this size for a modern dress watch. Providing a well-balanced feel on your wrist, this Doctor Strange watch is a great option for those with small-to-mid-sized wrists.
On the underside of this Doctor Strange watch, you will see a transparent caseback. It gives you an up-cloe-and-personal view of the excellent in-house movement that powers all of this watch’s functions. This caseback also bears inscriptions of the watch’s details, such as its reference number, brand name, edition type, and more.
A single look at this Doctor Strange watch will tell you that no one can deny its superior aesthetics. That said, one of the most interesting things is that the entire process of making it was actually carried out in-house, in the JLC manufacture house. From its conceptualisation to its assembly, every step was done under the care of the brand’s amazing and meticulous watchmakers.
Bracelet
This Doctor Strange comes with a gorgeous alligator leather strap in black, which you can also spot in the films. It is equipped with a double-folding buckle made of stainless steel, which keeps the watch securely fastened to your wrist.
Despite its simple style, this is the perfect strap for the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual. Coupled with the stainless steel case, this strap offers a very quintessential appeal, bringing out the straightforward elegance of the watch. This strap is also very versatile, as you can tell from the different outfits it is successfully paired with in the Doctor Strange movies.
Dial
Now, we move on to the most captivating aspect of the Doctor Strange watch: its face. The JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual shows off a refined silver-grey dial that is nothing short of sophisticated.
It is adorned with triangular applique hour markers and dauphine hands, all made from black nickel. These components are also finely bevelled and polished, adding to the sharp, exquisite appeal of this watch. This dial also bears a blued steel seconds hand, which provides a lovely contrast against the silver backdrop.
Aside from the usual time-telling components, this model is also packed with a number of useful complications. It contains three sub-dials which are lightly submerged, serving as the day of the week, month, and date indicators. A quaint little window which serves as he date display is placed near 8 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, you can also find a beautiful, crescent-shaped moonphase display.
The best thing about this watch face is that, despite its many intricacies, it does not feel too crowded or overwhelming at all. All of its components are well-spaced out, creating a neatly organised and easy-to-read dial.
Technical Details
Like most watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre, there is more to the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual than a beautiful exterior. This Doctor Strange watch comes with an equally impressive, well-built interior that will make any knowledgeable watch connoisseur drool.
This watch runs on a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 868, which is developed and assembled entirely in-house. It is an automatic movement that comprises 336 components and 46 jewels. This movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a standard 38-hour power reserved. It also has a 50-metre depth rating, which is quite standard for a dress watch like this.
Price
If you are familiar with Jaeger-LeCoultre, then you would probably have some idea of the price range this watch falls under. As one of the most respected Swiss luxury brands today, most of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watches come at fairly exorbitant price points, and the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual is no different.
The JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual has a price tag of approximately $25,000 USD, befitting its exclusive and prestigious status.
Reputation
Even before being featured in the Doctor Strange film franchise, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual was already highly-regarded among collectors and enthusiasts. First released in 2013, it quickly garnered a rather significant following. It is perceived by many as a chic and sophisticated dress watch that has much to offer when it comes to both functionality and craftsmanship.
Other Watches Featured In the Doctor Strange Franchise
While the main watch in the Doctor Strange films is definitely the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual, there are other timepieces that made quick cameo appearances as well.
As mentioned, watches play a rather significant role in the haughty Doctor’s life. That is why it is no surprise that he has a rather impressive personal collection of his own. Here are some of the exceptional timepieces that were spotted in Doctor Strange’s watch drawer (from left to right):
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520
First up, we have the famous Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520, which is a staple in any luxury watch collection. It is one of the most coveted timepieces out there, which is why it fits Strange’s image quite well.
This Rolex watch comes in a 40mm Oystersteel case, coupled with a three-link Oyster bracelet made of the same material. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a thick, robust Oystersteel bezel which bears indicators for a handy tachymeter scale.
This watch showcases a clean white dial, which pairs wonderfully with its all-silver exterior. This dial has a rather sporty display, consisting of luminous applique hour markers and blunt hands. As a chronograph watch, it also has three sub-dials which are lined in thick rings of steel. These serve as the 1/8th of a second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters.
Inside this sleek watch is an in-house Rolex Calibre 4130. Held together by 44 jewels, this automatic movement has an exceptional power supply of 72 hours. It has also achieved Superlative Chronometer certification, which means it has outstanding accuracy rate of +/-2 seconds per day.
This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch sells at around $44,000 USD. It is an excellent watch that is certainly worthy of everyone’s favorite Marvel sorcerer.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Ref. Q397846J
The second model that can be spotted in Doctor Strange’s watch drawer is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Ref. Q397846J. This is another highly-regarded timepiece that is just as prestigious as the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual.
This JLC Reverso watch is presented in a rectangular case made of stainless steel. With dimensions of 45.6mm x 27.4mm dimension, this sharply angular watch looks great on slimmer wrists. Its classic and refined watch case is brought out even more by its handsome burgundy leather strap.
The dial of this watch boasts a rich red sunray-brushed finish, which perfectly complements its strap. It is ornamented with applique hour markers, bevelled dauphine hands, and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. This watch also comes with a solid caseback and screw-down crown, both of which contribute to its decent 30-meter water resistance rating.
A Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822 drives this watch’s functions. This is a manual-winding movement made up of 108 components and 19 jewels. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and has a 42-hour power reserve, making it truly reliable despite its petite size.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Ref. Q397846J costs about $10,000 USD. It is known to hold its value remarkably well, making it a very smart investment piece too.
TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. CAW211J.FC6476
Lastly, placed on the far-right of Doctor Strange’s watch drawer is a TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. CAW211J.FC6476. This watch has a very sporty and contemporary aesthetic which matches the persona of Strange in the first part of the film.
This TAG Heuer Monaco watch sports a 39mm square case made out of stainless steel. It is fitted with a classic leather strap in black, which balances against the modernity of the angular watch case.
The dial of this watch showcases a simple and serious matte grey finish. It is decorated with luminescent applique markers and sporty red-and-silver sword hands. It also has a bi-compax display, with two sub-dials for the 60-second and 30-minute counters, and a compact date aperture at 6 o’clock.
Flipping this TAG Heuer watch over, you will find a see-through caseback. It gives you a glimpse of the TAG Heuer Calibre 12 that runs inside this watch. This movement has a depth rating of up to 100 meters, which makes it suitable for most water activities. When fully wound, it can also last for up to 40 hours.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. CAW211J.FC6476 retails at $6,000 USD, making it one of the more affordable Doctor Strange watches.
Final Thoughts
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual is arguably the perfect timepiece for Steven Strange. Even if Benedict Cumberbatch was not a JLC ambassador, there is no other watch out there that complements the vibe of Doctor Strange as well as this model does. It boasts classic and quintessential aesthetics whilst also showcasing modern and innovative craftsmanship, closely reflecting the persona of the aforementioned sorcerer. Ultimately, this Doctor Strange watch is as magical and captivating as the sorcerer who wears it.
Photo Credits: Jaeger-LeCoultre, WatchShopping, and Reddit
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