Actor Tom Hardy spotted wearing a Tag Heuer

Steven Knight's 2013 thriller 'Locke' is a masterclass in minimalist cinema — one actor, one car, one drive. Tom Hardy plays Ivan Locke, a construction site manager navigating a personal and professional crisis in real time over a single night's drive from Birmingham to London. It is precisely the kind of role that demands a convincing, unglamorous everyday watch on the wrist, and the TAG Heuer Aquaracer delivers exactly that.

The watch in frame carries all the hallmarks of the Aquaracer Calibre 5 reference WAK2110.BA0830. The 41mm stainless steel case, matte black dial with applied luminous indices, date window at 3 o'clock, and the distinctively serrated unidirectional rotating bezel in black aluminium are all consistent with this reference. The five-link integrated bracelet with a deployant clasp is clearly visible and matches the period-correct production of this model. Inside beats the Calibre 5 — TAG Heuer's designation for the ETA 2824-2 base movement — offering 38 hours of power reserve and 200 metres of water resistance.

The Aquaracer line dates to 2004, when TAG Heuer repositioned it as an entry-to-mid tier sports diver with genuine technical credibility. The Calibre 5 automatic variant quickly became the sweet spot of the range — serious enough for collectors who dismiss quartz, accessible enough for first-time Swiss watch buyers. Water resistance rated to 200m, a sapphire crystal, and a robust bracelet make it a legitimate diver rather than a fashion accessory.

For Tom Hardy, a performer known for complete character immersion, the Aquaracer is a believable prop choice. Ivan Locke is no desk-bound executive — he is a man who works outdoors, manages large-scale infrastructure, and makes decisions under pressure. A sports watch with a dive bezel communicates competence without ostentation, which is exactly the register the film is pitched at.

On the grey market, the WAK2110.BA0830 trades well below its original retail, making it accessible and liquid. Retail was approximately $2,150 USD at launch; pre-owned examples in good condition now change hands between $600 and $900. It remains a reliable entry point into Swiss automatic watchmaking with strong brand recognition.