Profiles in Time: Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. is almost as famous as a watch enthusiast as he is an entertainer. His fascination with timepieces and eclectic collection has garnered attention from countless publications. From models he picked to those he received as gifts, the array of styles are just as quirky as Downey himself. But, the actor isn’t just a watch buff off-screen. You can spot many of his iconic characters sporting an interesting timepiece. Downey was lucky enough to snag some of those models from the set and add them to his collection too.

Working Towards Making it Big

Downey is a born and bred New Yorker, and entertainment ran in his blood. His mother was an actress and his father was a filmmaker. He began acting as a young child with small parts in a number of his father’s films. Downey’s parents divorced when he was thirteen, and he relocated to Los Angeles with his dad. However, his stint there was short-lived. He returned to New York City to live with his mom just three years later.

Into his twenties, Downey continued to pursue his dream of acting. He was a cast member on Saturday Night Live, on Broadway, and in a number of films. However, his battle with substance abuse and addiction started to overshadow his career. He continued to work despite stints in rehab and backslides. By the age of 28, he received his first Academy Award nomination. He was up for Best Actor for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the film Chaplin.

Overcoming Struggles to Earn Tremendous Success

His career was still taking off into his 30s, and it looked like Downey might be settling down. He married fellow actress Deborah Falconer and had a son, but his vices continued to get the best of him. It started with an arrest for possession of illegal substances and spiraled from there. For years, Downey was in and out of jail and rehab, and his wife sued him for divorce. It was not until his 40s that he would turn over a new leaf.

With his storied past behind him, Downey remarried and welcomed another son. He also hit his stride in his career. He starred in box office hits like the Iron Man trilogy, Tropic Thunder, and the Avengers franchise. It was during this more stable and successful phase of life that he started collecting watches. Many of them have ties to these memorable films.

Downey Jr.’s Vast Timepiece Preferences

Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of Downey’s favorite brands. He scored an Amvox3 Tourbillon GMT on the set of Iron Man 2 and treasures it as one of his best watches. While promoting Iron Man 3, he sported an Amvox5 World Chronograph and a Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph. You could also spot him wearing a Geophysic Universal Time at the premier of Captain America: Civil War. Or, in his spare time, you might find him with a Reverso.

Co-star Ben Stiller gifted him a Bell & Ross BR01-94 Titanium after they wrapped Tropic Thunder. However, he received a more impressive gift from his wife: the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moonphase.

For himself, Downey chooses Rolex. This may seem like a surprisingly classic selection for such a colorful actor. However, he does own some fairly unique models. First is a green Submariner “Hulk”, which he has personally nicknamed his “green money Rolex.” Second is a Rolex GMT master II “Ghost” from the Bamford Watch Department.

On Screen Watch Appearances

The models in Downey’s personal collection are certainly of interest. However, there’s been just as much buzz about the watches he wears on screen. In the first Iron Man film, his character Tony Stark wears a number of watches in Bulgari Diagono line. His character has upped the ante in his more recent films, like Spiderman: Homecoming. Here, Tony Stark sports a $115,000 Urwerk UR-110.

In 2018, Downey took his watch collector status to the next level at the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War. He caused a major stir when he was caught wearing a $605,000 Greubel Forsey GMT. Now, with the premiere of the latest edition of the Avengers upon us, we’re waiting with bated breath. We can’t wait to see how Downey is going to wow us with what’s on his wrist.