Westworld Watches: Time Travel, Tech & Style In The Series

Mr. Braden Oberbrunner 23 May 2025

Is the allure of Westworld, a world meticulously crafted with the echoes of the past and the promise of the future, truly timeless, or merely a reflection of our fascination with time itself? The intricate details of the series, from the costumes to the technology, reveal a deep-seated obsession with horology, making the timepieces worn by the characters as significant as the narratives they inhabit.

The dialogue surrounding watches and their presence in the context of "Westworld" extends beyond mere prop placement; it delves into the thematic core of the show, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the very nature of reality. Right now, an internal "time+tide" email thread is circulating, its subject line pointedly referencing "Westworld," a testament to the series' ongoing relevance and its impact on diverse communities. The popularity of the show also reflects in the presence of 2.2 million, 2.3 million, and 1.9 million subscribers, respectively, within the watches community across different platforms. These vibrant online hubs are dedicated to discussions surrounding wristwatches and pocket watches, further indicating the resonance of time-related elements of "Westworld" with a broad audience. Beyond online forums, a promotional poster for the film, showcases Brad Pitt, sporting a pocket watch fob, a detail that speaks volumes about the show's meticulous attention to detail.

Aspect	Detail
Show Title	Westworld
Genre	Science Fiction, Western, Drama, Mystery
Premiere Date	October 2, 2016
Original Run	2016-2022
Created By	Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy
Based On	The 1973 film "Westworld" by Michael Crichton
Starring	Evan Rachel Wood, Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, James Marsden, Tessa Thompson, Anthony Hopkins
Production Company	HBO Entertainment, Kilter Films, Bad Robot Productions
Networks	HBO
Seasons	4
Awards	Primetime Emmy Awards (multiple nominations and wins)
Themes	Artificial intelligence, consciousness, free will, human nature, corporate greed, revolution
Plot Summary	Set in a technologically advanced Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android "hosts", the series explores the nature of consciousness and the ethics of artificial life.
Key Characters	Dolores Abernathy, Maeve Millay, Bernard Lowe, Robert Ford, The Man in Black (William), Caleb Nichols
Notable Locations	Westworld, Sweetwater, The Mesa, Warworld
Visual Style	High production values, blending futuristic and Western aesthetics
Musical Score	Ramin Djawadi
Critical Reception	Initially praised for its ambitious concept, stunning visuals, and performances; later seasons met with mixed reviews
Cultural Impact	Sparked discussions about AI ethics, technological singularity, and the nature of reality. Influenced fashion and design, including watch aesthetics.
Availability	Streaming on HBO Max, and available to rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
Related Media	The original 1973 film "Westworld," "Futureworld" (1976 sequel), video games, and comics.
Reference	HBO Official Website

The choice of a pocket watch fob, reminiscent of the Old West, is a clever design choice. Much like Anthony Hopkins' character, Robert Ford, in "Westworld," Brad Pitt, in the film "Jesse James," carries his timepiece with the same poise. This connection underscores the show's blending of past and future, a core element of its narrative, where the past is constantly being reimagined and repurposed.

Watch World offers a wide selection of watches and accessories, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these accessories in the real world. The Westworld S3-inspired watch face for the Samsung Gear S2, for example, offers a sporty, futuristic flair, emulating the iconic Rehoboam interface. This digital design is dynamic, featuring a 24-hour display that enhances both functionality and style through captivating animation sequences. The attention to such details, both within the show and in fan-made creations, further illustrates the complex relationship between the show and the community's engagement with timepieces.

One particularly intriguing aspect of the series is the watch worn by Bernard, a pivotal character in the first season, who is seen sporting an Omega Seamaster. This seemingly small detail raises significant questions. Was this watch intentionally placed in the "Westworld" universe, or was it a stylistic choice? The presence of a watch, especially a mechanical one, within a technologically advanced world such as "Westworld" could symbolize many things. For some, it may represent a love for the past, a grounding anchor in a sea of complex technological advancements. Others have speculated if the watch had significance of being Arnolds, which was then placed on Bernard's wrist after Ford killed Arnold. The very questions surrounding the watch's presence contribute to the layered complexity of the narrative.

The series delves into the complexities of time. The executive producers, Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, watching the final episode and providing commentary, gives another dimension to the show, where the choices are made for the characters and their significance. From a purely practical standpoint, the show provides a reflection on the concept of time itself, asking viewers to consider the relationship between the human body and the artificial intelligence, and the nature of our own consciousness. Wearing a Planet Ocean 45.5mm daily, the show sets at the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, and explores a world in which every human appetite, not matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged.

The fusion of the present and the future is further showcased when James Marsden visits the IWC booth during the launch of the Da Vinci novelties. The show explores the way we interact with time-telling devices. For many, the traditional watch remains a symbol of value, a way of tracking what is most precious: time itself. However, smartwatches are revolutionizing the industry, providing customized tools to the user with notifications of information and connectivity. The future is evident in the smartwatch worn by Caleb, which resembles the Nubia Alpha smartphone. The digital display of smartwatches and even the Rehoboam interface, shows that the series embraces the possibilities of futuristic technology, while still appreciating the beauty of the past.

The accessibility of "Westworld" on multiple platforms Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, etc. speaks to its widespread appeal and the diverse ways audiences consume content. This ensures that both seasoned watch enthusiasts and casual viewers can engage with the show and its intricate world. The ability to view episodes in 4k on these platforms further highlights the meticulous detail of the show's visual presentation.

In conclusion, "Westworld" provides a complex and multi-layered narrative which is constantly playing with the viewers perspectives. The show is as much about watches as it is about the passage of time, the nature of consciousness, and the quest for free will. The timepieces worn by the characters, from the pocket watches of the Old West to the futuristic smartwatches, underscore the narratives themes, inviting viewers to engage with the show on multiple levels. The series offers something for everyone, combining the traditional value of horology with the constant evolution of technology.