Similar to the Rolex Datejust worn by the King and Oyelowo. The MLK Datejust Jr. has a champagne-coloured dial and solid gold indexes. Photo. Christie’s auction house
The Datejust is a Rolex classic. In many ways, it is a Rolex, whether in steel, two-tone, or – in this case – all gold. But somehow, the Datejust has managed to escape the hype train of vintage watches that have become out of control and their crazy prices. Which is odd, because it has been the watch of choice for many famous people. Similar to the King, President Dwight D. Eisenhower wore a solid gold Rolex Datejust, even though his watch had a roulette wheel-style date wheel. We also recently featured stainless steel versions of James McAvoy and Paul Newman.
Oyelowo wears the Datejust throughout the film in the role of the King. While we don’t always get a perfect view of the dial, the unmistakable iconic Golden Jubilee strap is impossible to miss. In fact, Rolex fake watches are as much about the bracelet as any other part of the watch – as far as the identification and recognizability of the watch is concerned.
Oyelowo wears this watch well. It sits high and steady on his wrist and manages to peek out from under the cuffs of any shirt he wears on screen, which makes the watch much more recognizable. We often forget how young King was when he was leading the civil rights struggle. He was only in his 30s, which is really quite remarkable when you consider all that he did and the fact that he was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize when it was awarded in 1964. He was also allegedly awarded the gold Datejust watch at the same time, although this is difficult to confirm. Of course, Rolex was not the brand it is today, but the fact that he chose to wear a solid gold watch in his position as a public figure says something. It suggests an attitude. It portrays strength and confidence – traits that the king possessed.
Shortly after the film opens, we find King meeting with President Johnson in the Oval Office of the White House to try to convince the president to take the whole issue of the black vote in the South seriously. Johnson makes it clear that while he is sympathetic to the issue, it is something he cannot prioritize. As these two figures engage in conversation [00:09:30] around the firm desk, King’s solid gold Datejust is clearly visible on his wrist, especially as he vividly uses his hands to make his point. In the same scene, we get another historically accurate clock nugget. Wilkinson, in his role as Johnson, wears an 18-karat gold Rolex Day-Date – also known as the “President” – the same top replica watches the president wore in real life. The Presidential bracelet is as easily identifiable as the Silver Jubilee watch. That’s a lot of gold in one room.
In a quieter, more intimate moment in the film, the king is washing dishes in his family’s kitchen. The New York Times has a great video article called “Anatomy of a Scene” that breaks down this moment nicely. In the video, the narrator points out how King struggles to find the garbage bag in the cupboard. He is unfamiliar with his home, as he is often out and about. As the episode progresses [00:19:19], his wife, Coretta Scott King (Carmen Ejogo), hands him a bag, and as King disposes of trash and talks to his wife in the cosy four walls of their home – that golden Datejust shines in full view of the media and the public. Even in the dimly lit kitchen at nightfall, the classic Datejust is unmistakable. To be honest, the watch makes it hard to focus on the movie itself.
