He never takes it off. It doesn't even work, yet it stays glued to his wrist for twenty years of fungus-infested hell. If you've played the game or caught the HBO show, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The joel watch last of us fans obsess over isn't just a piece of jewelry. It's basically a character in its own right.
Honestly, the watch is a punch to the gut every time it appears on screen. We first see it in the hands of Sarah, Joel’s daughter, on his birthday. In the game, it’s a brand-new gift. In the show, she’s a bit more resourceful—she steals some of Joel's own cash to get his old, busted watch fixed at a local shop. Either way, it’s the last "normal" thing Joel ever receives.
Why the Joel Watch Last of Us Fans Love Is Actually Broken
It’s symbolic. Obviously. When Sarah dies in that Texas ditch, time essentially stops for Joel. The watch face is smashed during the chaos of Outbreak Day. It’s a literal representation of his "broken" internal state.
You’ve probably noticed Ellie bring it up in the first game. She’s blunt about it: "Your watch is broken." Joel’s reaction? He doesn't want to talk about it. He can’t. To fix the watch would be to admit that time has moved on, which he isn't ready to do until much later in his journey with Ellie.
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What’s wild is how much effort Naughty Dog and HBO put into the specifics of the timepiece. It’s a field watch—rugged, military-inspired, and simple. In the show, Pedro Pascal wears a version that looks remarkably like a modified Lum-Tec Super Combat B2. Fans have spent years trying to track down the exact model, but here’s the kicker: it’s largely a custom creation for the franchise.
The Game vs. The Show: Subtle Differences
- In the Game: Sarah gives him a brand-new watch in a box. It's pristine for about five minutes before the world ends.
- In the HBO Series: It’s an heirloom. It actually belonged to Joel’s father (a detail hinted at in flashbacks). Sarah getting it repaired adds a layer of "fixing" the family's trauma.
- The Movement: Watch nerds pointed out a hilarious "error" in the show. The watchmaker tells Sarah the "mainspring" is broken, which implies a mechanical watch. But when we see the back, it’s clearly a quartz (battery-powered) movement.
It’s these tiny details that make the joel watch last of us community so dedicated. Whether it's a "mistake" by the props department or a deliberate choice, people notice.
Can You Actually Buy Joel's Watch?
Sorta. But it’s not easy.
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There was an official "Joel's Watch" released by MSTR (Meister) in a limited run of 1,000 pieces. It featured a green NATO strap, a weathered look, and the signature "cracked" glass (though the crack was usually just printed or etched). These now go for insane prices on eBay—sometimes upwards of $3,000.
If you aren't looking to drop three grand on a prop, the "watch fam" has some workarounds. Most people buy a Seiko SNK809 or a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical and swap the strap for a forest green nylon one. If you're feeling brave, you can even "weather" the case with some sandpaper to give it that "I've survived the Cordyceps apocalypse" vibe.
The Emotional Hand-Off in Part II
Major spoilers ahead, but we have to talk about what happens in the sequel. After Joel's death, the watch doesn't just disappear. It ends up in a red box on his bed in Jackson. When Ellie goes to his house, she takes his revolver and the watch.
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It’s a heavy moment. For Joel, the watch was about Sarah. For Ellie, the watch becomes about Joel. It’s a cycle of grief that eventually leads her to Santa Barbara. By the very end of the game, when Ellie leaves her things behind at the farmhouse, the watch represents her finally letting go. She isn't just leaving a broken timepiece; she's leaving the weight of Joel’s death behind so she can actually breathe again.
Practical Tips for Collectors
If you're looking to recreate or buy the joel watch last of us style, keep these three things in mind:
- Look for "Small Seconds": The watch has a tiny dial at the bottom for the seconds hand. This is called a small seconds complication.
- The Strap Matters: It’s a 20mm or 22mm olive green NATO strap. This is the easiest part to get right.
- Don't Actually Smash the Glass: If you’re a cosplayer, use a clear resin or a "cracked" screen protector. Real smashed glass is sharp. Don't be that person at the convention bleeding on the floor.
The watch is a reminder that even in a world where everything is gone, we cling to the smallest things. It’s not about the time. It’s about who gave it to you.
To start your own collection or tribute, look for military field watches with a 38mm to 42mm case size to match the rugged proportions seen on Pedro Pascal and the in-game model. You can find high-quality nylon straps from most online retailers to complete the look without needing a collector's budget.