Some watches simply tell the time. Others become part of a character’s story. The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 seen on Ryan Gosling’s wrist in the new sci-fi film Project Hail Mary clearly belongs to the second category.
Set in a futuristic narrative, the film follows Ryland Grace, a scientist sent into deep space on a mission to save humanity. As the story unfolds aboard a spacecraft, one object remains a constant companion throughout the journey: the watch on Grace’s wrist.
The timepiece in question is TAG Heuer’s Connected Calibre E5. With its lightweight titanium case, OLED display and striking red rubber strap, the smartwatch fits surprisingly well within a cinematic world defined by precision, data and technology.
A Watch That Fits a Space Mission
The Connected Calibre E5 represents TAG Heuer’s modern bridge between traditional watchmaking and digital technology. Its lightweight titanium case provides durability while the black DLC coating gives the watch a distinctly technical appearance.
The matte black ceramic bezel further reinforces this modern aesthetic. Together, these design elements create a watch that feels perfectly at home in a high-tech environment such as a spacecraft.
The vivid red rubber strap is arguably the most striking visual element of the watch. Against the cold, metallic atmosphere of space, the color creates a bold contrast while adding a sporty and dynamic character.
Ryan Gosling and TAG Heuer
Ryan Gosling’s relationship with TAG Heuer dates back several years. The actor became a global ambassador for the Swiss watchmaker in 2021 and has since appeared in a number of campaigns and collaborations with the brand.
The partnership has also extended into Gosling’s film appearances and public events. In 2022 he was seen wearing a Carrera Three Hands in The Gray Man.
A year later he starred in a short film celebrating the 60th anniversary of the iconic Carrera collection. Perhaps the most memorable moment for watch enthusiasts came when Gosling wore three vintage gold Carrera models simultaneously while portraying Ken in Barbie.
The choice was not accidental. Gosling reportedly selected the watches himself from TAG Heuer’s archive in order to emphasize Ken’s flamboyant personality and bold aesthetic.
Another TAG Heuer on the Red Carpet
Gosling’s TAG Heuer collection extends beyond the film itself. At the London premiere of Project Hail Mary, the actor appeared wearing another recent release from the brand.
This time the watch on his wrist was the Carrera Chronograph Seafarer. Introduced during LVMH Watch Week, the model draws inspiration from vintage Heuer Seafarer watches and incorporates a classic maritime complication into the modern Carrera design language.
The most distinctive feature is the tide indicator located on the subdial at nine o’clock. By pressing the side button labeled “TIDE,” the watch can display the timing of the next high or low tide. In the world of watchmaking, this remains a highly niche complication rarely seen in contemporary designs.
With its beige dial, gold indexes and turquoise accents, the watch blends vintage aesthetics with modern engineering. Paired with Gosling’s retro striped AMIRI suit at the premiere, the result was a striking balance between classic inspiration and contemporary style.
VOGGIA Perspective
The relationship between watch brands and cinema has long been an important part of luxury marketing. However, such partnerships only work when they feel authentic rather than staged.
The collaboration between Ryan Gosling and TAG Heuer appears to strike that balance. The actor’s visible interest in watches gives the partnership a natural quality that goes beyond traditional endorsement deals.
The presence of the Connected Calibre E5 in Project Hail Mary can also be seen as a modern extension of this strategy. In a story centered around technology, data and survival in deep space, a digital TAG Heuer feels like a fitting companion.
Cinema history has shown that certain watches become inseparable from the characters who wear them. Steve McQueen’s Monaco or James Bond’s Submariner are perhaps the most famous examples. The Connected Calibre E5 worn by Gosling may not reach the same iconic status, but it still represents an interesting moment in the intersection of modern watch culture and pop culture.
When Project Hail Mary arrives in theaters worldwide on March 20, audiences may find themselves paying attention not only to the story unfolding on screen, but also to the watch quietly accompanying it.
