[Jet Li] Li Lianjie's watch ~Actor's Watch #206~

With an impressive track record of winning the Chinese martial arts championship five years in a row, Li Lianjie entered the Hong Kong film industry in the 1980s. After taking the world by storm with his splendid Chinese martial arts style shown in "Shaolin" (1982) and "Arhat" (1986), he made his way to Hollywood with "Lethal Weapon 4" (1998), co-starring with Mel Gibson. He captivated the world as a kung fu star following in the footsteps of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. In Japan, "Once Upon a Time in China" (1991) was a huge hit. Many people may remember him by the English name "Jet Li," which was used in the media at the time.

"Actor's Watch" focuses on the watches worn by actors active in the movies and on TV. In this, our 206th installment, we will be introducing the watches worn by Li Lianjie, aka "Jet Li."

Rolex

Daytona [Ref.116509]

The tsunami disaster caused by the Sumatra earthquake in 2004. Lee Lin-Chei, who was present at the scene, was nearly engulfed by the tsunami along with his family, but was rescued safely and narrowly escaped death. He was impressed by the people who worked so hard to help those affected by disasters, regardless of race or religion, and decided to take on a charity project to support those suffering from disasters. In the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the "One Fund" he established sent donations and messages to the victims.

In May 2008, the Wang Foundation organized a charity car race to support victims of the Sichuan earthquake. The watch worn by Lee Lianjie, who participated in the event with Hong Kong filmmakers, was a Rolex Daytona (Ref. 116509) that was designed to suit the situation of a car race.

Hublot

Big Bang Aero Bang Jet Li Limited Edition [Ref.311.CI.1130.GR.JLI11]

The activities of the "One Foundation" that he launched received support from the watch industry. Hublot decided to donate a portion of its sales to the One Foundation, and in 2010 Lee Lin-chei was appointed as the ambassador for Hublot's Asia representative.

In 2011, Hublot released a special collaboration model, the Hublot Big Bang Aero Bang Jet Li Limited (Ref.311.CI.1130.GR.JLI11), to pay tribute to Jet Li's work. The skeleton dial features a checkered pattern inspired by his debut work, "Shaolin Temple," and the color red, which is considered auspicious in China, is used for the crystal, hands, and strap stitching. The case back features Jet Li's signature and the Yin-Yang symbol.

Swatch

Irony Incognito [Ref.YGS9002]

The suspense action movie "Kiss of the Dragon" (2001) is about a Chinese investigator, Liu, who visits Paris to crack down on a huge drug trafficking route, but is framed for murder by a corrupt local detective who is trying to monopolize the drug market, and is pursued by him. Produced by Luc Besson ("Leon" (1994)) and written and starring Li Lianjie, the watch worn by the lead investigator in the film was a Swatch Irony Incognito (Ref. YGS9002).

Li Lianjie rushes around the city of Paris to rescue the heroine who has been caught up in an incident. This watch has a modest feel that suits the character of the shy and gentlemanly Liu, who connects with her but does not fall in love with her.

summary

What did you think?

Li Lianjie wore both the Daytona and Big Bang models with red accent colors. He seems to be bringing good luck with a watch that incorporates the color "red." It's a choice that is typical of a Chinese actor, and gives off a sense of celebration.

Since around 2010, Li Lianjie's thyroid disease has made it difficult for him to work as an action actor. His condition worsened to the point that rumors of his death circulated, but he eventually recovered. In the 2020 Disney film "Mulan," in which he co-starred with his schoolmate Donnie Yen, he showed off his skilled action skills, even though he only appeared in a few scenes, reassuring fans.

He used to thrill the world with his splendid action scenes, but now he's 60 years old. With concerns about his health, it will be difficult for him to film the same kind of intense action scenes as before. However, fans would still like to see him in action, even if it's just for a one-scene cameo appearance.

I hope that one day we will be able to see his fluid, graceful action scenes on the big screen again.

See you later!