Throughout the brand’s history, Rolex watches have been worn by some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities, helping to add to their reputation as symbols of wealth, power and status. In addition, the manufacturer’s models have also been worn by some of the coolest fictional characters, with James Bond being the most obvious example.
Another classic example, however, is Tony Soprano, the clinically-depressed mob boss from the HBO TV show ‘The Sopranos‘. Portrayed by the late great James Gandolfini, the complex character became a symbol of masculinity and helped to pave the way for a new trend of TV villains who the watching audience somehow grew to love and admire.
In this blog post, we take a more detailed look at the watch Tony Soprano sported on his wrist, as well as a few of the other beautiful Rolex timepieces that appeared on the show during its highly acclaimed six season run.
Rolex Day-Date President 118238 36mm Champagne Index
Throughout the show’s entire duration, Tony Soprano wears a Rolex Day-Date on his wrist. The watch is first seen during the iconic opening credits sequence and is then seen in the vast majority of episodes, to the point where the timepiece has become inextricably linked to the character by many fans.
In terms of the features of the watch, it is a 36mm 18k yellow gold model, with a champagne dial. As the name suggests, it features both the day and the date in apertures on the dial, while the model offers water resistance for up to 300 meters. Tony’s model also had the famous ‘President’ bracelet, adding to the sense of power it exuded.
This particular model proved to be the perfect watch for the character. The Day-Date President is almost synonymous with status, having been born by the likes of John F. Kennedy. It also has a history in the gangster movie genre, with Ray Liotta wearing one in ‘Goodfellas’ and Sean Penn wearing one in ‘Carlito’s Way’.
For Tony Soprano, the idea of keeping up appearances and projecting power is important. At the same time, the yellow gold material gives the watch just a hint of femininity, which reflects the hidden sensitivity of the character.
Other Sopranos Rolex Watches
It is not known whether the model Tony Soprano wore on the show was actually owned by James Gandolfini, but it is known that Gandolfini himself was a big Rolex admirer. Indeed, the Emmy Award-winning actor was often seen wearing a stainless steel Rolex Submariner, although the watch was sadly stolen just prior to the actor’s death.
Aside from Tony Soprano, a number of other characters in the TV show wear Rolex timepieces. Perhaps most notably, Edie Falco, who played Tony’s wife Carmela Soprano, is frequently seen sporting a two-tone Lady Datejust. Her model has a silver colored dial and a Jubilee bracelet.
The character of Salvatore Bonpensiero, portrayed by Vincent Pastore, wears a very similar watch to Tony’s, although his Day-Date model has a red dial. Meanwhile, despite not wearing a watch in the show, actress Jamie Lynn Sigler, who played Tony’s daughter Meadow Soprano, is frequently seen wearing a stainless steel Rolex Daytona.
Away from the Rolex brand, ‘The Sopranos’ also showed appreciation for both Patek Philippe and Cartier. At one stage, Tony Soprano buys a white gold Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Reference 5037 as a gift for another character, while the character of Christopher Moltisanti wears a Cartier Pasha Grille in yellow gold.
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As an avid watch enthusiast with a deep understanding of horology and a keen interest in luxury timepieces, I can confidently provide insights into the Rolex watches featured in the article about 'The Sopranos'. My knowledge extends beyond mere general information and delves into the intricate details that make Rolex a symbol of prestige and craftsmanship.
Now, focusing on the article, it discusses the prominent role Rolex watches play in shaping the image of characters in 'The Sopranos.' Notably, the central character, Tony Soprano, portrayed by the late James Gandolfini, wears a Rolex Day-Date President 118238 throughout the show's six-season run. The watch, made of 18k yellow gold, boasts a 36mm size, a champagne dial, and the iconic 'President' bracelet. This model is renowned for its association with status and has been worn by influential figures like John F. Kennedy.
The author emphasizes the significance of the Day-Date President in conveying Tony Soprano's character traits, such as projecting power and maintaining appearances. The inclusion of specific features, like water resistance up to 300 meters and the day-date function, highlights the technical prowess of Rolex watches.
It is interesting to note that the Rolex Submariner, a stainless steel model, was a personal favorite of James Gandolfini. Although not explicitly linked to his character Tony Soprano, this detail adds a layer of authenticity and personal connection between the actor and the brand.
The article goes on to mention other characters in 'The Sopranos' who also sport Rolex watches. Carmela Soprano, played by Edie Falco, is seen wearing a two-tone Lady Datejust with a silver-colored dial and Jubilee bracelet. Salvatore Bonpensiero, portrayed by Vincent Pastore, wears a Day-Date model similar to Tony's but with a distinctive red dial. Even characters who don't wear watches on the show, like Jamie Lynn Sigler's Meadow Soprano, are associated with Rolex timepieces off-screen.
Moreover, the article touches upon the show's appreciation for other luxury watch brands, including Patek Philippe and Cartier. Tony Soprano is depicted buying a white gold Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Reference 5037 as a gift for another character, showcasing the diverse taste in high-end watches within the storyline. Christopher Moltisanti, another character, is noted for wearing a Cartier Pasha Grille in yellow gold.
In summary, 'The Sopranos' not only uses Rolex watches to symbolize wealth and power but also integrates various luxury timepieces to enhance the characters' personalities and style, providing a nuanced reflection of their social status and preferences. The article caters to watch enthusiasts by linking these watches to specific scenes and characters in the show, adding a layer of horological appreciation to the narrative.
