Watches Owned And Inspired By Martial Arts Superstar Bruce Lee
We delve into the son of Hong Kong’s little-known love for horology and how his choice of watches combined his identities as a trailblazer for Asian cinema, an action star, and a style icon
In his brief 32 years on this planet, Bruce Lee built a monumental legacy that has outlasted the length of his lifetime since, with his influence still felt in global action cinema, martial arts, and style.
Although he can lay claim to icon status within the world of menswear—his signature yellow jumpsuit becoming a visual shorthand for the man himself—Bruce Lee’s influence on horology is less well-known. But as we near the 50th anniversary of his untimely death in 1973, watch enthusiasts are beginning to re-examine his connection to watches—with the action star’s unique sense of style and need for functionality informing his distinct choice of timepieces.
Below, we look back at five watches that are connected to the man: three that he wore, and two that have been inspired by his outsized impact that remains to this day.
Seiko 6139-6010 Automatic Chronograph
Worn during the final few years of his life, Bruce Lee’s Seiko 6139 is as visually striking as it is storied. The model lays claim to being the first automatic chronograph when it was released in January 1969, where it retailed for around US$200—about the same price as a Rolex Submariner at the time. The design is sleek, functional, yet completely distinct, with a single chronograph dial, easily legible black dial, and day-date function that features Chinese numeric characters in the case of Bruce’s Hong Kong-exclusive 6010 variant. But perhaps the most recognizable element of the watch is the band, an aftermarket steel rally strap featuring holes that are designed to evoke those in the gloves of a race driver. Thanks to its close association with Bruce, and the fact that the Seiko ceased production of the model in the late ‘70s, the 6139 has become highly sought after by Bruce’s fans, with the likes of Daniel Dae Kim and Ronny Chieng being proud owners today.
Timex With Cuff-style Leather Strap
Gifted to Bruce Lee by Herb Jackson, one of his first-generation Jeet Kune Do protégés whom he taught in his own Los Angeles backyard during the mid to late ‘60s, this Timex wristwatch is a one-of-a-kind design that encases an elegant design featuring a gold-colored metal case and a white dial within a broad leather band featuring four metal rings, six metal studs, and three fastening buckles. None of Bruce Lee’s other watches so outwardly display his iconoclastic personal style and martial arts lifestyle, and as Jackson’s son Mark Ashton-Jackson attests, the Timex was worn by Bruce as part of his training regimen “and helped better his physicality”. The watch was auctioned in Los Angeles in 2018 with a minimum bid of US$12,000, alongside a collection of Bruce’s possessions including his iconic aviator sunglasses, a sparring mask, and training pads.
Universal Genève Polerouter
It turns out that the other side of the relationship between Bruce Lee and Herb Jackson was just as heartfelt and horologically inclined, as the former also gifted a watch with a distinctive leather band to the latter. While not as epically proportioned as the Timex, the Universal Genève Polerouter that Bruce first owned and wore—before handing ownership to Jackson in 1968—also features a braided brown leather bund strap that contrasts with an elegant, yellow gold-plated stainless steel watch. This timepiece was also put up by Jackson’s son, Mark Ashton-Jackson, for auction at Phillips in 2018, and eventually sold for HK$225,000, setting a new bar for the most expensive Polerouter ever sold.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Bruce Lee Limited Edition
Released at the end of 2015 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s birth, the launch of the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Bruce Lee Limited Edition also coincided with the “Legend Never Dies” memorial exhibition that took place in Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal mall. Limited to 75 pieces worldwide, the timepiece has a dragon design on the dial that was inspired by Bruce Lee’s personal desk, and housed within a 45mm all-black microblasted tonneau-shaped ceramic case. On the back, a sapphire crystal back imprinted with the Bruce Lee 75th anniversary logo offers a glimpse of the automatic chronograph movement HUB4700 within. But most recognizable from afar is the gold and black calf metallic finished strap, which draws instant comparisons with Bruce’s iconic jumpsuit from Game of Death. This package didn’t come cheap, with the recommended sticker price reaching an impressive figure of US$29,800.
G-SHOCK MR-G × Bruce Lee MRG-G2000BL
Channeling the same yellow-and-black Game of Death energy to mark the 80th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s birth in 2020 was this special commemorative MRG-G2000BL from G-SHOCK. The black titanium case design with yellow strap and hour markers features a veritable treasure trove of nods to Bruce Lee’s legacy: on the dial is a re-creation of his signature based on the traditional Chinese character for dragon; while on both the bezel and the back is a Chinese inscription of the motto of Jeet Kune Do, which reads, “Using no way as a way, having no limitation as limitation”. The watch also brims with modern technology, including GPS, radio and Bluetooth receptors, and a solar cell that can power the watch for 23 months in total darkness. Limited to 300 models worldwide, this G-SHOCK retailed for an agreeable US$4,000 upon release.
