Ready to dive into the world of 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2, where the drama is as captivating as the watches adorning the wrists of its characters? Last year, watch enthusiasts on Reddit were captivated by the vintage timepiece featured in the Netflix rom-com. Now, with Adam Brody and the cast back for a second season, the show continues to deliver both emotional depth and impeccable wrist game.
Given the show's surprising popularity among watch aficionados, we've dissected every episode to spotlight the timepieces on display. We turned to Michael Orona, the show's prop master, to uncover the stories behind these stylish choices.
"We kept the same watch for Noah," Orona explains. "Since this season follows directly from the first, it made sense to maintain consistency. While I considered adding more watches to his collection, it's easier to keep things simple with a main character who's in most scenes."
Adam Brody's personal connection to his watch added another layer to the character's portrayal. "Adam mentioned that watches are part of his acting process," Orona shares. "He believes the hands and wrist are constantly visible, and the watch choice can help an actor anchor their performance. We meticulously searched for the perfect band for his vintage Langel watch, as he was very particular about getting it right." (Brody himself selected the timepiece, sourced from The Curatorial Dept.)
For Noah, the vintage Langel isn't just a watch; it's an emotional anchor.
Noah's father, Ilan (Paul Ben-Victor), opts for a more extravagant choice. "On his first day of shooting, [Ben-Victor] arrived with his personal Rolex Day-Date 40 in yellow gold with a green ombré dial," Orona reveals. "It was perfect for his character."
Orona also had fun with the guest stars this season. Arian Moayed and Seth Rogen brought a mix of chaos, charm, and impressive watch appearances.
"I'm a huge fan of Succession and admired the subtle storytelling through watches in that series, so I was excited to get creative with Arian's character," Orona says. (Arian plays Dr. Andy, Morgan's therapist turned love interest.) "When we first see Dr. Andy, he's wearing a Hamilton Intra-matic Chronograph, a sensible choice. But as the scripts evolved, it became clear that his character was a mystery. To add intrigue, I decided he'd wear a different watch each episode. Though not always in focus, he sports a black Rolex Submariner, a vintage Rolex Bubbleback with a California dial, a two-tone Rolex Datejust (for his Richard-Gere-in-Pretty-Woman Purim costume), and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar."
But here's where it gets controversial... While Arian's watches are all about mystery, Seth Rogen's choice is all about making a statement. "He plays a non-traditional Rabbi named Neil in a very liberal Temple. With his expressive wardrobe, bold eyewear, and a striking modern building, I thought he needed a statement watch," Orona explains. "I was nervous about putting the Richard Mille on him, but it worked: non-traditional Rabbi, non-traditional timepiece." Orona's choices are purposeful, subtle, and full of whimsy.
Young Brando, a horological consultant and creative director from the YouTube channel Watches 'n Style, weighed in on the rabbis' choices. He had already spotted the Richard Mille in the trailer. "While Noah and Neil share a background and a fondness for shiksas, they couldn't be more different," he notes. "Neil looks like 'The Dude,' but he's materialistic and self-aware; his cardigan is a Pendleton-inspired RRL, recognizable and cool."
Noah wears a simple vintage dress watch, likely a family heirloom. "But Neil wears a complicated Richard Mille that would cost at least a quarter million: an RM 11-03, to be exact, a flyback chronograph that is also an annual calendar," Brando adds. "This speaks to their conversation about 'modernizing while maintaining tradition:' Noah wants a deep intellectual discussion, while Neil prefers a shortcut to show he's in the know. What could be more appropriate than Richard Mille's blend of technical excellence and experimental innovation?"
And this is the part most people miss... The watches in 'Nobody Wants This' reflect Hollywood's ongoing dedication to getting actors' watches just right, making them characters in their own right. While we tune in for the drama, we stay for the wrists.
What do you think? Do you agree with the watch choices, or would you have chosen differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
