From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight On: Orlando Bloom, and his vintage cool watch collection.
English actor and producer Orlando Bloom made his Hollywood breakthrough from roles in epic
fantasy franchises, such as Lord of the Rings, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Now a genuine leading man, he has used his influence as a goodwill ambassador.
Many people already know these about him, but very few know that he’s also a respected
watch collector.
He reportedly has around 40 luxury watches, most of them rare and vintage, but Bloom is
so discreet that it only became public knowledge when the watches were stolen in 2009.
Thankfully, the rare and expensive pieces were eventually recovered and returned to
him.
They were almost gone, but we’re glad to see them on his wrist today.
Here are some of his treasured timepieces:
First up is his Rolex Explorer II reference 1655, which was introduced in 1971.
It rose to fame because of its association with another leading man – Steve McQueen.
Also called Orange Hand, the watch was created with cave explorers in mind.
The contrast between the black dial and the luminous hands and orange arrow help them
tell time even in the dark.
Being so niched, it was a slow-mover at first, but due to the Hollywood connection, is now
considered a highly collectible watch.
Orlando wears his on a fat strap, for a tougher look.
Orlando sure likes legendary watches, as he also has the Rolex Pepsi, or the famous red
and blue bezeled, GMT Master watch.
Rolex’s famous aviation watch was created for Pan Am airlines, in order to help pilots
tell time in a second timezone.
This particular reference enjoyed one of the longest production runs - until 1980, which
makes it sought after among collectors.
Apart from its history, it has a desirable aged look – from the bakelite bezel that
turns a lighter red and blue, and hour markers that turn into a creamy color.
Traits that are very desirable to vintage watch collectors.
Orlando is clearly a Rolex fan, but he has made space for a few other iconic brands,
too.
He used to own a vintage Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute, that has been auctioned off.
Among the watches he has given away for charity is this Breitling Navitimer reference 806,
which comes with a slide-rule pilot bezel, and was produced in the 1960’s.
This Cosmonaute watch is loved by collectors for its twin-jet Breitling logo, legible dial
with contrasting registers, and very sharply conditioned case.
Finally, how could a Rolex lover not have a Submariner in his collection?
Orlando has several, from the 6538 Big Crown to the 5513 gilt dial.
The gilt dial also enjoyed one of the longest production periods among Submariners, so there
are several variations in these models.
The gilt dial is one of them.
These dials are easily identified by the gold text, that appears on their black surface.
Gilt dials are the most rare and valuable among Rolex sport dials because of their warm
and unmistakably vintage appearance.
A look that’s right up Orlando Bloom’s alley.
While clearly a vintage fan, Orlando also likes modern, oversized pieces such as his
Panerai Luminor, IWC Doppelchrono, and IWC Big Pilot watches.
Modern or vintage, old or new, one thing’s clear.
Orlando Bloom has excellent taste in watches.
Which of them was your favorite?
Tell us in the comments section.