The recent scene from the show ‘Landman’ has sparked a renewed interest in pursuing careers in the oil rig industry.
In the past, dedicating 20 or even 25 years to a single company was often celebrated with a prestigious gold watch—typically engraved with a personal message on the back to mark the occasion. While such traditions have faded over time, especially with the rise of affordable quartz watches, it seems that certain professions still honor long service with remarkable gifts.
In the second season of the Paramount+ series Landman, created by Tyler Sheridan and centered around the oil industry, a touching moment unfolds when engineer and roughneck Dale Bradley, portrayed by James Jordan, presents Crew Chief Theodore "Boss" Ramone, played by Mustafa Speaks, with a special gift to commemorate his two decades of service at M-Tex, the fictional oil company depicted in the show. Initially taken aback by the unexpected gesture, Ramone unwraps the present to find a luxurious green box adorned with a coronet logo. Inside lies a stunning Rolex Cosmograph Daytona—a watch that will resonate with anyone who appreciates fine horology.
This specific model of the renowned racing chronograph from Rolex is not only breathtaking but also immensely coveted among watch enthusiasts worldwide. "They refer to this as the Daytona 'Panda,'" Bradley explains, as Ramone expresses his gratitude for the thoughtful gift. When a fellow roughneck jokingly suggests that he could sell the watch to retire comfortably, Bradley humorously insists, "No, you couldn’t retire—but you could certainly buy a lovely boat!" To put things in perspective, a brand-new steel Daytona retails at approximately $16,900; however, due to its limited availability, it can easily fetch double that price on the secondary market.
Originally launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona—almost named the "Le Mans"—was designed as a practical tool for race car drivers to time their laps. Initially overlooked by consumers, its unique dial variants featuring stylized Art Deco numbers only gained popularity after it became associated with legendary actor Paul Newman, who was famously seen wearing one. This led to a surge in demand, culminating in the auction of Newman’s own ref. 6239, given to him by his wife Joanne Woodward, which sold for a staggering $17 million in 2017. Suddenly, the Daytona became a must-have among collectors, particularly the sought-after steel models.
The "panda" variant, characterized by its black subdials against a pristine white dial, stands out for its legibility and visual appeal. Moreover, this design has significantly contributed to the trend of panda dials in the watchmaking world, paving the way for many similar styles that followed.
What truly elevates the scene in Landman is the evident expertise regarding watches demonstrated by the production team. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting commemoration for a roughneck’s two decades of hard work than receiving a Daytona watch—regardless of whether he eventually opts to trade it for that new boat. However, if you're dreaming of owning a Daytona yourself after two decades in your job, it might be wise to start saving now—or perhaps consider a career in the oil and gas sector!
