Axel Foley didn't just bring a Detroit attitude to 90210; he brought a very specific kind of wrist game that still keeps collectors up at night. If you’re looking for a Beverly Hills Cop II watch, you’re likely hunting for the iconic Porsche Design by Orfina Chronograph. It’s that matte black, tactical-looking beast that Eddie Murphy wears throughout the 1987 sequel.
Honestly, it's a vibe.
Most people associate movie watches with Bond’s Omega or Rolex, but Tony Scott—the director of Beverly Hills Cop II—had a different eye. He loved high-contrast, industrial aesthetics. The watch Foley wears isn't just a prop; it’s a character. It tells you everything you need to know about Axel: he’s functional, he’s a bit rebellious, and he values stuff that actually works under pressure. While the first movie saw him in a more understated digital piece, the sequel leveled up the hardware to match the high-octane, orange-filtered aesthetic of late-80s action cinema.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Beverly Hills Cop II Watch
There is a huge misconception that Eddie Murphy was wearing a standard Heuer or a cheap mall watch. Wrong. He was wearing the Porsche Design Orfina 7176s. This was actually the world's first black-coated stainless steel chronograph, released in the early 1970s. It used a process called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) to get that flat, gunmetal look.
The watch is powered by the legendary Lemania 5100 movement. If you talk to any serious vintage watch nerd, they'll tell you the Lemania 5100 is a workhorse. It’s ugly. It uses plastic parts. It’s also nearly indestructible. That’s why it was issued to fighter pilots in the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the South African Air Force. Axel Foley wearing a military-grade pilot’s watch in the middle of a high-end California crime spree is peak character design. It fits his "fish out of water" persona perfectly because he’s wearing a tool, not jewelry.
Why the Orfina Matters
The Orfina isn't just "the Beverly Hills Cop II watch." It’s a piece of design history. Ferdinand Alexander "Butzi" Porsche—the guy who designed the Porsche 911—wanted to create a watch that looked like a car dashboard. He hated reflections. He wanted high legibility. White hands on a black dial. Simple.
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When you see it on Murphy’s wrist during the scene where he’s driving that red Ferrari 308 GTS, the contrast is incredible. The matte black steel against the bright Italian leather and the sun-drenched Beverly Hills backdrop defines the "Cool Guy" trope of the era.
Finding an Authentic Beverly Hills Cop II Watch Today
Tracking one down in 2026 isn't as easy as it was ten years ago. Prices for the Orfina 7176s have spiked because collectors have finally realized how important the Lemania 5100 movement is. You’re looking at a price range between $3,500 and $6,000 depending on the condition of the PVD coating.
PVD is notorious for wearing off at the edges. Collectors call this "patina," but if you're looking for the exact movie look, you want one with minimal "brassing" or steel showing through.
What to Look For on the Dial
There are several versions of this watch. Some have the "PD" logo. Some say "Porsche Design" in a specific font. Some have the "3H" military symbol in a red circle, which indicates the use of Tritium for the luminous markers.
- The Movie Version: Axel’s watch is the civilian version but shares the same DNA as the military ones.
- The Case: It’s roughly 41mm. By today’s standards, that’s a sweet spot. It doesn't feel like a dinner plate on your wrist.
- The Bracelet: The original "bar" style bracelet is essential. If you find one on a leather strap, it’s fine, but you’re missing the full Foley look.
The Cultural Impact of the Matte Black Look
Before this movie, luxury watches were mostly gold or shiny steel. The Beverly Hills Cop II watch helped popularize the idea that "tactical" could be "cool." It paved the way for modern brands like Bell & Ross or Sinn. In fact, if you can’t find or afford the original Orfina, the Sinn 144 is almost a dead ringer for it because they used the same case supplier for years.
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Tony Scott’s cinematography made everything look better than real life. He used long lenses and tobacco filters. The watch caught the light just right. It wasn't flashy, but it was impossible to ignore. It signaled that Axel Foley was a professional who knew his gear.
The Modern Revival and Axel F
With the release of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F recently, interest in Foley's gear has hit an all-time high. While he wears different watches in the newer installments, the Orfina from the second film remains the definitive choice for purists. It represents the peak of the franchise's style—the music, the cars, and the fashion.
If you’re shopping for one, be careful. There are plenty of modern re-issues and homages. Porsche Design (now an independent entity from Orfina) has released anniversary editions. They look great. They are more reliable. They have better coatings. But they don't have that 1980s Lemania 5100 soul.
Maintenance and Care
If you do buy a vintage Orfina, find a watchmaker who knows chronographs. The Lemania 5100 is getting harder to service because parts aren't being manufactured anymore. Don't take it to a guy at the mall. Take it to a specialist. And for the love of everything, don't try to "polish" the black coating. You'll ruin the value instantly.
How to Get the Axel Foley Look Without Spending $5k
Not everyone has five grand to drop on a 40-year-old watch. If you want the aesthetic of the Beverly Hills Cop II watch without the vintage headache, you have options.
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- The Sinn 144 St Sa: This is essentially the spiritual successor. It’s German, it’s tough, and the dial layout is nearly identical.
- Dan Henry 1972 Maverick: This is a quartz homage that looks almost exactly like the Orfina. It’s affordable and gives you the Top Gun/Beverly Hills Cop vibe for a fraction of the cost.
- Guinand Series 40: Another German brand with deep ties to the original design.
Basically, you’re looking for a "C-case" or "Helmet-style" case with an integrated bracelet and a tachymeter scale printed on the inner ring.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you are serious about owning this piece of cinematic history, start by scouring Chrono24 and specialized vintage forums like OmegaForums or Watchuseek. Search specifically for "Orfina Porsche Design Chronograph."
Verify the movement. Ask for photos of the case back. If it doesn't have the Lemania 5100 or the Valjoux 7750, it’s not the real deal. Most importantly, check the bracelet stretch. These old PVD bracelets can get "jingly" and loose over time.
Buying a vintage watch is a marathon, not a sprint. Axel Foley wouldn't rush into a sting operation without a plan, and you shouldn't rush into a four-figure watch purchase without doing your homework. Look for the matte finish. Look for the orange chronograph hands. Get that Detroit-to-LA style locked down.