"Actor's Watch" focuses on watches worn by actors in movies, television, etc.
For our 23rd installment, in commemoration of the release of "Godzilla vs. Kong," we'd like to focus on watches from Godzilla and King Kong-related films.
*Source: https://kranmedia.com/
Godzilla
GODZILLA (2014)
The first film in the Monsterverse series, a world of monsters centered around Godzilla and King Kong, produced by Legendary Entertainment. GODZILLA is a spectacular movie that depicts the battle between the revived Godzilla and his nemesis, the MUTO, and the efforts of the secret organization "Monarch" and the US military that pursue the monsters.
The lead role of the movie, US Navy Captain Brody, is played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is popular for his roles as Quicksilver in "The Avengers" and the hero in "Kick-Ass." The watch he is wearing is likely a Suunto Core Alu Deep Black .
*Source: https://bestwatchbrandshq.com/
*Source: https://www.suunto.com/
One memorable scene in the film is the "HALO jump," in which Captain Brody's unit parachutes from high altitude to Godzilla's feet. Equipped with an altimeter, barometer, and compass, this watch is an ideal model for this purpose.
Shin Godzilla
SHIN GODZILLA (2016)
"SHIN GODZILLA" is the first Godzilla movie produced in Japan in about 12 years since 2004's "Godzilla: Final Wars."
This film, directed and written by Anno Hideaki, the director of the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, is a politically charged "disaster movie" that depicts the Japanese government being forced to respond to the emergence of a giant unknown creature called Godzilla. The film's style, which is completely different from previous Godzilla movies, drew mixed reviews, but the final box office revenue was 8.25 billion yen , making it the highest grossing Godzilla movie in Japan. I myself went to the cinema about five times, which contributed to the sales. (laughs)
*Source: https://www.indiewire.com/
One watch that stood out in particular in the film "Shin Godzilla" was the Rolex Chameleon worn by Ishihara Satomi , who played Kayoko Ann Patterson, a special envoy from the US president who came to Japan in pursuit of information about Godzilla.
*Source: https://www.rolexmagazine.com/
The "Chameleon" model, named after its versatility, which allows you to easily change out the various colorful genuine straps, is a very popular vintage Rolex model for women . It is guaranteed to make Kayoko look a cut above the rest when wearing the "ZARA" clothes she was looking for.
Kong: Skull Island
KONG:SKULL ISLAND (2017)
If Godzilla represents Japan in the world of monsters, then King Kong represents America.
The second film in the MonsterVerse is a blockbuster adventure that adults can enjoy as well, set on Skull Island, home of King Kong.
*Source: https://screenrant.com/
In 1973, towards the end of the Vietnam War, a secret organization called Monarch heads to investigate Skull Island, an unknown island discovered by satellite. Along with a cameraman and mercenaries hired by Monarch, they encounter King Kong, a giant ape-man who rules over the creatures on Skull Island, which is overrun with giant creatures.
The main character of this movie is Tom Hiddleston, who is very popular with women for his role as Loki in the "Thor" series. The watch worn by Conrad, a professional mercenary with a knack for survival, is likely to be a Bulova Military 96B229 .
*Source: https://www.watchuseek.com/
*Source: https://uhrforum.de/
With its coin-edge bezel, cushion case, railroad track and red second hand, this military watch has a look that is typical of this era, but it is actually a watch from the 2010s equipped with Bulova's new generation quartz "UHF" movement. Although it is not from the same era, watches like this one were widely distributed for military use from the 1930s onwards, such as the Longines Large Cushion, so I think this watch conveys the atmosphere of that time well.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019)
The third film in the MonsterVerse, GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, is set five years after the previous Godzilla film, when dormant monsters are discovered one after another all over the world and the existence of the secret organization Monarch is made public.
The film depicts the fierce battle between Godzilla, Rodan, and King Ghidorah unfolding in various locations around the world, including Antarctica and Italy.
*Source: https://screenrant.com/
What is particularly memorable in this film is the pocket watch worn by Dr. Ishiro Serizawa, played by Ken Watanabe, the biologist and de facto leader of Monarch.
*Source: https://screenrant.com/
The pocket watch that stopped at 8:15 , a keepsake from his father who died in the atomic bombing, is a symbol of the tragic history of nuclear weapons and is contrasted with Godzilla, whose source of energy is nuclear energy. Although the maker is unknown, it leaves a strong impression in the "Godzilla Resurrection" scene in the film.
Godzilla
GODZILLA (1954)
Ginza, where our store is located, is actually an area that has a deep connection with Godzilla. In the first Godzilla film in 1954, Godzilla emerged from Tokyo Bay and destroyed Ginza and its surrounding areas, including Matsuzakaya, Wako Building, and the National Diet Building.
Godzilla's height varies from film to film, but in the first film, Godzilla was about 50m tall. It is said that this was set to match the scene where he destroys the clock tower of the Wako Building. However, at the time, it was still unheard of for a monster to destroy an actual building. Wako headquarters (Seiko Group), whose building was destroyed in the film, was furious, and it is said that they refused to allow any Toho filming there for about two years afterwards.
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/
Of course, there is no need to worry as Toho and the Seiko Group currently enjoy a good relationship, with Grand Seiko releasing a model commemorating the 65th anniversary of Godzilla's birth .
summary
What did you think? Because Godzilla is a family film, not many high-end brand watches appear, but I think the way the timepieces are used makes a lasting impression, in keeping with the historical background and characters.
*Source: https://eiga.com/
Well, Godzilla vs. Kong was originally scheduled to be released in May, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was released on July 2nd. I was personally looking forward to this film, so I went to see it on the first day, and in one word, it was "the best"! The rival battle between the imposing king Godzilla and the somewhat human King Kong is an exquisitely balanced relationship that is worth watching.
And if you don't want to be exposed to spoilers before watching the movie, we recommend that you do not go to the cinema's concession stand before watching the movie (you will encounter blatant spoilers).
see you!