In the 1970s, two films dominated the cinematic landscape - The Godfather and The Candidate. While The Godfather went on to become one of the greatest films in history, The Candidate, a sharp political satire starring Robert Redford, deserves renewed recognition. Not only does the film capture the underbelly of American politics, but it also prominently features a timeless piece of horology: Redford's personal Rolex Submariner, Ref. 1680, known as the "Red Sub." Why We're Watching As we reflect on the legacy of The Candidate, it's worth noting how Redford's replica Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 played a role on-screen. This watch, one of the most iconic vintage Rolex models, wasn't just a prop; it was Redford's own personal watch, seamlessly blending with his on-screen persona. The "Red Sub," with its distinctive red text, was Rolex's first Submariner with a date complication, produced from 1969 to 1975. Redford's watch featured the original clasp and riveted bracelet, adding authenticity to his character. This movie also holds sentimental value for me, as I celebrate three years of writing about watches in cinema. Robert Redford has long been one of my favorite actors, and his use of the Red Sub across multiple films, including All the President's Men (1976), further elevates this watch's status in Hollywood history. A Timeless watch Redford's replica Rolex Submariner ref. 1680, with its short production run, has become a coveted vintage model. The red lettering on the dial, distinguishing it from the white-text clone Rolex Submariners that followed, makes it a true collector's item. Redford's close relationship with his Submariner, wearing it throughout the '70s and into the '80s, parallels that of his friend and fellow actor, Paul Newman, with his Rolex Daytona. For me, The Candidate and Redford's Red Sub exemplify a period in film when personal style and character bled into one another. The choice to wear his own Rolex on-screen added a level of authenticity that no mere prop could convey. When to Watch Midway through The Candidate, Redford's character, Bill McKay, is deep into his senatorial campaign. At [00:42:44], after an exhausting day, McKay lifts his hands to his face, briefly showing the Red Sub on his wrist. Later in the film, at [01:33:43], we see McKay at a news desk, wearing the Rolex prominently. In a serendipitous shot, the word "Rolex" is displayed right in front of him - an unintentional nod to the brand that forever links Redford with this iconic watch.