Latest Review
June 16, 2026 
For stuntman Tom Place, watches aren’t simply accessories. They’re tools with a purpose. They also serve as reminders of the people, stories, and qualities that have shaped his life and career. Those qualities of perseverance and passion are at the heart of Hamilton’s America 250 celebration, and you’ll have a chance to experience them firsthand when their America 250 Roadshow arrives at Hudson Yards in New York City.
Join Tom and the Worn & Wound team on: Saturday, June 20th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM to see the Khaki Field collection up close, explore Hamilton’s rich American heritage, and talk watches, gear, cinema, and stunt work with one of our community’s most accomplished action professionals. Whether you’re a longtime Hamilton collector, a film enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind great watches—it’s a cool opportunity to meet Tom and celebrate a shared spirit of craftsmanship, adventure, and American ingenuity. Now let’s get to know Tom ahead of this fun, in-person event.
Thanks so much for speaking with us, Tom. Stunts have been a huge part of your life. How did you get started?
Stunts were kind of always a part of my life. My brother and I were making little action movies before we even knew what filmmaking was. We were five or six years old, reenacting scenes from Rambo and all the movies we loved. Through high school and college, we kept making short films and the most fun part was always the stunts. After college, before entering the real world, we decided to give the film industry a shot. We figured if we were going to try it, we might as well chase the part we loved most. That’s how I got into stunt work.
The first few years were tough. I was only getting a couple of jobs a year and wasn’t sure it would ever become a career. But around 2009, after six or seven years of grinding, I realized I was working just enough to make a living and decided to go all in.
Most people imagine stunt work as pure adrenaline. How much of your job is actually preparation?
When you’re coordinating stunts, one action sequence can involve days of meetings, tech scouts, location visits, and conversations with directors and producers. You’re figuring out what they want to see, what’s possible, how to do it safely, and how to make it look great on camera. People see a few seconds of action on screen, but behind that is an enormous amount of planning.
You’ve worked on everything from I Am Legend and The Greatest Showman to The Irishman and The Dark Knight Rises. What have those experiences taught you?
Honestly? The bigger the production, the more chaotic it can feel. You’d think these massive productions would run like perfectly tuned machines, but there are so many moving pieces and so many people involved that it can actually feel more chaotic than smaller projects. Sometimes you finish a day and think, “We shot half a scene. How is this entire movie ever going to get made?” But somehow it all comes together.
What stands out about working with directors like Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan?
They have incredible respect for every department. They aren’t focused on one thing because they’ve seen it all before. Stunts don’t blow their minds. Visual effects don’t blow their minds. They understand how every piece contributes to the final film and they treat every department with that same level of respect. On smaller productions, people get excited about the spectacle of a car crash or a big fall. On those larger productions, it’s more about serving the story.
You’ve been in the business for more than twenty years. How has stunt work evolved?
The process really hasn’t changed much. The challenge today is that audiences have already seen so much. We’ve seen the incredible fight scenes, the crazy car chases, all the big action moments. The question now is: how do you make something feel fresh? How do you create a fight scene that doesn’t immediately remind people of something they’ve already seen? That’s the harder part these days and that’s what we spend the majority of our time talking about and planning.
As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, does that milestone resonate with you as someone who’s built a career and business from the ground up?
Absolutely. It’s easy to get caught up in the news cycle and social media and forget what makes America special. We have incredible freedoms and opportunities here. I think it’s good to celebrate that and I’m proud of where I’m from. Being proud of your country doesn’t mean you ignore the things that could make it better. It just means you’re grateful for the opportunities you’ve been given.
What advice would you give someone trying to turn a passion into a profession?
There was a long stretch where I wasn’t sure this was ever going to work. I worked construction, pumped gas, and did whatever I needed to do to support my family while trying to build a career in stunts. There wasn’t a shortcut. It was years of training, learning, and showing up for opportunities whenever they came along. That’s one of the things I appreciate about this country—you can come from an ordinary background, work hard at something you’re passionate about, and create opportunities for yourself. It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’re willing to put in the time and stick with it, there’s still a path forward. Like the old cliche, don’t give up on your dreams.
You’ve been obsessed with watches for most of your life. Where did that begin?
When I was four years old, I borrowed a mechanical Snoopy watch from my sister. My dad showed me how to wind it, and I became fascinated by the idea that I could interact with this little machine and keep it running. I’ve basically had a watch on my wrist ever since.
Whether it’s watches, bags, boots, or knives, you’ve described yourself as a serious gear enthusiast. What is it about great products that gets you excited?
Whether it’s a watch, a bag, or a pair of boots, I enjoy learning how it’s made, reading reviews, and figuring out what the best version is. I think a lot of enthusiasts have that “buy once, cry once” mentality—you convince yourself that if you find the right thing, it’ll be the last one you’ll ever need. Of course, it never works out that way. You always discover something else that catches your attention. I used to tell my parents, “If I get this watch for my birthday, I promise it’ll be my last one.” We all know how that turned out.
You’ve owned several Hamilton watches. What originally drew you to the brand?
I loved that Hamilton started as an American company. My first Hamilton was a Jazzmaster Chronograph that I wore for everything. Construction jobs, pumping gas, everyday life. Later, while working on Men in Black 3, I noticed the stunt coordinator wearing a Hamilton Below Zero. He told me it had been a gift from Harrison Ford. I immediately went home and ordered one.
Whether it’s any number of Nolan films, the Men in Black series, and more, Hamilton has a long connection to cinema. Do you have a favorite Hamilton cameo in a film?
Almost every stunt guy is an Indiana Jones fan, so I loved seeing Indy finally wear a watch in Dial of Destiny. It’s a Hamilton Boulton. You barely see it, but knowing it was there is enough for me.
You recently spent time with a limited edition of Hamilton’s Khaki Field Mechanical 36 mm created to celebrated America’s 250th Anniversary. What were your impressions?
I thought Hamilton handled it perfectly. A lot of anniversary watches can be loud, but this one felt subtle. There isn’t a giant slogan or flag plastered across the dial. The commemorative elements are there, but they’re understated. I also thought the watch might be too small for me at first. Then I wore it for a while and forgot it was even there until I glanced down and saw how good it looked. I also love that it has fixed lugs, because it’s not coming off. Which for me is a thing.
Military-inspired watches seem to play a big role in your collection. Why?
My father served in Vietnam, and I was actually reading some of his letters before this interview. He wore a military watch that I still own today. Watches like that connect you to a story. Beyond that, I’m drawn to rugged watches because I never know what my day is going to involve. I might be on a dirt bike, in the water, on set, or traveling.
Beyond watches, what gear do you obsess over?
Wallets, belts, and knives. Those are the things I carry every single day. I want them to be durable, functional, and built well. I spend way too much time researching them, just like watches.
Your social media presence blends stunt work, watches, gear, and everyday adventures. Why share all of that?
Because that’s the stuff I enjoy seeing from other people. I’ve followed gear enthusiasts and watch collectors for years and always enjoyed seeing what they were carrying, working on, or excited about. When I started sharing my own experiences, people connected with it. If I can make a few people smile or inspire someone to check out a new piece of gear, that’s a pretty good day.
Has your passion for watches ever unexpectedly intersected with your work on set?
Absolutely. I remember working as a cab driver in The Normal Heart and wearing one of my Hamiltons because I thought there might be a chance it would make it into the shot. I was trying to get my hand up on the steering wheel whenever the camera was rolling, and then someone came over and told me, “You can’t wear that watch—the movie takes place in the 1980s.” I had no idea it was a period piece, so I was completely bummed when I had to take it off and put it in my pocket.
The funny part is that while I was sitting in the cab waiting for the next setup, I noticed the Director of Photography was wearing a beautiful vintage watch on a military-style strap. We started talking watches and he casually mentioned that it was a gift from his wife, Julia. A little later I realized I was talking to the amazing cinematographer Danny Moder and the Julia he was referring to was Julia Roberts. So even though my Hamilton never made it into the movie, I still ended up walking away with a pretty great watch story.
You’ve spent more than two decades helping bring some unforgettable action sequences to life. As you look ahead, what projects are you excited about, and is there anything our readers should keep an eye out for?
I was fortunate to do stunt work in Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, which also features Hamilton watches. And in terms of television, I’ll be stunt coordinating a new series called Disinherited from one of the creators of Breaking Bad. We shot the pilot already and we’ll be filming the rest of the season later this year. I’m planning to do some fun stuff with this one. And hopefully I’ll find room in it for one more watch.
