The Watches of Matthew Macfadyen

Matthew Macfadyen just scored his first Emmy. The British actor, who plays Tom Wambsgans on the hit HBO series Succession, received the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

While he plays the opportunistic Tom in pitch-perfect manner, Matthew is unassuming in real life, with a personal style that displays quiet confidence. On his wrist are all-time classics that go with any occasion. Check out the watches of Matthew Macfadyen:

Rolex Explorer II

Matthew’s sportiest watch to date is the Rolex Explorer II, a rugged tool watch designed specifically for spelunkers, who explore the depths of caves.

His choice model is the ref. 226570 from 2021, which sought to improve the legibility, comfort, classic proportions, and precision the original 1971 Explorer II had. Its upgrades include thinner crown guards, a wider bracelet fitted with the new Oysterlock folding clasp, and a Caliber 3285 Perpetual movement at its core, complete with a 70-hour power reserve and a more robust Chronergy escapement.

Despite the improvements, the same 42mm case remained as did the brushed flat surfaces. The watch is also still available with either a black or white dial topped with the series’ signature orange arrow hand. Photos from Gentleman’s Journal on Twitter

Rolex Datejust 41

Matthew’s all-occasion watch is the Rolex Datejust 41, which suits modern tastes and brings a fresh aesthetic to the brand’s catalog.

He went for the Oystersteel model, which can be worn casually or as a statement piece depending on how it is styled. The sunburst silver dial displays the time with luminous Chromalight baton hands and hour markers, offering a very legible reading and complementing the watch’s overall monochromatic design. Photo from The Guardian on Twitter

Inside, the timepiece runs on the self-winding Caliber 3235 movement, which offers a 70-hour power reserve. The Twinlock screw-down crown gives access to the various functions of the Datejust 41 and prevents outside elements like water and dust from penetrating the case.

Created in 2016, the Drive de Cartier is a vintage and automotive-inspired watch, distinguished by a cushion-shaped case, a domed crystal, and a sapphire dial in silver. The moonphase display with blue and yellow accents and playful illustrations adds interest, while intricate guilloché motifs, black Roman numerals, and sword-shaped hands make it distinctly Cartier.

With its exquisite shape, masterful proportions, and reliable in-house movement, the Drive de Cartier is the perfect representation of timeless elegance. Video from Succession on Instagram

Cartier Santos

The Cartier Santos is widely renowned for being the first-ever pilot’s watch in history, but Tom pairs it with tailored suits in neutral colors.

The actor prefers the versatile two-tone version, which blends the robustness of steel with the shine of gold. Thanks to its ergonomic curves and slimmer profile, the Santos sits well on the wrist and slides easily under the cuff. Video from HBO on YouTube

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

There is certainly a correlation between the watch you wear and the higher up the corporate ladder you climb. In the latest season of Succession, we see Tom upgrading to an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, which is the younger sibling of the Royal Oak.

He’s been spotted wearing a stainless steel edition while filming season four in New York. Its silver Grande Tapisserie dial serves as a great backdrop against the blue outer minute track and sub-dials showing the small seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. With its thin profile and exceptional brushed finish, this watch serves as solid proof that Tom’s character has gone up in the baller stakes. Photo from British GQ on Twitter