What kind of watches do top celebrities choose? Celebrity Watch Hunting is a series of columns that showcases private moments of celebrities from around the world. This time, we'll be looking at the watch of choice of Serge Gainsbourg, the legendary musician, actor, and film director!
Serge Gainsbourg
When speaking of France's most iconic dandies of yesteryear, the name that comes to mind is undoubtedly Serge Gainsbourg (1928-1991). He was renowned as a composer, lyricist, and singer, and played a central role in French popular music, particularly from the late 1960s through the 1970s. One of his signature songs is France Gall's "L'amour chanson d'un chanson," which is often heard in Japan. He is also known for writing songs for the late Edith Piaf and for duets with the legendary actresses Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. He had an affair with Brigitte Bardot, and married Jane Birkin as his third wife.
Gainsbourg called himself "ugly" and left behind some famous quotes that criticized his appearance. However, as mentioned above, he actually captivated many beautiful women. This shows how talented he was at captivating people and how he was able to turn weakness into sex appeal.
Gainsbourg was also active as a film director and actor. The photo we've selected this time was taken on the set of the 1990 film "Stan the Flasher." He is unpretentious and casually dressed, with his buttons wide open at the chest, a style that is very much in his league. Gainsbourg's style, a symbol of the "popular man," is still a model for men's fashion today.
"Stan the Flasher" was his last work. The watch he loved in his later years is shown on his left hand.
The watch in question is a Breitling Navitimer Ref. 81600, equipped with the hand-wound Lemania movement Cal. 1873.
The Navitimer, whose name is a combination of the words "navigation" (aviation/maritime) and "timer" (timekeeping), is a wristwatch released by Breitling in 1952 as a chronograph equipped with an improved version of the E-6B, a circular slide rule for pilots. Soon after its release, it was adopted as the official watch of the American Pilots Association (AOPA) and many other airlines, making it an iconic model that quickly established Breitling as a leader in aviation watches.
The bracelet on the model worn by Gainsbourg is punched with large round holes. This was a replacement for the original leather strap that Gainsbourg had specially ordered from Breitling. The unique design is reminiscent of the steering wheel rims of historic cars and the hollowed-out architectural materials used in airports and other locations. The Navitimer 125th Anniversary Model, released in 2009, was fitted with a bracelet inspired by Gainsbourg's custom design, and was given the name "Air Racer Bracelet."
Breitling
"Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Pan Am Edition"
It is said that Gainsbourg's Navitimer was chosen by Jane Birkin (she was also known as a fashionista, as the famous bag was named after her). They divorced and later met their respective partners. However, the two remained good friends and supported each other throughout their lives, and their relationship continued until Serge's death in 1991. Even after his death, Jane continued to sing Gainsbourg's songs in concerts. This watch seems to reflect the deep bond between the two.
Among Breitling's watches, we will introduce the current models from its flagship collection, the Navitimer.
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