Uncovering Walter White’s Watches in Breaking Bad
When it comes to the hit television series “Breaking Bad,” many fans can’t help but obsess over every detail, including the accessories worn by the show’s characters. One accessory that has caught the eye of many viewers is Walter White’s watch. From his humble beginnings as a high school chemistry teacher to his rise as a notorious drug lord, Walter’s watch has been a constant companion. But what’s the story behind the watch? What make and model was it? And why did the show’s creators choose that specific timepiece for Walter’s character? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of Walter White’s watches in “Breaking Bad” and uncover the secrets behind the timepieces that became a part of his iconic wardrobe. Check our guide about the Different Types of Watches.

Table of Contents
Introduction: The Role of Watches in Breaking Bad
Watches are more than just a way to keep track of time, especially in the world of Breaking Bad. Throughout the popular TV series, watches play a crucial role in telling the story of the show’s main character, Walter White. From his humble beginnings as a high school chemistry teacher to his transformation into a notorious drug kingpin, Walter’s watches serve as symbols of his evolution and the changes he goes through. In this article, we will explore the different watches that Walter White wears throughout the show and their significance in the story. We will also take a closer look at one of the most iconic timepieces in the series, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of watches in Breaking Bad.
Walter’s Watches: From Casio to TAG Heuer
The Casio CA-53W: Walter’s First Watch

In the early seasons of Breaking Bad, Walter White can be seen sporting a Casio CA-53W watch. The watch’s simple design is in line with Walter’s character at the time, a modest high school chemistry teacher. The watch features an 8-digit calculator that can add, subtract, multiply, and divide. It also has other functions such as a stopwatch, elapsed time, split time, alarm, and calendar. The Casio CA-53W is water-resistant up to 50m or 165 ft.
Specifications of the Casio CA-53W
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Mineral
- Band: 20mm black resin
- Functions: Stopwatch, Elapsed Time, Split Time (1st, 2nd place), Alarm, Calendar
- 8 Digit Calculator ( Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide)
- Water Resistant: 50m / 165 ft
- Size: 42.0 x 33.0 x 7.0mm
- Weight: 29g
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph: Walter’s (Heisenberg’s) Second Watch

In later seasons of Breaking Bad, Walter White upgrades his watch game and can be seen sporting a TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph watch. The watch was first introduced in 1969 by Heuer in honor of the Monaco Grand Prix, and it’s said to be the world’s first automatic chronograph. The TAG Heuer Monaco design Model B was famously worn by Steve McQueen’s character in the 1971 film Le Mans. Walter’s design is the Monaco Calibre 12, 2004 reissue. Jesse Pinkman gives Walter the TAG Heuer Monaco watch as a birthday present.
Analysis of Its Symbolism and Significance in the Series
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is not only famous for being worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans but also for being one of the first automatic chronographs of its time. The watch fetched nearly $800,000 at auction in 2012, making it a highly sought-after watch by collectors. In one scene, during the prison assassinations, Walt walks around his living room while counting the time for Jack’s call to confirm that the job was successfully done. It’s no secret that the watch holds a significant place in the Breaking Bad story, with the iconic timepiece serving as a symbol of Walter White’s transformation from a humble high school chemistry teacher to a notorious drug kingpin.
Specifications of the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph
- Movement: Swiss made – Tag Heuer Calibre 12 Automatic with 55 jewels
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Band: 22mm leather with deployment buckle
- Functions: Chronograph, Date
- Water Resistant: 100m / 330 ft
- Size: 39.0 x 14.0mm
- Weight: 29g
Conclusion: Walter White’s Watches as a Symbol of Character Development
Throughout Breaking Bad, Walter White’s watches serve as a visual representation of his character’s transformation. From his first watch, the simple Casio CA-53W, to his later acquisition of the iconic TAG Heuer Monaco, the watches serve as symbols of Walter’s evolution from a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin.
The Casio CA-53W represented Walter’s pre-Heisenberg persona, the humble and unassuming teacher who was just trying to get by. As he gradually became more involved in the drug trade, his watch changed to match his new identity, starting with the oversized gold watch he wears in the early seasons before finally settling on the TAG Heuer Monaco.
The TAG Heuer Monaco, with its luxurious design and impressive history, served as a status symbol for Walter, representing his rise to power and his newfound wealth. Its appearance in the show was a deliberate choice, as the watch has been associated with high-end racing and luxury lifestyle, both of which were desired by Walter.
FAQs
What watches did Walter White wear in Breaking Bad?
Walter White wore two watches in Breaking Bad. The first watch he wore was a Casio CA-53W, which he wore for most of the show. Later in the series, he received a TAG Heuer Monaco watch from Jesse Pinkman as a birthday present.
Why did Walter White switch watches in Breaking Bad?
Walter White switched watches in Breaking Bad to symbolize his character development. When he wore the Casio watch, he was a chemistry teacher who got diagnosed with cancer and started cooking meth to provide for his family. As he became more involved in the drug trade and evolved into his alter ego, Heisenberg, he began to wear the more expensive and luxurious TAG Heuer Monaco watch.
What is the significance of the TAG Heuer Monaco watch in Breaking Bad?
The TAG Heuer Monaco watch is significant in Breaking Bad because it symbolizes Walter White’s transformation into his alter ego, Heisenberg. The watch is also associated with Steve McQueen and the movie Le Mans, which Walter White references in the show.
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