Breaking Bad is widely celebrated as one of the greatest television series in history. It earned Ryan Cranston (who portrays main character Walter White) 3 consecutive Best Actor Emmy Awards. During season five, Walter’s partner-in-crime, Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul) surprises him with an expensive gift: a Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 Automatic Chronograph.
The Tag Heuer Monaco has a long and proud lineage and is instantly recognizable to horology fans for its square case and subdials.
Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 Automatic Chronograph
The particular watch Jesse gives Walter is the Monaco Calibre 12 Automatic Chronograph. With its recognizable 39mm square case, the watch is made of fine-brushed stainless steel, with a signature blue dial and original crown design.
The chronograph functions are included in the two square subdials for small seconds and minutes. A small date display is also found at 6 o’clock. While retaining the original style, the automatic Calibre 12 has a bigger power reserve of 42 hours.
The bold case is sealed with almost scratch-proof rounded sapphire glass, which is also used on the back to reveal the movement. A matching blue alligator strap is used and it’s water-resistant to 100 meters/330 feet. Walter White’s watch is classic and high-octane — much like the series.
If you recognize this watch from before Breaking Bad, it’s most likely from it a place on Steve McQueen’s wrist for his famous 1971 racing film Le Mans.
A very nice gift from Jesse
A classy gift for Walter White’s 51st birthday. Considering his line of work and schedule, he can definitely make good use of the chronograph function. After Walt receives the watch, he heads home to another confrontation with his wife. In this intense scene, he compares his strained relationship with his wife to his relationship with his partner Jesse, saying that this gift was from someone that recently had a gun pointed at his head.
And that if he could change his mind about him, so could she. The episode concludes with a close up of the watch at his bedside with it ominously running, as a possible symbol of Walt being called a “ticking timebomb” two episodes prior.
Think there is a more suitable watch for Walter White? Let us know in the comments.
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