Given the theme of this year’s Met Gala was “Gilded Glamor,” we were expecting attendees at the annual benefit to don some particularly dazzling ensembles. They did not disappoint.
A-listers and industry heavyweights took to the red carpet on the first Monday of May in haute couture and archival vintage clothing inspired by the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Amid the tails, top hats and extravagant gowns, though, there were a number of watches that pulled focus on fashion’s night of nights.
From vintage Cartier Tanks to an intricate Roger Dubuis Excalibur tourbillon, below are 11 of the best watches at this year’s suitably glamorous Gala.
As always, the fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is held in honor of an exhibition at the Costume Institute. This year’s show, titled “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” opens May 5 in the period rooms of the American Wing. A retrospective of American style through the ages, it showcases the work of the country’s best tailors, dressmakers and designers. There may even be a few influential timepieces on display.
Oscar Isaac: Cartier Tank Française
Photo : AP/Cartier
Oscar Isaac may have put a spin on traditional black-tie attire by rocking a tailored Thom Browne dress instead of a suit, but the actor kept his accessories classic. Isaac paired a Cartier Tank Française watch in 18-karat yellow gold with a matching Cartier Love bracelet and Drive de Cartier cufflinks.
Jeremy Strong: Hublot Classic Fusion Bronze Brown
Photo : AP/Hublot
Succession star Jeremy Strong channeled his inner Kendall Roy and paired a sharp Archivio J.M. Ribot suit and antique Sidney Garber bling with Hublot’s recently launched Classic Fusion Bronze Brown.
Paapa Essiedu: Hublot Classic Fusion King Gold Green
Photo : AP/Hublot
Leave it to the ultra-cool British actor Paapa Essiedu to don a standout Off-White ensemble. On the wrist, meanwhile, the I May Destroy You star opted for Hublot’s Classic Fusion King Gold Green timepiece. We wouldn’t be surprised if the other gents on the carpet were, well, green with envy.
Nyjah Huston: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Cobalt Blue
Photo : AP/Roger Dubuis
Olympic skater Nyjah Huston coordinated his baby-blue Vivienne Westwood suit perfectly with a Roger Dubuis Excalibur Cobalt. The 42 mm timepiece, which retails for US$146,500, features a flying tourbillon just as complex as Hudson’s skate tricks.
Dwyane Wade: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding
Photo : AP/Vacheron Constantin
Former NBA star Dwyane Wade opted to contrast his all-white Versace look with a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding finished in 18-carat pink gold with a brown alligator strap. Who needs a shirt with wrist candy like that?
Paul Mescal: Cartier Tank Must
Photo : AP/Cartier
The Cartier Tank certainly appeared to be the watch of the hour. In addition to actor Oscar Isaac, singer-songwriter Stromae and actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, Normal People star Paul Mescal also donned the iconic timepiece. The Irish actor paired a black suit by Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli with a Cartier Tank Must in steel and leather. He also wore an 18-carat white-gold brooch and ring by the French maison.
Ryan Reynolds: Omega Speedmaster Moonshine Gold
Photo : AP/Omega
It’s not easy to outshine Blake Lively, but Ryan Reynolds’s Omega Speedmaster Moonshine Gold with green dial came close. The actor, who was also one of this year’s gala co-hosts, paired the handsome 42 mm timepiece with a brown Ralph Lauren tux.
David Harbour: Chanel J12
Photo : AP/Chanel
American actor David Harbour, best known for playing Jim Hopper in the series Stranger Things, exuded elegance with a top hat, tails, cane, cigar and a Chanel J12 watch. His wife Lily Allen also wore Chanel.
Pete Davidson: Rolex Datejust
Photo : AP/Rolex
When your date (Kim Kardashian) wears Marilyn Monroe’s original Bob Mackie “Happy Birthday” dress to the Met Gala, you need to up your watch game. Comedian Pete Davidson did exactly that with a silver Rolex Datejust accenting his classic Dior suit.
Adrien Brody: Cartier Santos Yellow Gold
Photo : AP/Cartier
Adrien Brody eschewed the apparently popular Cartier Tank in favor of a timeless Santos in yellow gold. The watch complemented the actor’s swish Thom Browne suit perfectly.
Corey Gamble: Patek Phillipe x Tiffany & Co Nautilus
Photo : AP/Patek Phillipe
Kris Jenner’s partner Corey Gamble proved he can keep up with the Kardashians and watch trends by flexing the highly sought-after Patek Phillipe x Tiffany & Co. Nautilus Ref. 5711. Limited to 170 pieces, which all sold out in a flash, the watch has also been spotted on fellow A-listers Jay-Z and Leonardo DiCaprio.
