The red carpet at the Academy Awards has evolved into more than just a runway for couture gowns and tailored tuxedos — it’s now prime real estate for showcasing exceptional timepieces. Over the past few years, a watch peeking out from beneath a perfectly tailored cuff has become just as newsworthy as the designer label on the lapel. Thanks to watch-savvy stylists and a growing appreciation for horology, we’re witnessing a golden age of wristwear on Hollywood’s biggest night.
The 2025 Oscars didn’t disappoint. From reimagined classics to avant-garde pieces, the stars brought serious heat — and a whole lot of precious metal — to the ceremony. Here’s our round-up of the most memorable watches that made a statement on the red carpet this year.
Timothée Chalamet: Cartier Baignoire
Chalamet’s watch of choice was tiny, oval, and unmistakably Cartier. The Baignoire — first introduced in 1906 — has become something of a signature for the actor, who has mastered the art of juxtaposing feminine elegance with modern masculinity. With its Roman numerals and gentle curves, the piece added a refined vintage note to his otherwise sharp look.
Colman Domingo: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in Canopus Gold
Omega’s legendary Moonwatch gets a red-carpet twist in 18k Canopus Gold, Omega’s proprietary white-gold alloy. Domingo, whose style this awards season has been described as “effortlessly luxurious,” wore the piece like it was custom-built for him. The watch’s moon-landing pedigree paired surprisingly well with Domingo’s celestial-level charisma.
Robert Downey Jr.: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra in Sedna Gold
RDJ added subtle drama to his ensemble with Omega’s Aqua Terra 150M in rich Sedna Gold. It’s a watch that balances elegance and ruggedness — like Downey Jr. himself — with its sleek dial and robust build. A perfect match for an actor who knows how to command a room without shouting.
Edward Norton: Vacheron Constantin 222
The sleeper hit of the year, Norton’s Vacheron Constantin 222 reissue has watch collectors everywhere buzzing. A nod to 1970s sports-luxury chic, the integrated bracelet and bold geometry hit all the right nostalgic notes. It’s the sort of watch that says, “I know exactly what I’m doing.”
Joe Alwyn: Bulgari Bulgari
In a sea of complex complications, Alwyn went clean and classic. The double-logo bezel of the Bulgari Bulgari made sure no one forgot who made it. Timeless and gold, it was a quiet power move.
Jeff Goldblum: Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase
Jeff Goldblum never plays it safe — and his wristwear followed suit. Wearing the Égérie Moon Phase, a piece with flourishes more commonly seen on haute feminine pieces, he reminded us all that elegance has no gender. Bravo.
Jeremy Strong: Richard Mille RM 74-02
Known for disappearing into his roles, Strong took center stage with a bold Richard Mille RM 74-02. With a case crafted from LITAL alloy and a distinctive asymmetrical design, this was pure high-tech theater. Industrial art meets red carpet flair.
Guy Pearce: Omega De Ville Prestige
Classic. Elegant. No frills. Pearce wore the De Ville Prestige — a known favorite of George Clooney and David Beckham — proving that sometimes the most powerful style statements are the quietest.
Joe Locke: IWC Portofino Automatic 40mm
Locke kept it cool with the IWC Portofino — minimalism executed to perfection. With its slim case and uncluttered dial, it exuded coastal sophistication and timeless charm.
Andrew Garfield: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface Calendar
Garfield’s Reverso in pink gold was a complicated beauty. With dual time zones and a full calendar display, it was a masterclass in elegance and engineering — and paired beautifully with his signature boyish-meets-suave style.
Sebastian Stan: Cartier Santos
The Cartier Santos — originally designed for aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont — has evolved into a modern classic. Stan’s choice felt grounded in history but elevated by the square case and signature screws. Effortless cool.
Kieran Culkin: Omega De Ville Trésor
The De Ville Trésor is Omega at its most refined. Culkin, whose understated charm continues to win over audiences, mirrored that aesthetic with this slim, minimalist dress watch. A smart, subtle choice.
Cole Walliser: H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon
Walliser brought the indie cred with H. Moser’s Streamliner — a watch beloved by connoisseurs. With its smooth integrated bracelet and openworked dial revealing the tourbillon, it was a flex for those who know. Taste level: extremely high.
Jon M. Chu: Patek Philippe Calatrava 3579
Borrowed time — literally. Chu’s vintage Calatrava was a reminder of the beauty in restraint, even if he admitted, “I’ve got to give this back in an hour.” Regardless, it was the kind of quiet luxury that needs no introduction.
Final Take: Watches Worthy of Gold
This year’s Oscars red carpet proved that a great watch can be as expressive as any speech. Whether through quiet elegance, historic craftsmanship, or modern flair, these timepieces didn’t just tell time — they told stories. From ultra-complications to minimalist dress watches, there was something for everyone, and every watch had a moment. If the suits were statements, the watches were punctuation — and in 2025, they made it clear that wristwear has officially become leading-role material.
