The story behind Pierce Brosnan’s vintage 1945 Girard-Perregaux watch
It's been the 72-year-old's watch of choice for life after Bond
By 
THERE’S BEEN NO BETTER PAIRING in watches and cinema than Omega and James Bond. And the Bond that started this affinity for the Swiss watchmaker was Pierce Brosnan in 1995’s GoldenEye, wearing a Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2541.80 chosen by costume designer Lindy Hemming. Daniel Craig would carry on the mantle after Brosnan, situating the modern incarnations of the 007 agent as de facto Omega brand ambassadors. But once you hang up the suit and tie, are former Bonds allowed free-reign over what timepieces they wear?
For Brosnan, it appears so. His post-Bond watch of choice has been a vintage 1945 Girard-Perregaux, which he bought while he was filming 2004’s Laws of Attraction in New York with Julianne Moore, one of his first credits after his last Bond outing in 2002’s Die Another Day. The Irish actor later revealed in an interview that after purchasing the watch, he “came out of the store, my knees were shaking [due to] how much money I just dropped.” (A Girard-Perregaux watch fetches in the four-figures today. While not insanely expensive, he was a working actor leaving behind one of the most secure roles in the industry.)
The post-Bond watch
A relatable experience, for sure, but he’s more than amortised the initial cost two decades on. The watch’s gold square case has been spotted over the years under his sleeve cuff while attending the Golden Globes and Wimbledon. It would even make a cameo when Brosnan starred in the 2012 Love Is All You Need. A memento to bookmark his post-Bond life, the watch might’ve also subconsciously marked his pivot into rom-coms. Indeed, it’s a more playful timepiece with its seconds sub-dial and power reserve indicator contrasted with the square build.
His most recent outing with the watch was on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, promoting The Thursday Murder Club alongside his co-star Helen Mirren. Wearing a blue textured peak label suit with a matching high-sheen shirt, the watch’s orange gator strap and yellow gold case pop out immediately. And with aviator shades to finish, Brosnan can’t escape the Bond look.
But considering his Bond era was most known for the Seamaster – stainless steel and athletic – Brosnan’s independent watch taste leans more towards square faces. Striking out on his own terms, the man loves an elegant timepiece.
Related:
Austin Butler’s dainty Breitling is the leading man watch to wear
The $1.4m Rolex Daytona “Barbie” that’s taken over the A-listers’ wrists
