Watching Movies: Adam Sandler’s Three Watches In ‘Uncut Gems’

By Danny Milton

If it’s a feel-good movie you’re after, look elsewhere. Uncut Gems (2019), directed by the Safdie Brothers, is named for a crew of scruffy characters and a literal uncut gem sourced from Ethiopia. It’s the property of Howard Ratner (played by Adam Sandler), a jewelry-store owner in New York’s Diamond District – a fast-talking hustler and unreconstructed sports gambler. Ratner has a strong watch game. The only problem is, he can’t seem to keep any of them on his wrist.

Why We’re Watching

The NBA Playoffs are in motion. Uncut Gems is not your classic basketball movie, but its entire plot revolves around the 2012 playoffs and Ratner’s chance encounter with Kevin Garnett (played by Kevin Garnett). The film tracks Ratner’s acquaintance with the NBA superstar, setting the stage for the biggest gamble of his life.

I spoke to the film’s prop master, Catherine Miller, about sourcing watches for a film so entrenched in the seedy underbelly of the New York City watch scene. According to Miller, the watches were written into the script and were an important component for the Safdies. Ratner was originally supposed to wear two watches, but the directors thought it would be funnier (this film is in no way a comedy) if he had two watches stolen from him throughout the film, so he ends up wearing three.

First up is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, which gets taken from him within the first seven minutes by a duo of loan sharks. That watch appears to be a reference 25860ST and has an interesting backstory. Miller was originally supplied a brand new RO Chrono, but went back to her source and requested one that would have been more period correct to 2012.

A subplot hinges on replica watches. One of Ratner’s associates, Demany (played by LaKeith Stanfield) is in the business of selling less-than-genuine watches out of …read more