From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight On: the watches in political drama,
House of Cards.
Netflix’s House of Cards ran a successful 6 seasons from 2013 to 2018. The online-only
web television series gained critical acclaim, and was the first of its kind to receive major
Emmy nominations.
Showing themes of pragmatism, betrayal, and power, it would seem as if every character
on the show is overwhelmingly in control – and that’s the case even when it comes to their
wardrobe.
We did some watch spotting and found some amazing watches worn on the show. Here’s
what they wore on their wrists to achieve that compelling political style…
Robin Wright played Claire Underwood, the First Lady of the United States. Following
Kevin Spacey’s removal from the show, Claire rose to the occasion and became the 47th President
of the United States.
Claire has always served power looks on the show, from her stint as UN ambassador, to
her eventual rise as President. Her constant accessory is a Cartier Tank watch, which is
both capable yet feminine.
We were able to spot two Cartier Tank Louis models in yellow gold – one with a brown
strap and another with a black leather strap. This was a little nod to former first lady
Jackie Kennedy, who also wore the classic rectangular watch.
Loyal to Cartier, Underwood shifted to a steel and diamond Cartier Tank Francaise in later
seasons. The Tank Francaise comes with a chain link bracelet and more angular rectangle case
-- a modern take on the classic Tank watch.
Kevin Spacey played Frank Underwood, the initial protagonist of the series. He rose from House
Majority Whip to US President, but was eventually killed off in the series’ final seasons.
His everyday timepiece was an IWC Portuguese Automatic, a well loved design for its ultra
clean minimalist appearance. Despite having two subdials and a date window, it remains
uncluttered and legible. A perfect example of a dress-meets-tool watch.
Speaking of tool watches, Frank also wore the iconic IWC Pilot Chronograph. This design
harks back to the early days of aviation, when pilots had to face the elements in unheated
cockpits. The proportions of this watch were made for easy reading and adjustment while
flying.
Frank’s IWC collection won’t be complete without the Portofino. IWC launched the Portofino as
a pocket watch for the wrist, so it’s the perfect timepiece for when you’re dressed
to the nines, but is also suitable for everyday use.
It’s not just Claire who’s loyal to Cartier watches. Former US President Garrett Walker,
played by Michel Gill, also wore two Cartier timepieces.
Garrett wore a Tank Louis Cartier XL during his inauguration as the 45th President of
the United States. The Tank Louis was designed by Louis Cartier himself, and it’s this
model that set the standard for the entire Cartier tank family of watches.
The rest of the ensemble, of course, had top notch watches as well. Remy Danton, Frank
Underwood’s protégé, sported a Tag Heuer Monaco.
The first water resistant automatic square watch, and one that’s left handed at that,
the Tag Heuer Monaco reflected Remy’s rebellious Steve McQueen tendencies.
Doug Stamper, White House Chief of Staff and former director of strategy, wore a classic
black Breitling Navitimer. The iconic aviation watch reflects his dependability and precision.
And finally, congressman Peter Russo is also shown wearing a Rolex Seadweller on the show.
Russo knows how to celebrate his achievements -- with a large, highly recognizable Rolex
is definitely the way to go.
From refined to robust, the watches in House of Cards, are all perfect reflections of their
characters roles and motivations.
Which watch was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
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