Patrick Bateman’s Watch in American Psycho: A Classic Rolex Datejust
The film American Psycho, released in 2000, is now a timeless classic — much like main character Patrick Bateman’s watch: a 36mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 16013.
American Psycho (2000 film) is based on a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, published in 1991. It tells the story of a Wall Street banker in the 1980s who becomes a serial killer. It is both a psychological horror story and a satirical look at the state of pop culture and lifestyle of rich, young professionals at the time.
Patrick Bateman was later played by Christian Bale in the movie adaption in 2000, as seen in the screen shot above.
Patrick Bateman’s Watch
With Patrick Bateman’s rich and excessive lifestyle as a young, successful banker demanding the finest in designer clothing and accessories, his watch of choice was the classic Rolex Datejust 16013. With Rolex always being a ‘gold standard’ as a symbol of success, the Datejust was the most iconic dress watch of the 1970s and 80s.
So lets check out the one Patrick Bateman loved enough to murder someone over it. The Datejust he wore was in the standard 36mm mens case size we still see today, with Rolex’s signature “Rolesor” two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel, with a jubilee bracelet. While we see the Oyster bracelet more often in newer models and with the Datejust II, the dressier, form-fitting jubilee bracelet was most popular during the time period of the film.
It looks like Patrick Bateman’s watch had the gold champagne dial, which is still available today. He could have easily chosen one with a tapestry dial (pictured above), which features vertical lines engraved in the gold. Not available today, it was popular in the 1980s and definitely reminds us of the style and design trends of the time.
Related content: What is the Price of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust?
The Rolex Datejust reference 16013 is both boring and dated but beautiful and timeless. Like all Rolex models, the Datejust has changed very little since it’s first release in 1945. The most notable update was their original Cyclops eye, which magnifies the dated display by 2.5 times.
In 2009, Rolex released an update with the Datejust II, featuring more modern details, such as a larger 41mm dial made from a solid piece of steel, smooth bezel and oyster bracelet. The current Datejust watches continue their traditional design though. The recognizable fluted bezel for example, was originally needed to screw the case shut, making it the first pressure-proof, self-winding calendar wrist chronometer. Today, the fluted bezel remains part of the design as a decorative homage to their brand, which is an instantly recognizable Rolex design cue for any watch fan.
We think the jubilee bracelet looks best on their dress watches like the Datejust and the Oyster bracelet is more fitting for Rolex their sport and dive watches, like the Explorer and Submariner.
If you haven’t seen the movie American Psycho, it’s a dark comedy you’ll enjoy if you’re a fan of the 80s, but be warned it’s really violent.
More famous watches from film and television:
Tony Stark’s Watches: What Robert Downey Jr. wears in the Iron Man Films
The Watches of Fast Five (2011 film)
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Watch in “End of Days”
Top 6 WATCHES Perfectly Cast in TV SHOWS
Ryan Gosling’s Drive Watch: a Vintage Patek Philippe
