As Brad Pitt breezed through security at the Budapest Grand Prix, ahead of a day’s work filming his new F1 movie, there was a lot to process. The dadcore green sweater and jeans with a matching sports bag slung over his shoulder. The headphones decorated in stickers. The vaguely Tyler Durden shades. But it was the wristerwear that really caught our eye: an aaa quality fake IWC Ingenieur ‘Jumbo’ SL Automatic Ref 1832 from 1976 with a custom dial, no less.
Ever since Wimbledon last summer when Pitt revealed himself as a guy who likes to wear high quality replica watches that surprise people – an OG version of the Vacheron Constantin 222 that time – anyone into watches has known the keep an eye on the actor.
“Last year we saw Brad Pitt wear a vintage Vacheron Constantin 222 and this year we’re seeing him wear another great timepiece from yesteryears,” says watch expert Kristen Haagen. “The design language between the two is pretty much the same: sporty with an integrated bracelet design. And both are stunning alternatives to the more modern copy Patek Philippe 5711 we have seen him wear.”
It’s no surprise Pitt’s opted for a perfect replica IWC UK, given the brand’s involvement in the forthcoming movie – in which he and Damson Idris will star as Lewis Hamilton-trained racing drivers (the GOAT is a producer) – was confirmed earlier this month at Silverstone. It’s also no surprise, given his previous wristwear, that Pitt has opted for a vintage rather than a new model – despite luxury fake IWC bringing the Ingenieur back last year, Pitt has gone for an OG version.
As for the Joseph Kosinski-directed flick, we know Swiss movement fake IWC UK are a sponsor of the fictional APX GP team so, similarly to Top Gun: Maverick, top copy IWC Pilot’s watches will be worn throughout the film. IWC confirmed its watchmakers specially customised the dial on this vintage Ingenieur to be green, especially for Pitt’s character.
Whether or not that is crucial to the film’s plot, we’ll have to wait and see. But for now, it doesn’t half look great colour-matching that sports bag and sweatshirt – thank goddess he felt the need to roll up his sleeves.