Iko Uwais and OLEVS Watches: The Action Star Behind the Brand

From the intense martial arts sequences of The Raid to his appearances in major international films, Iko Uwais has become one of Indonesia’s most recognizable action stars. Known for his exceptional pencak silat skills, dynamic fight choreography, and commanding screen presence, he has built a career that reaches far beyond Indonesian cinema.

But Iko Uwais is not only associated with action movies. In 2023, he was announced as a global brand spokesperson for OLEVS, connecting his international profile with a watch brand expanding its presence in markets around the world.

So, who is Iko Uwais, what movies made him famous, and why did OLEVS choose him to represent its watches?

Let’s explore the story behind the actor and his connection to OLEVS.

Who Is Iko Uwais?

Iko Uwais, born Uwais Qorny on February 12, 1983, in Jakarta, Indonesia, is an actor, martial artist, fight choreographer, and filmmaker.

Before becoming an international movie star, he trained in pencak silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art recognized for its distinctive combination of strikes, grappling, movement, and self-defense techniques.

His career took a major turn when filmmaker Gareth Evans encountered him while researching Indonesian martial arts. Their collaboration led to Merantau (2009), Iko’s feature-film debut.

The partnership continued with The Raid (2011) and The Raid 2 (2014), two action films that helped introduce his martial arts abilities to a worldwide audience.

Unlike actors who rely entirely on stunt doubles, Iko brought extensive martial arts experience and fight choreography expertise to his performances.

His work helped bring Indonesian pencak silat greater international recognition while opening the door to roles in Hollywood productions and global streaming projects.

Iko Uwais Movies: From The Raid to Hollywood

Iko Uwais has appeared in numerous action films, working alongside internationally recognized actors and filmmakers.

Here are some of the most notable productions in his career.

The Raid (2011) and The Raid 2 (2014)

For many international audiences, The Raid was their introduction to Iko Uwais.

He portrayed Rama, a police officer caught in a violent operation inside a heavily guarded apartment building.

The film became widely recognized for its tightly choreographed combat sequences and relentless action.

In The Raid 2, Iko returned as Rama in a larger crime story featuring elaborate fight scenes and increasingly complex choreography.

Together, these films established him as a major figure in modern martial arts cinema.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Iko Uwais made a brief appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as Razoo Qin-Fee, a member of the Kanjiklub gang.

Although his role was small, appearing in the Star Wars franchise introduced him to another major international audience.

Headshot (2016) and The Night Comes for Us (2018)

In Headshot, Iko played a man suffering from memory loss who becomes entangled in a violent conflict.

He later appeared in The Night Comes for Us, another Indonesian action thriller known for its intense combat sequences.

Both films reinforced his reputation for physically demanding action performances.

Mile 22 (2018)

Iko appeared alongside Mark Wahlberg in the Hollywood action thriller Mile 22.

He played Li Noor, a police officer whose knowledge becomes central to a dangerous intelligence operation.

The film gave international audiences another opportunity to see his distinctive martial arts style.

Wu Assassins (2019)

Iko starred as Kai Jin in Netflix’s supernatural martial arts series Wu Assassins.

The series combined contemporary action, fantasy elements, and martial arts choreography.

He later reprised the character in the 2022 film Fistful of Vengeance.

Snake Eyes (2021)

In Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, Iko portrayed Hard Master, a martial arts instructor associated with the Arashikage clan.

The role connected his established martial arts background with another internationally recognized entertainment franchise.

The Expendables 4 (2023)

Iko joined the cast of Expend4bles, also known as The Expendables 4, portraying Rahmat, the film’s principal antagonist.

The production featured action stars including Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, and Tony Jaa.

His appearance further expanded his presence in international action cinema.

Iko Uwais and OLEVS: A Global Brand Partnership

In October 2023, Iko Uwais was announced as a global brand spokesperson for OLEVS, marking an important step in the watch brand’s international marketing strategy.

The collaboration was discussed in a November 2023 interview published by 7.5 Degree and Baijing, which explored OLEVS’s expansion into Southeast Asian markets.

According to the report, OLEVS selected Iko Uwais because of his international recognition, popularity across Southeast Asia, professional achievements, and public image.

The partnership was intended to support the brand’s visibility across international markets and sales channels.

For OLEVS, working with a recognizable action-film star provided an opportunity to introduce its watches to consumers who might otherwise have been unfamiliar with the brand.

For audiences discovering OLEVS through Iko Uwais, the collaboration also created a connection between a familiar entertainment personality and a growing international watch brand.

Why Did OLEVS Choose Iko Uwais?

Celebrity partnerships often aim to connect a brand with the interests, aspirations, and lifestyles of its intended customers.

In Iko Uwais, OLEVS found a public figure associated with several qualities relevant to its brand positioning.

International Recognition

Iko’s career spans Indonesian cinema, Hollywood productions, and international streaming platforms.

His recognition across different markets offered OLEVS an opportunity to reach audiences beyond its existing customer base.

Discipline and Dedication

Martial arts training requires consistency, discipline, and attention to detail.

These qualities form an important part of Iko’s professional identity and provide a natural storytelling connection with watches, which combine design, mechanical engineering, and everyday functionality.

A Distinctive Personal Style

Iko’s screen presence is closely associated with confidence, energy, and action.

OLEVS offers a variety of watch styles, from classic business watches to bold, sport-inspired designs, allowing the brand to appeal to customers with different tastes.

Connecting With Southeast Asian Audiences

Southeast Asia has been an important market in OLEVS’s international development.

As an Indonesian actor with an international career, Iko provided a recognizable connection between the brand’s regional marketing activities and a wider global audience.

What Is OLEVS? Understanding the Watch Brand

OLEVS is a watch brand offering a broad selection of traditional watches and smart wearable products.

Its watch collections include automatic mechanical, quartz, and digital designs, with styles ranging from understated everyday watches to more elaborate models featuring exposed mechanical movements, multifunction dials, and decorative details.

OLEVS serves customers looking for different combinations of appearance, functionality, and affordability.

The brand’s international development has included online retail and marketplace distribution, particularly in Southeast Asia.

As OLEVS has expanded its product range and market presence, its collections have become accessible through various retailers and online stores.

OLEVS Automatic Mechanical Watches

Automatic mechanical watches use a mechanical movement powered by a mainspring, with a rotor that helps wind the watch through wrist movement.

OLEVS offers a variety of automatic designs, including classic dial styles and skeleton-inspired models that reveal portions of their internal mechanisms.

These watches appeal to customers who enjoy traditional mechanical watchmaking and visible moving components.

OLEVS Quartz Watches

Quartz watches use a battery-powered electronic movement regulated by a quartz crystal.

OLEVS quartz collections include dress watches, business watches, and sport-inspired designs in different case shapes, dial colors, and bracelet or strap options.

They are a practical choice for customers who prioritize convenience and everyday timekeeping.

OLEVS Watches for Men and Women

OLEVS offers watches for different styles and occasions, including formal events, professional settings, casual wear, and gifting.

Customers can explore stainless-steel bracelets, leather straps, colorful dials, and both traditional and contemporary case designs.

The brand also offers couple-watch designs for customers interested in coordinated styles.

Where Can You Buy Authentic OLEVS Watches?

OLEVS watches are sold through multiple independent retailers and online marketplaces.

When shopping for an OLEVS watch, it is important to verify the seller’s identity, product details, warranty coverage, and after-sales support policies before placing an order.

OLEVSSTORE (Olevsstore.com) is an OLEVS Official Store operated by Linh Anh Tech. Investment Co., Ltd.

As an authorized retailer and distributor, OLEVSSTORE provides customers with access to authentic OLEVS watches and smart wearables, along with published store policies and dedicated support for eligible purchases made directly through its website.

OLEVSSTORE is not the manufacturer or owner of the OLEVS brand, and its warranty coverage does not extend to unrelated third-party purchases.

Explore our collections:

• Men’s Watches
• Women’s Watches
• Couple Watches
• Smart Watches

You can also learn more about the store, its business information, and its authorization on the About OLEVSSTORE page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iko Uwais and OLEVS

1. Is Iko Uwais an OLEVS Brand Ambassador?

Yes. Iko Uwais was announced as a global brand spokesperson for OLEVS in October 2023, as reported in a November 2023 interview about the brand’s international expansion.

2. What Is Iko Uwais Famous For?

Iko Uwais is best known for his martial arts performances in The Raid and The Raid 2, as well as appearances in Mile 22, Wu Assassins, Snake Eyes, and The Expendables 4.

He is also recognized for his experience in pencak silat and action choreography.

3. Is Iko Uwais a Professional Martial Artist?

Yes. Before his international acting career, Iko trained extensively in Indonesian pencak silat and participated in martial arts competitions and demonstrations.

His martial arts background has been central to his work as an action actor and fight choreographer.

4. Why Is Iko Uwais Associated With OLEVS Watches?

OLEVS selected Iko Uwais as a brand spokesperson to support its international marketing and connect with audiences familiar with his action-film career.

The collaboration was publicly reported in 2023.

5. Is OLEVS a Luxury Watch Brand?

OLEVS offers watches across accessible price ranges, with designs that include classic, sporty, and luxury-inspired styling.

Although some models feature elaborate dials or exposed mechanical movements, OLEVS should not be confused with traditional high-end Swiss luxury watch manufacturers.

Customers should compare individual models based on their specifications, movements, materials, pricing, and warranty terms.

6. Is OLEVSSTORE the Manufacturer of OLEVS Watches?

No. OLEVSSTORE is an OLEVS Official Store operated by Linh Anh Tech. Investment Co., Ltd.

It is an independent retailer and authorized distributor, not the manufacturer or owner of the OLEVS brand.

Iko Uwais, OLEVS, and the Connection Between Action and Style

From his early martial arts training in Jakarta to internationally recognized action films, Iko Uwais has built a career defined by discipline, physical performance, and global recognition.

His announced partnership with OLEVS in 2023 represented another step in the watch brand’s efforts to reach international audiences.

For fans who first encountered OLEVS through Iko Uwais, the brand offers an opportunity to explore a wide variety of watch designs, including automatic mechanical watches, quartz timepieces, and modern wearable products.

Whether you are a fan of The Raid, interested in the actor’s international career, or simply discovering OLEVS for the first time, the connection offers an introduction to the people, stories, and styles associated with the brand.

Discover OLEVS watches at OLEVSSTORE — an OLEVS Official Store.