The Best Watches on the Oscars 2025 Red Carpet
It’s not so long ago that “Who are you wearing?” would have stopped at the shirt cuff.
That’s all changed in the last few years, as the provenance of celebrity red carpet wristwear has become as important as the fashion brands called upon to dress the great and the good.
Horologically savvy stylists including Ilaria Urbinati have been doing sterling work to signal the good taste of their clients when it comes to what's on their wrists, raising the prominence of brands like Omega and Richard Mille in the eyes of the public.
A quick greatest hits sizzle reel of notable men's watches that have graced the red carpet over the last half-decade might include Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona, worn by John Mayer at the 2020 Oscars, Patek Philippe’s Grand Complication, worn by Brad Pitt at the same event, Omega’s Speedmaster “Apollo 11” 50th Anniversary Edition worn by Tom Hanks in 2019, and Ryan Gosling’s suite of Barbie-adjacent Tag Heuers in 2024.
Some brands have forged such strong relationships with particular actors that they have become part and parcel of their awards season looks – Cartier and Timothée Chalamet comes to mind.
So far this year, the winning pairing has been one few people could have seen coming, that of Will Smith with an exquisite Universal Genève Polerouter ref. 2 20217-5 at the Grammys, as leant to him by friend of Esquire, Eric Wind of Wind Vintage.
Can anything at the Oscars top that?
It seems unlikely, but let’s take a little look!
Timothée Chalamet's Cartier Bagnoire
Cartier's elegant, oval-shaped watch dates back 1906. Its distinctive design features a smooth, curved case with Roman numerals. Teeny-tiny watches – in particular teeny-tiny Cartier watches – have become a TC trademark.
Colman Domingo's Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18ct Canopus Gold
Omega's classic Moonwatch, but make it red carpet. The brand's propitiatory 18ct white gold alloy is the perfect material for an actor who describes his 2025 awards season wardrobe as "effortlessly luxurious".
Robert Downey Jr's Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 18ct Sedna Gold
RDJ wore a luxurious, high-end variation of Omega's well-loved Aqua Terra collection. Known for its elegant design, water resistance, and versatility, it works in both casual and formal settings. And, indeed, the Oscars.
Edward Norton's Vacheron Constantin 222
Arguably the hippest watch of 2025 so far, the reedition of a reedition is commanding long wait lists for civilians and mere mortals.
Joe Alwyn's Bulgari Bulgari
The unambiguously named Bulgari Bulgari by Bulgari is a classic gold round number dating back to 1977. Its double logo is inscribed around the bezel, just in case you forget who you're wearing.
Jeff Goldblum's Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase
Jazzy, feminine and never knowingly understated, Jeff Goldblum wears the Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase.
Jeremy Strong's Richard Mille RM 74-02
Mille's distinctive asymmetrical case is made from a blend of titanium and something called LITAL-AW, an ultra-light and high-performance alloy.
Guy Pearce's Omega De Ville Prestige
Keeping it classic with Omega's headline dress watch, previously spotted out and about on the wrists on George Clooney, David Beckham and Daniel Craig.
Joe Locke's IWC Portofino Automatic 40mm
Sleek and minimalist, the Portofino line was introduced in the early 1980s, inspired by the Italian fishing village of Portofino, a favourite retreat of artists, musicians, and the elite. You get the idea.
Andrew Garfield's Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar in pink gold
Featuring two time zones on opposite sides of the dials, one with a date and month display and the other with a day, date, and month display, this is a watch with a lot going on. Also: it's made of pink gold.
Sebastian Stan's Cartier Santos
Dating back to the birth of aviation and the start of the 20th Century, Cartier's Santos is kown for its square case, bold design, and refined elegance. A timeless classic.
Kieran Culkin's Omega De Ville Trésor
Thin, minimalist, classy, understated. Winners all round!
Cole Walliser's H. Moser's Streamliner Tourbillon
There were a couple of appearances for the Swiss IYKYK brand this year, known for technical excellence and fine dial work. We salute your taste, Cole!
Jon M Chu’s Patek Philippe Calatrava 3579
"I've got to give this back in an hour"
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