Robert Downey Jr. unveiled his watch collection to the world in 2016 through a GQ magazine feature. As he said, “You can learn a lot about a man if he opens up his jewelry box.”
His watch collection is as varied as the list of films and credits to his name. Despite having a very public and tumultuous personal life, he has managed to bounce back and reinvent himself after four decades – and is now one of the most respected actors in the business.
He does not say much about the watches in the GQ feature, and in true Robert Downey Jr. fashion just proceeded to toss the watches on the floor. We’ll fill in those parts for him so you can rock the same watches as Iron Man:
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Omega Speedmaster
The Omega Speedmaster is best known for being the only watch to pass NASA’s series of tests in the 1960’s and being the first watch worn on the moon. It has since been part of all six lunar missions, and has gone through updates over the years, but it is still powered by virtually the same movement that first powered it on the moon. Photo from Robert Downey Jr. on Instagram
The Reverso is considered the very first sports watch. Launched in the 1930’s, it was created to suit the needs of polo players for a watch that can handle the rigors of the sport. Its appeal quickly went beyond the polo grounds, with its classic, Art Deco-inspired design. Video from Variety on YouTube
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Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner “Hulk” earned its moniker because of its Green-dial, and green Cerachrom bezel. Launched in 2010, it was named after “The Hulk”, Marvel Comics’ green-colored fictional superhero. The Hulk is also the first Rolex watch to use any other color than black and blue on its bezel.
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Breitling Pathfinder
Robert Downey Jr. has a Breitling “Pathfinder”, which looks very much like the blue dial Breitling Colt Quartz. This became the most controversial watch from his collection, as no Breitling Pathfinder actually existed in the market. Watch enthusiasts surmise that, with Breitling’s history of providing watches to very elite military forces, it probably belonged to a member of the Pathfinder Group – an exclusive unit within the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade. How the watch made it to Downey’s watch collection is anyone’s guess. Video from GQ on YouTube
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Patek Philippe Nautilus
Patek Philippe was known for its very traditional and classic manufacture, and so the Nautilus, with its sporty, nautical-inspired design, was considered the first marketing- oriented proposition of Patek. Launched in 1976, it is also one of the first luxury sports watches ever made, and is designed by the legendary watch designer, Gerald Genta.
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