A retired New York City policeman has been selected by Longines Watches as the “modern Humphrey Bogart.”

In what could be described as “American Idol Meets American Icon,” hundreds of contestants, ranging in age from 17 to 63, lined up on Aug. 14 to participate in the “Longines Casting Call for Attitude.” The Swiss watch company teamed up with Esquire magazine to search for what they call “a modern-day Humphrey Bogart.”

This wasn’t a look-a-like contest, however. Participants had to demonstrate the confidence, image, personality, and masculinity exemplified by Bogart. Celebrity judges included Stephen Bogart, Humphrey’s son; Stefano Tonchi, Esquire’s fashion director; actor Billy Zane, a Longines Ambassador; supermodel and actress Audrey Quock; and Sean Hepburn-Ferrer, son of acting and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn.

The final five finalists were escorted to the Tourneau TimeMachine watch store on New York’s 57th Street where a section had been transformed into the set of Casablanca (the classic Bogart movie marking its 60th anniversary this year). There, each had to read the final scene from the film script, model classic Bogart-style attire and demonstrate their suave prowess by conversing with a stranger, played by Audrey Quock, at the replica bar.

Robert Goldrick, a retired New York City policeman from New Jersey, made his way with classic elegance and style through two semi-final rounds to become the Bogart of today. He received a new Longines Evidenza watch, and a $10,000 cash prize and will appear in a fashion spread in Esquire.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group Ltd.

JCK