When people think of James Bond’s watch, they picture the rugged Rolex Submariner from Goldfinger or the high-tech Omega Seamaster loaded with gadgets. But what if I told you that the very first watch worn by Bond on screen wasn’t either of those iconic brands? No, the first watch to grace the wrist of 007 in Dr. No (1962) was a sleek and understated Gruen Precision.

As a film buff, I’m always on the lookout for hidden cinematic details—props, wardrobe choices, and especially watches. Watches in films can be more than just an accessory; they can be a character in their own right, holding the weight of the story in ways that are often overlooked. So imagine my delight when, while watching Heroes of Telemark (1965), I spotted something special on Kirk Douglas’s wrist—a Bernex Barracuda.

Once upon a time, in the tumultuous trenches of World War I, a dapper Parisian jeweler named Louis Cartier found inspiration in the unlikeliest of places: the formidable Renault FT-17 tanks rumbling across the Western Front. With a twinkle in his eye and a flair for the extraordinary, Cartier transformed the brutish essence of these mechanical beasts into a masterpiece of elegance—the Cartier Tank watch. ​

In the grand hall of vintage watches, Wittnauer is the hero of North American watchmaking—a brand deeply woven into the fabric of exploration, aviation, and even space travel. It’s the unsung champion with a Swiss connection, a name that should stand shoulder to shoulder with horology’s greats but somehow remains in the shadows. If you know, you know. If you don’t, well, let’s fix that.

In the early 20th century, boardrooms were still an exclusive boys’ club, filled with stiff collars, cigars, and a collective belief that business was no place for a woman. Then along came Martha Wittnauer, who not only stepped into the boardroom but took charge of an entire watch company—and made history while doing it.