Featured image: Suunto
In The Equalizer 2 (2018), Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall wears the same watch as in the first film: a Suunto Core All Black digital outdoor watch (reference SS014279010), which he uses as a stopwatch during his fights.
Quick answerSuunto Core All Black, a 49 mm black digital watch with altimeter, barometer and compass. It typically retails for around $250 to $400, and it appears in the Turkey sequence and the film’s trailers.
Where to buy
Compare the same watch on both sites: eBay for pre-owned and vintage pieces, Amazon for new stock.
Suunto Core All Black
Prices and availability change; check the listing before you buy.
The watch at a glance
| Detail | Suunto Core All Black |
|---|---|
| Reference | SS014279010 |
| Case size | About 49.1 x 49.1 mm, 14.5 mm thick |
| Materials | Composite case, aluminum bezel, mineral crystal |
| Movement | Digital quartz, replaceable battery (about 12 months in time mode, per Suunto) |
| Functions | Altimeter, barometer, compass, stopwatch, storm alarm |
| Water resistance | 30 m |
| Approx. price | $250 to $400, less on the used market |
What happens in The Equalizer 2 and where the watch fits
The sequel finds McCall working as a ride-hailing driver in Boston, still doing small favors for people who need help. A major plot thread follows the murder of his former colleague Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo), which pulls him into a confrontation with former members of his old unit, including Pedro Pascal’s character. Along the way, McCall helps a young neighbor, Miles (Ashton Sanders), and travels to Istanbul to retrieve a kidnapped child. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and was released in the US on July 20, 2018.
The Suunto is more than a prop. As in the first film, the stopwatch is part of McCall’s method: he starts the clock, runs through an encounter in his head, and then finishes it. Watch fans noted the same pattern in the film’s trailers, where the countdown is a visible storytelling device. One watch blog described two trailer moments, a very short timed sequence in Turkey and a longer one later; treat those exact figures as the blog’s reading of the trailers rather than official numbers.
Is it the same watch as the first movie?
Yes. Specialist sites list the Suunto Core All Black in both films, and McCall’s habit of timing his fights carries over. A separate note from a watch fan site points out that the on-screen display appears to have been adjusted for the camera, with a stronger blue illumination than the stock retail model. If you are comparing a real Core to your memory of the movie, that is the explanation.
For the franchise as a whole, including the reported switch to a Suunto 9 Peak in The Equalizer 3, see our overview of the watches in the Equalizer movies. If you are interested in how the 1980s TV character compares, read Equalizer watches then and now.
Why the Suunto Core suits Robert McCall
- It is a tool. The altimeter, barometer and compass are meant for hikers and climbers, not for people who want attention.
- It is understated. All-black styling blends into a dark jacket and does not catch light in a tense scene.
- It is affordable. For a man who lives modestly, a $300 watch makes more sense than a luxury piece.
- It is easy to read at a glance. The high-contrast digits and backlight help in the dark conditions the film often uses.
Buying a Core All Black today: what to check
Suunto has refreshed its outdoor range over the years, so the Core All Black is not always on the shelf at full retail. Check the current Suunto and authorized-dealer listings first, then look at the used market. Whichever route you take, confirm the reference number ends in 9010 for the all-black model, test the backlight and buttons, and ask when the battery was last replaced. The Core uses a user-replaceable battery, so a dead cell is a cheap fix rather than a deal-breaker. Also check the strap: it is a soft elastomer that can stiffen or crack with age, and replacements are easy to find.
Wearing it is straightforward. At roughly 49 mm square it is a large watch, so it suits larger wrists best, and it is relatively light for its size. If you want the McCall habit, learn the stopwatch mode before you need it, so you can start a timer without fumbling through menus.
Affordable alternatives and similar watches
- Suunto Core (other colors, about $200 to $350): Best for the same hardware at a lower price. Pros: identical features, readily found online. Cons: not the stealth look of the All Black.
- Casio Pro Trek triple-sensor watches (about $200 to $450): Best for a close functional match with solar charging on many models. Pros: tough, accurate sensors. Cons: more cluttered design.
- Garmin Instinct 2 (about $250 to $400): Best for people who want GPS and fitness tracking. Pros: rugged, long battery life. Cons: needs charging, which the Core does not.
- Casio G-Shock DW-5600 (about $50 to $100): Best for the simplest rugged digital look on a budget. Pros: lightweight, durable. Cons: no outdoor sensors.
For other action-hero watches, see what John Wick wears and the watch Denzel wears in Flight.
FAQ
What watch does Denzel Washington wear in The Equalizer 2?
A Suunto Core All Black, the same model he wears in the first Equalizer film.
Why does McCall check his watch before fights?
The stopwatch is a character device: McCall times how quickly he can neutralize a threat, which reinforces his methodical, ex-intelligence background.
How much does the Suunto Core All Black cost?
Roughly $250 to $400 new when it is in stock, and often less on the used market or during sales.
Is the Suunto Core waterproof?
It is rated to 30 meters, which covers splashes and rain, but it is not a dive watch. For the differences, see water resistant vs waterproof.
Sources
- Watch ID: Suunto Core All Black, The Equalizer films
- Suunto: Core All Black
- Everyday Metal: Watch Wednesday, The Equalizer
- BestWatchBrandsHQ: Denzel Washington’s watch in The Equalizer 2
- Wikipedia: The Equalizer 2