In Top Gun: Maverick, it’s not just the jets and high-stakes missions that captivate audiences—the watches on the characters’ wrists carry weight, history, and purpose. Authenticity is key here; from breathtaking stunts to the finely tuned details in each character’s look, every element adds to the immersive experience. Watches, often overlooked in film, play a surprisingly crucial role in shaping the story’s realism, highlighting the characters’ personalities and real-life military affiliations. Let’s explore the timepieces in Top Gun: Maverick and how they elevate its unmistakable authenticity. 

Tom Cruise, reprising his iconic role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, dons the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 by Orfina—a sleek, all-black model first introduced in the 1970s. This chronograph, which also appeared on Maverick’s wrist in the original Top Gun (1986), symbolizes his unchanging spirit and deep connection to his past. The watch’s rugged design, black PVD coating, and chronograph functionality made it a staple of ’80s cool, perfectly aligning with Maverick’s rebellious edge, both then and now. By bringing back this original watch, Maverick reinforces its main character’s consistency and reluctance to change, bridging the original film with its sequel. This isn’t just a prop; it’s a legacy piece, a silent storyteller that reminds us of Maverick’s loyalty to his roots. 

The new generation of Top Gun students wear watches that underscore their elite status as trainee fighter pilots. IWC, known for its long-standing association with aviation, provides the perfect timepieces. During WWII, IWC crafted robust, anti-magnetic pilot watches for the British Royal Air Force, laying the groundwork for the SFTI (Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor) models worn today by graduates of the real U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School. Characters like Miles Teller’s “Rooster” and Monica Barbaro’s “Phoenix” wear IWC Pilot’s Watches, specifically the SFTI models. These are not mere accessories but exact replicas of the models worn by actual Top Gun graduates, available exclusively to Navy Fighter Weapons School alumni. For the film, IWC’s involvement enhances realism, paying homage to real-life fighter pilots who inspire the story. 

Jennifer Connelly’s character, Penny Benjamin, adds timeless elegance to the film’s cast, wearing a vintage Rolex Explorer 1016. Known for its understated yet refined style, the Explorer has a history of durability and go-anywhere resilience, which aligns perfectly with Penny’s grounded yet adventurous spirit. The watch’s reputation for strength and reliability reflects her deep connection to Maverick, symbolizing the strength and support she brings into his life. It’s a quiet statement piece that, unlike the rugged military watches of the pilots, offers a softer yet equally powerful narrative, adding depth to the film’s portrayal of personal relationships. 

The decision to use iconic watches with authentic ties to military aviation is more than product placement. Top Gun: Maverick’s prop master, Robbie Duncan, explained that IWC’s relationship with the U.S. Navy added legitimacy to the characters, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the Top Gun world. Aligning with brands like IWC and Porsche Design, and choosing watches used by real fighter pilots, adds another layer of credibility to the film, making viewers feel immersed in the life of a true pilot. 

Each watch in Top Gun: Maverick isn’t merely an accessory but a chosen symbol that reinforces themes of legacy, loyalty, and authenticity. Maverick’s Porsche Design Chronograph is a nostalgic bridge between films, while the IWC SFTI watches reflect the prestige and discipline of Top Gun trainees. Penny’s Rolex Explorer quietly embodies resilience and support, contrasting the pilots’ rugged timepieces with its own compelling story.