Robert Redford leaves us today, but his lasting legacy and legendary role in Hollywood will stay with us forever.
If you’re sketching the style map of 1970s Hollywood, Robert Redford sits right at the crossroads of rugged and refined, and his watches tell that story perfectly. Below is a fresh, well-sourced look at the pieces most closely associated with him, why they mattered, and how collectors think about them now.
Why his watches matter
Redford didn’t just wear props, he often wore his own watches on screen, which baked authenticity into roles like The Candidate and All the President’s Men. That choice helped elevate one reference in particular from tool watch to cultural icon.
The signature: Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 “Red Sub”
- What it is: Stainless-steel Submariner with the SUBMARINER line printed in red, the first Sub with a date. Produced c. 1967–1975.
- How he wore it: Repeatedly, on and off screen—famously in The Candidate (1972) and All the President’s Men (1976). It was his own watch, not a studio pick.
- Why it matters today: The “Red Sub” is a blue-chip vintage Rolex; clean examples have been known to sell north of $30k, depending on condition and provenance.
The left-field pick: DOXA Sub 300 “Sharkhunter”
- What it is: Cushion-case diver (black “Sharkhunter” dial) with decompression bezel.
- How he wore it: On a chunky bund strap in Three Days of the Condor (1975), reportedly another personal piece.
- Why it matters: It cemented Redford as more than a Rolex guy and spotlighted DOXA’s cult-favorite dive credentials to a mainstream audience.
Survival mode: Seiko SKX009 in All Is Lost (2013)
- What it is: Affordable, ISO-rated “Pepsi” diver with blue/red bezel.
- How he wore it: On a blue NATO strap throughout the film, perfectly in character for a solo sailor.
Period piece detail: The Great Gatsby (1974)
- What you see: A pocket watch on a gold chain across the waistcoat—period-correct styling rather than a wristwatch flex.
At-a-glance: Redford’s most-seen watches
- Rolex Submariner 1680 “Red Sub” (1967–1975) — personal daily wearer; on screen in The Candidate and All the President’s Men.
- DOXA Sub 300 “Sharkhunter” (1970s) — worn in Three Days of the Condor.
- Seiko SKX009 (1996–2020 era) — worn in All Is Lost (2013)
Collector notes (useful for readers shopping today)
- The Red Sub 1680 is prized for its red script, acrylic crystal with Cyclops, and period bracelets (7206/9315). Verify dial “mark” variants and service parts.
- DOXA Sub 300 prices hinge on dial originality, bezel condition, and bracelet correctness (beads-of-rice). (Screen-used pieces or strong provenance can command premiums.)
- The Seiko SKX009 remains an enthusiast favorite; while discontinued, it’s easy to service and mod, and parts availability is excellent.
FAQs
What watch did Robert Redford wear in All the President’s Men?
A Rolex Submariner 1680 “Red Sub,” his own watch.
What watch did he wear in Three Days of the Condor?
A DOXA Sub 300 “Sharkhunter,” often on a bund strap.
What watch is in All Is Lost?
A Seiko SKX009 on a NATO strap.