While portraying Ken in the summer hit film Barbie, Ryan Gosling sported three different vintage Heuer watches, each with its own unique charm. However, one watch, the ref. 1158 CHN, stood out for its real-world appeal. In a surprising move, Ryan Gosling brought Ken’s gold Carrera from the movie world into reality.
The Iconic Heuer 1158 CHN
The ref. 1158 CHN was originally released in 1971 and is a dual-register, automatic version of the Carrera. It’s powered by Heuer’s legendary Caliber 12 movement, the second generation of one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements.
What makes the watch particularly distinctive is the winding crown, located on the left side of the C-shaped case, a unique feature thanks to the Caliber 12’s architecture. Alongside its conventional 12-hour counter, a 30-minute counter, and a date window at 6 o’clock, the ref. 1158 CHN’s standout feature is its case material; it’s crafted from solid gold, with Ken’s version even boasting a matching gold Milanese bracelet.
A Watch With a Racing Pedigree
The 1158 CHN holds a special place in the hearts of watch aficionados and racing enthusiasts. It was given to Ferrari Formula 1 team drivers between 1971 and 1978 and is said to be one of Jack Heuer’s (the former Heuer CEO and Carrera model inventor) favorite references.
This watch represents the fusion of luxury and functionality that emerged in the 1970s. It’s the kind of timepiece that exudes both sportiness and opulence.
Gosling Takes Ken’s Watch to the Real World
During Milan Fashion Week, Ryan Gosling was spotted wearing the iconic 1158 CHN at the star-studded Gucci show. Paired with a black leather bomber jacket and a simple white tee, the watch became an instant showstopper.
While the 1158 CHN is undeniably cool, it takes someone like Gosling to truly do it justice. If you’re inspired by Gosling’s style and want to emulate his watch choice, you’re in luck. TAG Heuer produces contemporary, solid-gold versions of the Carrera that occasionally feature in their catalog.