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Sometimes art imitates life, to a degree, as in the case of this month’s Watches on the Screen. Once-on-top-of-the-world action star Jean-Claude Van Damme plays himself as a down-on-his-luck out of work actor in the 2008 film, JCVD.
The Movie: JCVD (2008)
The movie, titled after the actor’s initials, places Van Damme in a semi-fictional version of himself: a down on his luck actor who has watched his family and career crumble all around him. He is out of money despite his previous success; his agent cannot find him a decent part in a decent movie; and he is fighting a losing battle over custody of his daughter to his ex-wife. Dealing with all of these troubles the actor returns to his home in Brussels where he is still considered a national treasure.
Looking to receive some funds via a wire transfer at the local post office Van Damme finds himself in the wrong place at the right time, furthering his troubles. Robbers bust through the doors, bash Van Damme in the face and take him hostage. As if things were not bad enough, the police, knowing Van Damme is down on his luck, mistake him as the leader of the robbers. This puts Van Damme in the position of protector of the other hostages as well as negotiator with the police.
A stand-out portion of the film comes via a six-minute monologue done in a single take. Van Damme and the camera are lifted up above everyone else and he emotionally addresses the audience covering his career, marriages and substance abuse. JCVD later is able to talk the robbers into releasing the hostages. A scuffle then ensues wherein the real head robber is shot, causing the police to storm the building. Rather than take the final gunman out in Van Damme fashion with everyone cheering for him, JCVD elbows the robber in the stomach and the crook is arrested. Unfortunately for him, Van Damme is arrested as well; his negotiations included a sum of money for the law firm handling his custody proceedings. As such, he is arrested for extortion and sent to prison.
The Watch: Hamilton Khaki X-Wind
The watch Van Damme wears throughout the film is the now classic Hamilton Khaki X-Wind. The ETA (Valjoux) 7750 powered watch measures in at 44mm with 22mm lugs. The watch is designed with pilots in mind as the bezel contains a drift-angle calculator, the first in a watch. This enables pilots to calculate and record any crosswinds they encounter on their flights. Despite the complex function built in the watch is favored by many a non-pilot as well. 
Another unique feature of the watch is the flipped movement: the day and date are on the left side of the watch, rather than the right. This means the crown and chronograph pushers are located on the left side as well. The right side of the case contains two crowns that turn the inner bezels for the drift angle calculator.
I posed the question to Jean-Calude Van Damme on Twitter if the watch was his own or wardrobe supplied, but at the time of this writing there was no reply from the actor. Hamilton has had quite a presence in films the past decade so it would be no surprise to find the watch was supplied by the films wardrobe department. It would be a treat, however, if JCVD wore his own personal piece in the film as a part of his own character.
The watch is sold in a number of dial colors and bracelet or strap configurations, and has been seen in other films (like the previously mentioned I Am Legend, Battleship and Quantum of Solace). The watch can be found today for around $1,000, which is more than when first introduced but still a fine price. Look around and you can find a pre-owned specimen for less, if you are quick enough.
by James Enloe
for more watches on the screen, check out James’ site: Watches in Movies
