Movie watches usually follow a predictable script. Bond wears an Omega. Ethan Hunt wears a G-Shock. But when Guy Ritchie dropped his 2023 spy flick, the watch world did a double-take. We need to talk about the watch Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre chose for its lead because it wasn't a Rolex or a Patek. It was an Ebel. Specifically, the Ebel Discovery.
Honestly, it was a weird choice. Ebel isn't exactly "hot" right now in the way Integrated Bracelet watches usually are. It felt like a deep cut from a director who actually knows his vintage catalogs. Or maybe just a stylist who wanted something that didn't scream "I bought this because Instagram told me to."
Why Orson Fortune's Watch Choice Actually Matters
In the film, Jason Statham plays Orson Fortune. He’s a guy with expensive tastes—we see him obsessing over vintage wine and private jets. He’s the type of operator who demands the best but doesn't necessarily want the most obvious thing. This is where the watch Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre leans into its character-building.
The Ebel Discovery Bronze is a 41mm beast. It’s got that signature hexagonal case and those five tiny screws on the bezel that Ebel is famous for. But here’s the kicker: it’s bronze. Bronze watches change. They patina. They get "dirty" as they react to the air and the sweat on your wrist. For a guy like Orson, who’s constantly traveling from London to Turkey to Qatar, that watch is literally recording his missions on its metal.
It’s rugged. It’s a bit 1980s-inspired. Most importantly, it fits Statham’s wrist like it was forged there. If he had been wearing a Submariner, nobody would have noticed. By wearing an Ebel, the production team signaled that Orson Fortune is a man of specific, perhaps even eccentric, taste.
The Real Tech Behind the Ebel Discovery
Let's get into the weeds of the watch Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre showcased. We aren't talking about a cheap prop here. This is a legitimate Swiss timepiece with a sellita-based automatic movement. It’s water-resistant to 200 meters.
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- The Case: Brushed bronze. It starts out looking like rose gold but eventually turns a deep, dark brown.
- The Dial: Usually a matte green or brown. In the movie, the green dial pops against the bronze. It looks military, yet refined.
- The Strap: It comes on a leather strap, which is slightly impractical for a guy diving off boats, but it looks fantastic with a tactical jacket.
Actually, the choice of bronze is a bit of a ruse in itself. It’s a material that pretends to be old-fashioned while being incredibly durable. Guy Ritchie has always had a thing for "geezer" luxury—things that look posh but can take a punch. This watch is the horological version of a knuckle sandwich delivered by a guy in a velvet suit.
Does the Watch Match the Ruse?
The film is called Ruse de Guerre, which basically translates to "war ruse" or "tricks of the trade." It’s all about deception. Throughout the movie, Fortune is playing a part. He’s a mercenary, but he’s also a high-roller.
Most people don't realize Ebel used to be a massive deal. In the 80s and early 90s, they were the "Architects of Time." They were everywhere. Then, they sort of faded into the background of the luxury world. By putting this watch Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre on Statham, the film pulls its own ruse: it makes a "forgotten" brand look like the coolest thing on the planet.
Is it the best spy watch ever? Probably not. A Casio F-91W is more practical for a secret agent. But Orson Fortune isn't a practical man. He’s a guy who demands a specific vintage of wine before he saves the world. He wants something that feels heavy and expensive. He wants a watch that most people won't recognize, but the "right" people will respect.
The Impact on the Watch Market
After the movie hit, people started searching. A lot. They wanted to know why Statham wasn't wearing his usual IWC or Panerai.
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Prices for the Ebel Discovery didn't exactly moon like a MoonSwatch, but interest definitely spiked. It reminded collectors that there’s value outside of the "Big Three" brands. It’s a reminder that a watch should suit the person, not just the trend. If you’re a 200-pound action star who spends half his time in a linen shirt and the other half in a tactical vest, a bronze Ebel makes total sense.
It’s also worth noting the other watches in the film. Hugh Grant’s character, the arms dealer Greg Simmonds, wears pieces that scream "nouveau riche." He’s got the flash. Fortune has the grit. The watch Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre uses for Grant's character (often spotted with a gold Cartier or similar high-end flash) acts as a perfect foil to Statham's bronze Ebel. It’s a visual shorthand for their different approaches to power.
How to Get the Orson Fortune Look (Without the Private Jet)
If you’re looking to pick up the watch Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre made famous, you have a few options. The specific bronze Discovery is still available on the secondary market and through some authorized dealers.
- Look for the Bronze: If you want the exact vibe, it has to be bronze. Stainless steel Ebel Discovery models are fine, but they don't have that "aged mercenary" look.
- Size Matters: The 41mm case wears a bit large because of the hexagonal shape. If you have smaller wrists, try it on first.
- Embrace the Patina: Don't polish it. The whole point of a bronze watch is that it looks better the more you beat it up.
Most watch nerds will tell you to buy a Tudor Black Bay Bronze if you want a bronze diver. They aren't wrong. The Tudor is technically "better" in terms of movement. But it’s also common. You’ll see ten Tudors at a car meet before you see one Ebel. If you want the Orson Fortune energy, you have to be willing to go against the grain.
Why We Are Still Talking About This Watch
Movies come and go. Most are forgotten in a week. But certain gear sticks. The watch Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre featured is one of those pieces of gear. It wasn't just product placement; it felt like a deliberate choice that added to the texture of the film.
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It’s a "if you know, you know" kind of item. It tells the world you appreciate design history but don't feel the need to follow the herd. It’s a bit rough around the edges, just like the movie itself.
Honestly, the film is a fun, breezy heist movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. The watch follows suit. It’s high-end, it’s Swiss, but it’s ready to get scratched up in a fight in a Turkish villa. That’s the dream, right? To have stuff that’s nice enough to be proud of but tough enough to actually use.
Next Steps for the Aspiring Collector
If you're seriously considering tracking down the Ebel Discovery from the film, start by browsing Chrono24 or eBay to get a baseline for pricing—expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the condition. Check the lug width before you buy any aftermarket straps, as Ebel's proprietary case shapes can sometimes make strap-swapping a bit of a headache. Finally, look into other bronze alternatives like the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date or the Hamilton Khaki Field if you like the material but want a different silhouette.