What is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is an annual event held in New York City with the objective of raising funds to support the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. This glamorous gathering serves as a celebration of fashion, with each year’s theme being influenced by the museum’s latest fashion exhibition. Attendees are encouraged to dress in accordance with the theme, leading to a spectacular display of creativity and style.

For this year’s event, the theme was inspired by the late Karl Lagerfeld, a renowned German fashion designer and creative director who had worked with iconic fashion houses such as Balmain, Chloé, Fendi, and Chanel, as well as his own eponymous label.

Among the dazzling outfits and accessories showcased at the 2023 Met Gala, watches stood out as particularly noteworthy.

Here are our top picks for some of the most exceptional watches spotted at the event.

Nick Jonas – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 26715ST.OO.1356ST.02

Nick Jonas was recently spotted flaunting a magnificent Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, which was crafted from high-grade stainless steel and boasted a stylish grey dial. The watch’s unique octagonal bezel with an integrated bracelet, along with its self-winding movement, added to its overall charm.

The black watch craze that we witness today arguably has its roots in the 70s, thanks to the fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, who popularized the aftermarket PVD-coated black Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. At that time, this look was a radical departure from the norm, but Lagerfeld made it work effortlessly. He was rarely seen without his AP, and his style continues to inspire watch enthusiasts to this day.

Nick Jonas seems to have done his research well, as his choice of watch reflects the latest trend while also paying tribute to Lagerfeld’s timeless style. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph is an embodiment of exquisite craftsmanship and sophistication, and it has undoubtedly earned a place as one of the most iconic watches of all time.

Rami Malek – Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Ref. WGTA0091

Malek, one of the latest ambassadors for Cartier’s watches, was recently seen donning a Cartier Tank Louis Cartier watch, which boasted a resplendent yellow gold case, a classic jet-black dial, and a sophisticated hand-wound mechanical movement. This exquisite timepiece is a true embodiment of elegance and luxury, and it is no surprise that Malek chose to flaunt it at a public event.

The watch’s design was inspired by the very first Tank model that Louis Cartier, grandson of the founder of the Cartier empire, wore back in the 1920s. The Tank collection has since become a timeless classic, and it continues to inspire the watch industry with its refined and distinctive style.

Malek’s choice of the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier watch is a testament to his impeccable taste and sense of style. The watch’s sleek design and superior craftsmanship make it a perfect accessory for any occasion, and it is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

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Bella Ramsey – Hublot Big Bang Steel White Diamonds Ref. 361.SE.2010.RW.1104

A star of the popular HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ was recently seen flaunting a stunning 38mm Hublot Big Bang Steel White Diamonds watch, which was nothing short of a showstopper. The watch’s exquisite design featured a lustrous 38mm case, and its bezel was beautifully adorned with a row of dazzling white diamonds, adding an extra touch of glamour and sophistication to the overall look.

This Hublot timepiece is a true masterpiece of watchmaking, featuring unparalleled precision and craftsmanship. The watch’s classic design and meticulous attention to detail make it a perfect accessory for any occasion, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

It is no surprise that the Game of Thrones star chose to flaunt this stunning timepiece, as it perfectly complements their impeccable taste and sense of style. The Hublot Big Bang Steel White Diamonds watch is a true symbol of luxury and elegance, and it is sure to become a treasured possession for anyone who is lucky enough to own it.

Roger Federer – Rolex Perpetual 1908

Tennis superstar Roger Federer graced the Met Gala red carpet on Monday, marking his return after a hiatus since 2017. The Swiss athlete was spotted flaunting a brand-new timepiece, the Rolex 1908 in white gold, which is a true masterpiece of watchmaking.

The Rolex 1908 made its debut at the Watches & Wonders Geneva earlier this year, and it has already taken the watch industry by storm. It is the first new model released by Rolex since the Sky-Dweller in 2012 and has replaced the Cellini as the brand’s dress watch offering.

Featuring a finely fluted bezel, a traditional small seconds dial layout, and a sleek alligator leather strap, the Rolex 1908 is a true embodiment of sophistication and elegance. Additionally, the watch boasts an exhibition caseback, which is a rare feature in Rolex timepieces, making it even more special.

It is no surprise that Federer, who is known for his impeccable style and taste, chose to don this stunning timepiece at the prestigious event. The Rolex 1908 in white gold is a perfect accessory for any formal occasion, and its exquisite design and superior craftsmanship make it a true masterpiece in the world of horology.

Simu Liu – Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ref. 4500V

Simu Liu, the actor who portrays Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, made a statement on the Met Gala red carpet by donning a classic timepiece from the renowned watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin. The watch in question was the Overseas model, featuring a sleek black dial and a luxurious alligator leather strap.

Despite its understated elegance, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas is a true masterpiece of watchmaking. The watch boasts exceptional precision and reliability, and its classic design exudes sophistication and refinement. It is no surprise that Liu chose this stunning timepiece to complement his refined style and impeccable taste.

The actor truly understood the assignment when it came to selecting his watch for the prestigious event. By opting for the Vacheron Constantin Overseas, he showcased his appreciation for classic designs and understated elegance, all while making a subtle yet powerful statement at the gala.

Eileen Gu – IWC Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 and Pallweber Edition 150 Years pocket 

 At the Met Gala, Eileen Gu made a striking fashion statement by flaunting not one but two exquisite timepieces from IWC. The first was the IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition 150 Years pocket watch, a stunning homage to the innovative ‘Pallweber’ pocket watch of 1884 that displayed the hours and minutes in digital format with large rotating discs. Released in 2018, this limited edition modern pocket watch oozes luxury and sophistication.

The second timepiece that Eileen Gu sported was the IWC Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34, a dazzling watch featuring a diamond-adorned bezel and a unique day and night complication. This watch beautifully complemented her Robert Wun wine spill gown, exuding confidence and style effortlessly.

With a retail price of $20,800 USD, the IWC Portofino Day & Night watch is truly a masterpiece. Eileen Gu’s nonchalant display of the yellow gold Tribute to Pallweber Edition “150 Years” pocket watch was a delightful surprise. Together, the two watches added an extra touch of glamour and sophistication to her outfit, making it a true double flex.

Nicole Kidman- 1955 Omega Sapphette Jewelry Watch

The Met Gala red carpet was graced by the presence of an Oscar-winning actor who chose to adorn her wrist with an exquisite timepiece from OMEGA – the 1955 Sapphette Jewellery Watch in white gold on a black suede bracelet.

This historic timepiece is a true masterpiece of art and craftsmanship, capturing the essence of OMEGA’s mid-20th century work. With a 17.5mm diameter and a solid 18k gold case, the watch features a manual winding 480/481 caliber movement that delivers exceptional precision and reliability.

As a delicate and dainty piece of fine art jewelry, the OMEGA 1955 Sapphette Jewellery Watch exudes understated elegance and sophistication. Its classic design and exquisite details perfectly complemented the actor’s refined style and impeccable taste.

Jeremy Strong – Richard Mille RM 07-04

Jeremy Strong, the rising star of television, turned heads at the event donning a Richard Mille RM 07-04 watch in a striking two-tone candy-colored finish. This timepiece boasts the CRMA8 automatic movement, representing the pinnacle of sports watchmaking, and is crafted from Richard Mille’s exclusive Quartz TPT material. The watch is a true masterpiece, retailing at an impressive USD $185,000.

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Images from Getty