In the high-stakes world of HBO’s Succession, power is communicated through subtle cues. It’s in the cut of a suit, the turn of a phrase, and, most tellingly, on the wrist. The watches worn by the Roy family and their acolytes are not mere timekeeping devices; they are meticulously chosen pieces of armor, status symbols, and psychological tells. For those fascinated by the intersection of horology and character drama, analyzing these choices provides a deeper layer of understanding. This guide offers a closer look at the timepieces that define the players in this brutal game of corporate chess.
From Logan Roy’s old-money assertion of dominance to Tom Wambsgans’ desperate attempts to fit in, every watch tells a story. The careful selection by the show’s costume designers gives us a non-verbal language of ambition, insecurity, and legacy. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or simply a fan of the show’s exquisite detail, this breakdown of the Watches Worn in Succession – HBO Series Character Watch Guide – WatchRanker reveals the hidden mechanics of the Roy universe.
Decoding the Wrist: A WatchRanker Character Analysis
Let’s break down the key characters and the horological statements they make, piece by piece.
Logan Roy: The Undisputed King
Logan Roy doesn’t need to try. His power is absolute, and his watch reflects a bygone era of established wealth. He consistently wears a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse. This is a profound choice. The Golden Ellipse isn’t a flashy, complicated sports watch; it’s an understated, elegant, and incredibly expensive piece from one of the most revered watchmakers. Its unique elliptical case is instantly recognizable to those in the know, signaling that Logan’s taste is refined and his position so secure that he has no need for ostentatious displays. It whispers old money and quiet, unassailable authority.
Kendall Roy: The Heir Apparent’s Shifting Identity
Kendall’s watch journey is the most turbulent, mirroring his fractured sense of self. In early seasons, he sports a Rolex Datejust—a classic, successful man’s watch. It’s safe and corporate, fitting for the designated successor trying to play the part. As his fortunes and mental state fluctuate, so does his wristwear. He is later seen with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a more aggressive and modern “luxury sports watch” favored by the new-money elite and celebrities. This shift suggests his desire to break from his father’s shadow and establish his own, more contemporary brand of power, even if it comes across as trying too hard.
Roman Roy: The Sarcastic Minimalist
Roman, the most emotionally stunted and cynical of the siblings, wears a Cartier Tank. The Tank is a timeless, elegant dress watch with a rich history. On the surface, it shows good taste. However, its thin, delicate profile and artistic design could be interpreted as a reflection of Roman’s own fragility and his tendency to avoid the brutish, physical aspects of power that his father embodies. It’s a watch for someone who appreciates wit and style over raw force, perfectly aligning with his character.
Tom Wambsgans: The Outsider’s Loud Declaration
Tom is the most transparent in his horological choices. He desperately wants to be part of the inner circle, and his watch screams this ambition. He wears a Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” with a two-tone gold and steel bracelet. This is a bold, expensive, and highly recognizable watch. Unlike Logan’s subtle Patek, Tom’s Rolex is meant to be seen and understood as a symbol of arrival. The “Root Beer” nickname itself feels a bit gauche compared to the classic styles of the Roys, highlighting that for all his efforts, Tom’s understanding of true, understated wealth is still superficial.
Greg Hirsch: The Amateur’s First Step
Where Tom has a “Root Beer,” Greg starts with a humble Tag Heuer Formula 1. This is an entry-level luxury sports watch—respectable but nowhere near the league of the others. It perfectly captures Greg’s position at the bottom of the food chain, just beginning his awkward climb. It’s the watch of someone who has received a sudden bonus and made their first aspirational purchase, a far cry from the inherited heirlooms and seasoned collections of the Roy family.
What Your Watch Says in the Boardroom
The Watches Worn in Succession – HBO Series Character Watch Guide – WatchRanker teaches us that in the world of high finance and old money, a watch is never just a watch. The show’s costume designers use them as masterful tools for character development. The key takeaway is the distinction between old and new money. Old money, like Logan, wears understated, legacy pieces from brands like Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin. New money, or those aspiring to it, often gravitate toward the loud, recognizable status of a Rolex or Audemars Piguet sports model.
Choosing a Watch with Roy Family Flair
Inspired by the sharp style of Succession? You don’t need a billionaire’s trust fund to capture the aesthetic. Focus on classic, versatile designs. A simple dress watch on a leather strap, like a Cartier Tank or a similar style from brands like Longines or Tissot, exudes a quiet confidence. If you prefer a sports watch, look for models with clean lines and history, rather than the largest, most complicated case. The goal is to choose a piece that feels like an integrated part of your personality, not a loud billboard.
In the end, the watches of Succession are a brilliant narrative device. They are silent witnesses to the betrayals, the boardroom coups, and the fragile egos of one of television’s most compelling families. The next time you watch, keep an eye on their wrists—you might just learn something new about who they really are.