Feature: The watches of The White Lotus
The White Lotus is a black-comedy drama that explores the lives and antics of a handful of guests staying at an international chain of luxurious hotels of the same name. In series one, our holidayers head to tropical Hawaii and in the second series a new batch of jetsetters head to stunning Sicily for a European getaway.
It soon becomes clear that the White Lotus hotels attract a specific clientele, we’re talking successful individuals with deep pockets. And with this kind of money comes some impressive watches, of course. So, let’s get into some of our favourite timepieces worn by the colourful characters in this hit show.
Tanya McQuoid wore: Ebel
Fan favourite, Tanya McQuoid (played by Jennifer Coolidge) and her husband, Greg, are the only characters from the first series to star in the second. Coolidge went on to win multiple awards for her portrayal of the flamboyant Tanya in both seasons, in what was a standout performance.
Fan favourite, Tanya, wears a two-tone Ebel 1911 similar to this model. Image: Courtesy of Bonhams
Throughout Tanya’s stays at the luxury hotels, first in Hawaii and then in Italy, she gets herself into amusing and sometimes concerning situations with other characters who are clearly attracted to her for her wealth and ditsy nature. That said, she seems to have her head screwed on when it comes to her watches. In series two, she appears to be wearing what we think is a humble Ebel 1911 in yellow gold and steel. Being the glamour puss she is, this isn’t what we’d expect Tanya to wear but we’re impressed with her understated timepiece, one that doesn’t seek approval.
Cameron Sullivan wore: Rolex
Cameron (Theo James) appears to be the ringleader of the group he’s holidaying with, consisting of his wife, Daphne, his friend Ethan and his wife, Harper. Confident and egotistical, he’s a calculated individual who knows what he wants and how to get it.
The Submariner "Smurf" in 18k white gold is a highly desirable Rolex model
Someone with this kind of attitude needs a watch to match and Cameron’s doesn’t disappoint. He wears a highly sought-after Rolex Submariner “Smurf”—so-called thanks to its combination of blue dial and bezel. With its 18k white gold case and bracelet, it isn’t as resilient in water as your traditional steel Sub, but it is a looker! As much as we’re averse to Cameron’s holiday antics, we are a big fan of his watch.
Dominic di Grasso wore: Panerai
The di Grasso family—consisting of grandfather, Bert, his son, Dominic (played by Michael Imperioli) and grandson Albie—travelled to Italy to reconnect with their Sicilian heritage, to no avail. It seems the closest they got to any real connection to their Italian roots is through the macho Panerai Submersible worn by troubled sex addict, Dominic.
Even though its watches are now made in Switzerland, Panerai's roots remain in Italy
Now made in Switzerland, Panerai has Italian origins making this the perfect match for a di Grasso. Dom’s 44mm Submersible Goldtech is a striking model in black and yellow gold with a casual black rubber strap—ideal for relaxing by the pool.
Quentin wore: Rolex
Quentin (Tom Hollander) is the only character on this list who isn’t a guest at the White Lotus hotel. Instead, he’s based in Palermo at an elaborate villa—which he claims he inherited from his grandfather—where he lives the high life. We first meet Quentin when he befriends Tanya and begins inviting her out with him and his friends. At this point in the series, we’re as oblivious to Quentin’s ill intentions as Tanya.
This understated Rolex allows Quentin to go under the radar
His unassuming Rolex Datejust, then, makes the ideal match for this cunning character. In steel with a smooth bezel and white dial it’s the perfect piece to fit in with the crowd—thanks to the Rolex nametag—without being overly flashy and drawing too much attention.
Ethan Spiller wore: TAG Heuer
The nerdy Ethan Spiller (Will Sharpe) appears in the second series, visiting Sicily with his wife, Harper, and his university friend, Cameron and his wife, Daphne. From the get-go it’s clear that there’s some friction between the two couples, due to differences in political views and attitudes. There’s a clear division in the kind of watches worn by the unlikely pals, too.
The TAG Heuer Connected is the ideal watch for someone in tech. Ethan wears one similar to this model
Ethan has opted for a TAG Heuer Connected, the first smart watch from a luxury Swiss watch brand and the perfect fit for a tech entrepreneur. Perhaps a bit more time spent with the arrogant Cameron and his Rolex Submariner will convince Ethan to upgrade his TAG to something flashier…
