Peaky Blinders, the iconic British crime drama, captivated audiences not only with its gripping storylines and complex characters but also with its immaculate attention to detail in fashion and accessories. One of the most significant accessories seen throughout the series is the pocket watch, which reflects the style and status of the early 20th century.
However, as the story transitions from television to film, we may see a symbolic shift in timepieces – from the traditional pocket watches of the 1920s to the more modern wristwatches of the 1930s and 1940s.
This article takes a closer look at their favourite watches.
In the original TV series, the characters' use of pocket watches is not just a stylistic choice but a deliberate nod to the era in which the show is set. The Peaky Blinders gang, led by Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), operates primarily in the 1920s, a time when pocket watches were a standard accessory for men of wealth and influence. Tommy, with his razor-sharp suits and impeccable style, often sports a pocket watch on a chain, which complements his position as both a criminal mastermind and a man of business.
Pocket watches, particularly during this period, were seen as symbols of sophistication and status. They were often crafted from precious metals and featured intricate designs, making them more than just functional tools - they were a display of wealth and authority.
Tommy’s pocket watch, with its visible chain draped across his waistcoat, is a constant reminder of his need to control time, both literally and figuratively. In a world where timing is everything - from orchestrating business deals to outsmarting enemies - his pocket watch symbolizes his calculated, strategic mind.
As Peaky Blinders progresses into the late 1920s and early 1930s, we begin to see a subtle shift in the timepieces worn by the characters. Wristwatches, which became popular for men after World War I due to their practicality on the battlefield, start making an appearance.
Though pocket watches remain the dominant style in the series, the introduction of wristwatches hints at the changing times, both in the world of Peaky Blinders and in society at large.
By the 1930s, wristwatches had become a symbol of modernity and progress. They were seen as more practical and fashionable, especially for men who were on the move - much like the gangsters and businessmen in Peaky Blinders. This transition from pocket watches to wristwatches symbolizes the shift from old-world traditions to a more fast-paced, modern society. Just as the world around them changes, so too do the timepieces on their wrists.
As Peaky Blinders prepares to transition from the small screen to the big screen, this evolution in timepieces could play a key role in the film. The upcoming movie is expected to be set in the late 1930's or early 1940's, a time when wristwatches were firmly established as the go-to timepiece for men.
This shift from pocket watches to wristwatches in the film could reflect not just the passage of time, but also the evolving nature of the characters and the world they inhabit.
For Tommy Shelby, who has spent much of the series meticulously planning and controlling every aspect of his life, the transition to a wristwatch in the movie could symbolize his struggle to adapt to a world that is increasingly slipping out of his control. The wristwatch, more streamlined and efficient than the pocket watch, mirrors the fast-paced, unpredictable world of the 1940's - a world on the brink of World War II, where old rules no longer apply.
Off-screen, both actors are often seen sporting Omega watches.
Cillian, who was nominated for the Critics' Choice Best Actor award for his role in “Oppenheimer” and won a Golden Globe, showcased an Omega De Ville Prestige 41mm in Sedna™ Gold with a leather strap.
Barry Keoghan, a newly minted Friend of the Brand, celebrated his partnership with Omega as the brand unveiled two stunning new two-tone Speedmaster Moonwatch models: one crafted from stainless steel and 18K Moonshine Gold, and the other from stainless steel and 18K Sedna Gold, both elegantly framed by a black ceramic bezel.
At BQ Watches, we proudly offer a meticulously curated collection of luxury watches. For those who prefer a personal touch, we invite you to visit our luxurious showroom, where you can explore our selection up close and receive expert guidance from our knowledgeable staff.
BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!
