At some point, May the Fourth became globally recognized as Star Wars Day and nearly as impossible to ignore as any other holiday. At least you're not forced to go gift shopping and rather only need to endure the pun on the film's famous "may the Force be with you" line: "May the Fourth be with you." Netizens will also be presented with other movie references and merchandise, which is fun for the classic franchise's many fans.
You won't be too surprised to learn that even some watchmakers have taken on this sci-fi universe as a design theme, using it to inspire everything from affordable watches to some rather high-end, esoteric examples. Maybe you're a serious enthusiast who would wear your fandom on your sleeve in the form of a wristwatch, or maybe you're just curious what a Star Wars watch would look like. In either case, and in the spirit of the season, we present you with a selection of the watch world's contribution to Star Wars fandom on this May 4th.
Fossil Star Wars Collection
For the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi's, Fossil is releasing a collection of watches (and jewelry) for the mega fan that comprises no fewer than six models. A couple even feature mechanical movements, including a C-3PO-themed one (shown above) and a gold-toned model dedicated to R2-D2 and featuring a skeletonized dial and movement. The characters Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Chewbacca get their own specific models, too.
Citizen Star Wars Collection
Citizen has an entire collection of Star Wars watches currently comprising almost 30 models, but it's these funky fellows combining analog and digital displays that we like best. They're based on the brand's ana-digi watches from the 1980s, which almost look as if they'd naturally fit into the now retro-futuristic fictional universe of the films anyway. There are models taking inspiration from different themes and characters from the films, and each is crammed with references, logos and motifs that fans will recognize.
Garmin Legacy Saga Darth Vader and Rey Watches
Smartwatches' range of face options only add more opportunities to incorporate Star Wars motifs. For Garmin's interpretation of the theme, the brand has taken its robust fitness-focused watches and given two models a Lucas treatment, with a 45mm, all-black Darth Vader watch and a 40mm Rey watch in white. You'll find branding and references to each respective character from the case back to the strap, as well as on screen designs, graphics and goal animations.
Oris Star Wars Limited Edition Set
Somewhat out of character for the Swiss brand better known for down-t0-earth tool watches was a 2019 limited-edition set: It comprised two watches based on the brand's dive watch collection and both were themed on The Empire (i.e. the bad guys) from the story. The first is a totally blacked-out version of its ProDiver model in titanium, while the second is based on the distinctive black and white armor/uniforms of the films' stormtroopers.
Kross Studio Boba Fett Tourbillon
The ultimate Star Wars tribute watch? It's got to come from Swiss design studio and manufacturer Kross. Following its Death Star Tourbillon collector's set comes a new 10-piece limited edition watch based on the character Boba Fett. Crafted in high watchmaking tradition, the watch features an exposed movement with a tourbillon visible at its dial's center and a miniature model of the bounty hunter's starship parked on its landing platform.
BONUS: Kross Studio Star Wars Watch Roll Collection
Even if you can't afford a six-figure Boba Fett tourbillon watch, Kross studio offers a more attainable way to indulge your fandom. Though still pricey for a watch roll, these high-end leather storage solutions feature prominent motifs of Star Wars characters. There are seven to choose from, and even if it only holds one of your more affordable Star Wars watches, it's sure to elevate its feel.
