The Watches in Succession (and What They Say About the Characters)

If you haven't seen HBO's series Succession yet, it's essentially a show about one of the world's most powerful families. Money, power, media, and a constant game of who will ultimately take over the media dynasty after the father. It sounds quite straightforward, but there’s something about how it’s made that draws you in more than you might expect.

It rarely starts with the big picture. Not for me, at least. First, it's the dialogue. Then the relationships. And after a while, you realize you’re watching entirely different things. How someone buttons their blazer. How someone holds a glass. And not least... what they have on their wrist.

This is where this text picks up. Because once you start noticing the watches in Succession, it’s hard to stop. Suddenly, they don’t feel like mere details anymore, but rather small clues of symbolism.

Clues to who these people are, or perhaps who they want to be. Because this is a series where nothing is coincidental. Not even which watch someone happens to be wearing in a meeting.

Logan Roy (the father and founder)

You know the type of person who doesn't need to say they have money, it just shows? Logan Roy (played by Brian Cox) is exactly that. You never see directly which watch he wears; he doesn’t try to attract attention. But under that shirt sleeve, you can still spot very, very fine watches. And that's what makes them interesting. Some of the watches he wears as examples of such discreet luxury are IWC and Breguet.

There’s a scene early in the series where Tom, the son-in-law who constantly tries to earn his father-in-law's respect, gives him a Patek Philippe as a gift. "Every time you look at it, you see exactly how rich you are," he describes the watch.

But Logan doesn't care even a little bit. The desperate attempt and Logan's arrogance in the scene become almost uncomfortable to watch. The watch means nothing to him. He has moved past that kind of symbolism. 

Kendall Roy (the eldest son and heir who never quite lands)

Son Kendall (Jeremy Strong) feels like someone who is constantly searching. He wants to find his place in life, but fails time and again. The right style, the right vibe, the right spot in the room. And it shows in what he wears on his wrist.

It’s either one of his limited watches from Vacheron Constantin, a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A, or, as in season 4 (spoiler), a Richard Mille.

These are watches that really stand out if you know what you’re looking at. I get the sense that every choice is carefully considered. Perhaps a bit too carefully at times. As if the watch on his wrist is supposed to help him figure out who he is (but it doesn’t).

Roman Roy (the outspoken little brother)

Little brother Roman (Kieran Culkin) is a bit unexpected here. One might think he would go all out with something flashy, given his eccentric and unfiltered personality, but instead, he sports a Rolex Datejust with an oyster bracelet and smooth bezel.

A classic. Reliable. Almost a bit… ordinary.

And that's probably what I like most about this watch choice. Amid all his chaos, there’s something stable. Something that doesn’t change, try too hard, or take up too much space.

When Roman later in the series shows up with a 36mm IWC (Ref. IW324008), it’s immediately noticeable. It’s not a big statement, but it feels surprisingly unexpected in a family where you can buy any watch you want. No matter the price tag or waiting list.

Siobhan Shiv Roy (the daughter and the strategist)

Shiv (Sarah Snook) gives the impression of always being in control. Not in a strained way, but more like everything just falls into place. She often wears a stylishly dressed Cartier Panthère in gold with a quartz movement. Discreet, sleek, and completely devoid of the need to impress.

I appreciate that. It feels like a choice made when you know exactly who you are.

Tom Wambsgans (by marriage, always a bit of on outsider)

And then we have Tom (Matthew Macfadyen).

I can't help but feel a bit for him. Because his watches are actually quite right. A Cartier Santos in steel, sometimes a Panerai Luminor Marina. Nothing to complain about there. But there’s something in the feeling that’s missing. It’s as if he’s trying to fit into a world where everyone else is already at home, except for him. And the watch becomes a part of that attempt.

What I really appreciate about the watches in Succession is how deliberately they are chosen by the production. No exaggerated product placements. Nothing that stands out too much. Small choices that may seem insignificant but say a lot about the person wearing them. Because in the end, it's not the watch you look at. It's what it inadvertently reveals about the one wearing it.