Forget the Outfit: These Watches Are Stealing the Red Carpet
4 min read
Gone are the days when a celebrity’s red-carpet narrative was dictated solely by the designer label stitched into their collar. From big events like engagements, such as the pop culture moment where Taylor Swift styled a Cartier watch alongside her engagement ring, which you can read about in our previous article, to casual strolls for a cup of coffee, celebrities accessorise with a variety of timepieces that elevate their look. Today, the ultimate sartorial flex doesn't drape over the shoulders, rather, it fastens around the wrist. Luxury timepieces have transcended their traditional roles as mere contractual obligations for brand ambassadors. Guided by visionary stylists, watches are now deployed as crucial narrative devices, anchoring looks at Hollywood galas, royal sporting boxes, and international tournament arrivals.
The 98th Academy Awards
At the 98th Academy Awards, the red carpet proved once again that the most critical element of a celebrity's look is often measured in millimetres. The 2026 ceremony showcased a definitive shift away from standard-issue dress watches, with Hollywood’s elite favouring deep-cut vintage pieces, heavy-hitting independent horology, and unapologetic diamond displays. For the modern leading man, the timepiece has become the ultimate vehicle for personal expression. Timothée Chalamet bypassed the usual legacy brands entirely, opting instead for elite independent watchmaking. He paired his ensemble with a platinum Urban Jürgensen UJ-2 on a crisp white strap, signalling a deep "in-the-know" appreciation for niche horology. Leonardo DiCaprio took a more classical but equally exclusive route, wearing a platinum Rolex 1908. Its icy blue guilloché dial provided a subtle, sophisticated anchor to his traditional tailoring.
Others used the evening to make massive, unmissable statements. Kevin O'Leary pulled off the ultimate horological flex by "double-wristing" two incredibly rare pieces. A platinum Cartier Crash Skeleton on one arm and a secretive, off-catalogue white gold Rolex Daytona on the other.
The women of the red carpet demonstrated how high-wattage jewellery and traditional watchmaking seamlessly intertwine. Rolex testimonee Zendaya commanded attention with a breathtaking Rolex Lady-Datejust crafted in 18k white gold. With a fully diamond-paved dial and a matching diamond-set President bracelet, the piece was a masterclass in maximum glamour. To read more about her association with Rolex, click here. To dive deeper into what other watches grabbed everyone’s attention at the 98th Academy Awards, head over to our previous article.
The FIFA World Cup
The trend of high-stakes wristwear is arguably even more pronounced in the global sports arena, where tournament arrivals have evolved into de facto runways. During the arrivals for the FIFA World Cup, elite football players turned their travel attire into a masterclass in extreme luxury and rare horology. Cristiano Ronaldo made an unapologetic entrance wearing the highly coveted Rolex Daytona "Rainbow" in yellow gold. A statement piece entirely iced out with multi-coloured sapphires that perfectly mirrored his larger-than-life persona. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, arrived wearing an ultra-rare, off-catalogue Rolex Day-Date 36 in 18k white gold, featuring an eye-catching natural turquoise stone dial and baguette-cut blue sapphire markers.
The World Cup arrivals showcased a deep appreciation for both bold architecture and technical mastery among the world's best athletes. Kylian Mbappé brought contemporary edge to his arrival fit with a Hublot Big Bang Integrated King Gold. The players also didn't shy away from playful or highly technical pieces. England's Harry Kane wore the unconventional Rolex Day-Date 36 "Puzzle," which replaces traditional day displays with motivational words, and Brazil's Casemiro surprised collectors by arriving in a highly sought-after F.P.Journe Élégante 48mm Titalyt. Erling Haaland naturally leaned into his brand relationship, wearing a personalised Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 with a meteorite dial, and Kevin De Bruyne showcased pure haute horlogerie with a fully skeletonised Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon.
Wimbledon
While the World Cup highlighted extreme, gem-set luxury and bold sporting chronographs, Wimbledon demanded a different aesthetic entirely. The world's most prestigious tennis tournament is steeped in tradition, and the celebrity fashion naturally leans toward refined British heritage and understated sophistication. This environment proved that a watch doesn't need to be covered in diamonds to steal the spotlight. David Beckham, a fixture at the All England Club, completed his razor-sharp tailoring with the vintage-inspired Tudor Black Bay 58. His choice served as a masterclass in how to pair a robust dive watch with a classic suit, perfectly complementing the traditional yet stylish atmosphere of the tournament. The Black Bay 58, with its retro aesthetic and perfectly proportioned case, provided a grounded, accessible contrast to the high-jewellery pieces seen on other red carpets, proving that impeccable styling is ultimately about pairing the right piece with the right environment.
On the other hand, while the majority of athletes prefer to reserve their luxury timepieces for pre- or post-match appearances, Serena Williams boldly wore her brand-new Audemars Piguet for the entirety of her match against Australia's Maya Joint. Introduced just this month as a vibrant addition to the brand's summer collection, this specific Royal Oak Offshore commands attention with its 37 mm titanium case, striking pink tapisserie dial, and a dazzling bezel encrusted with 32 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Ultimately, the era of the luxury watch functioning merely as an obligatory brand placement or a quiet timekeeper is officially over. From the flashing lights of Hollywood's biggest nights to the most exclusive global sporting arenas, timepieces have evolved into the definitive focal point of celebrity styling. This just further proves that while the tuxedo or designer gown may set the stage, it is the watch that truly steals the show.
