MobLand’s Timepieces: Character Through Watches

Guy Ritchie’s latest dive into the London underworld, MobLand, is more than just a crime drama. It’s a meticulously crafted narrative where even the smallest details contribute to character development.

Costume designer Rebecca Hale, known for her diverse portfolio, made deliberate choices regarding the luxury watches worn by the cast. These timepieces were not chosen for their flashiness. Instead, they subtly reflect each character’s role, status, personality, and background, seamlessly integrating into the storytelling without distracting from the action.

Helen Mirren’s Understated Wealth: The Omega Constellation

Helen Mirren portrays Maeve Harrigan, a character whose watch choice speaks volumes about her quiet affluence.

A Symbol of Refined Taste

Maeve wears an Omega Constellation with a 28mm case. This elegant watch features an 18ct yellow gold and stainless steel construction. Its pristine white mother-of-pearl dial combined with gold hands and the iconic “claws” on the bezel communicate a sense of understated, yet undeniable, wealth.

Hale explains this choice, noting that the watch is Maeve’s “only piece of clothing really that gives any indication that she’s wearing very expensive clothes.” This is particularly impactful given the character’s otherwise all-black and often austere wardrobe, allowing the watch to be a singular, powerful statement of her established position.

Pierce Brosnan’s Fading Influence: The Omega Globemaster

Maeve’s husband, Conrad, played by Pierce Brosnan, sports a timepiece that subtly hints at his character’s declining authority.

A Watch for a Legacy Figure

Conrad’s watch is an Omega Constellation Globemaster. It’s crafted from a luxurious rose “Sedna” gold and paired with a classic brown leather strap. This choice is a thoughtful match for a character deeply rooted in a legacy, yet acutely aware of his diminishing influence. The Globemaster, with its distinctive fluted bezel and overall refined aesthetic, is a conceivable choice for an aging figure of authority.

While Omega might not market it with this specific subtext, in MobLand, it perfectly underscores Conrad’s established past contrasting with his current, slipping grip on power.

Paddy Considine’s Functional Edge: The Hublot Classic Fusion

Paddy Considine’s character, Kevin Harrigan, wears a modern and practical timepiece, reflecting his behind-the-scenes role.

Built for Purpose

Kevin wears a Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium Chronograph. This watch features a 42mm titanium case, making it lightweight and durable. It is powered by the watchmaker’s HUB1153 self-winding movement and secured with a sleek black rubber strap. The Hublot’s design is modern, compact, and clearly built for function.

It suggests a character who works diligently in the background, perhaps a discreet operative rather than someone seeking the limelight. Its utilitarian elegance perfectly aligns with Kevin’s role in the narrative.

Tom Hardy’s Senior Status: The Rolex GMT-Master II

Tom Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, a fixer within the underworld, wears a watch that unmistakably signals his seniority and robust capabilities.

A Classic for the Capable

Harry Da Souza’s choice is a solid yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master II (reference 116718LN-0001). It’s presented on the iconic Oyster bracelet. This particular model features a sophisticated black ceramic bezel and the invaluable dual time zone function. The watch is inherently robust and versatile, mirroring the character’s competence and adaptability in challenging situations.

In a wardrobe that is otherwise described as minimal, this prominent Rolex stands out as a clear sign of Harry’s seniority and established position within the criminal hierarchy.

The Power of Timepieces in Storytelling

Costume designer Rebecca Hale emphasizes the intentionality behind each watch selection.

Watches That “Tell a Story”

Hale succinctly explains the significance of these accessories: “The watches tell a story.” She further highlights the choices made for the central figures, stating, “Conrad, Maeve and Tom [Hardy] have gone for absolute classics.” This deliberate approach transforms each timepiece from a mere prop into an integral part of the character’s visual language.

By choosing iconic and carefully considered watches, MobLand uses subtle cues to enrich the narrative, allowing viewers to glean deeper insights into the characters’ lives, histories, and roles within London’s intricate underworld.