Ryan Coogler’s latest film Sinners has surprised many with its unique blend of gangsters and vampire lore, all set to a blues-filled backdrop. The film, which features Michael B. Jordan in a starring role, explores deep themes like race and religion in the American South. Set in 1932, the story follows the Smoke and Stack twins, both played by Jordan. The siblings, veterans of World War I, return to the U.S. and start working for Al Capone before opening their own club in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
One of the film’s most captivating elements is its attention to detail, including the symbolism behind the military watch worn by Smoke, one of Jordan’s characters. Throughout most of the film, Smoke wears a vintage Elgin trench watch, an item that has sparked discussion among watch enthusiasts online. Some speculated it could be a Hamilton field watch, while others thought it might be a Longines or Omega. The watch’s significance, however, goes deeper than just being an accessory.
According to Douglas Ware, the film’s prop master, the choice of the Elgin watch ties directly to Smoke’s history. “When I read the script and learned the brothers were part of the 369th Infantry, I wanted to give Smoke something connected to World War I,” Ware explained. He suggested that Smoke might have acquired the watch after arriving in France, perhaps through a trade, a gift, or as a token of appreciation for a heroic act. This backstory adds layers of meaning to the watch, symbolizing Smoke’s bond with his military past.
Elgin, founded in 1864, initially made pocket watches before transitioning to wristwatches in the early 1900s. By the time of World War I, wristwatches were becoming more acceptable for men, especially with the military’s need for reliable timepieces. Elgin produced a series of military watches named after Allied generals, which became available to the public after the war. Smoke’s trench watch serves as a subtle but powerful reminder of his military roots and the rougher, more grounded nature of his character.
Though Coogler wasn’t overly concerned with the exact appearance of the watch, he did want it to be historically accurate. Prop master Ware worked with Jordan to ensure the watch was functional and suited to the character. During a camera test, Jordan initially liked the first choice, but it didn’t work with his jacket. The second choice—the Elgin watch—fit better and became the one seen on screen.
However, vintage military watches like the Elgin are far from indestructible. Ware recounted a moment during filming when the watch failed after Jordan’s character, Smoke, entered water to confront another character. The watch was not waterproof, which is typical for watches of that era.
Despite the fast-paced action and supernatural elements of Sinners, the watch remains a subtle but constant reminder of Smoke’s past and his military experience. It may not be explicitly mentioned in the dialogue, but much like in real life, the watch tells a story—a visual signifier of Smoke’s sacrifices and his role as a protector of those around him. In a film full of chaos, the watch grounds the character in reality and gives viewers a deeper connection to Smoke’s journey.
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