Trust Lil Nas X to steal the show again. When it comes to the Met Gala, who’s wearing what fashion brand is still the centre of most people’s attention but more and more wristwatches are stealing the spotlight. It’s a telltale sign of the increasing importance of timepieces in popular culture.
This year’s Met Gala theme ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ and dress code ‘Garden of Time’ were especially thrilling for watch enthusiasts. Why? Because it was crying out for vintage timepieces and watches inspired in some way, shape or form by a passage of time.
Interpreting the brief correctly led some guests down unfamiliar rabbit holes as they went digging into archives, sporting watches they had never been seen wearing before. We stayed glued to the screen, our eyes squinting on guests’ wrists to spot the most unique pieces — and we were not disappointed. Here’s who best stuck to the assignment.
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Never one to shy away from glitzy ensembles, Lil Nas X went full glam in a white ensemble embellished in Swarovski crystals, bleached hair and extra long nails – but the pièce de résistance was a white gold Piaget vintage dress watch with a green malachite dial. “Vibrant colourful stone dials, housed in precious metal watch cases, with textured bracelets finely engraved by Piaget's craftsmen, are what sets Piaget apart as a grand watchmaking maison,” says Singaporean collector Robin Wong. Framed by that typically ’70s integrated bracelet, the green dial is so luscious it’s almost like peering into a garden.
Yes, Michael Shannon’s Balenciaga ensemble included a bag shaped like a packet of crisps, but look closer and his best accessory is a Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921. “The kind of watch that captivates you with its classic design rooted in rich history, yet it also exudes a touch of sportiness,” says Jackie Ho, co-founder of the Hong Kong watch club Watch Ho & Co. “This timepiece is a delightful blend of elegance and playfulness, making it somewhat unconventional and adventurous.” Just like a bag of cheese and onion crisps, right?
Major flex here. Steven Yeun suited up in floral Thom Browne suit and flashed a Cartier Clash [Un]limited in 18k yellow and purple gold. “The borders are erased between jewellery and watchmaking,” says Homer Narvaez, watch designer and co-founder of the Tokyo Watch Club. This model is all about the touch: “The beads are rotating, the spikes are soft, it's really something you can experience with more senses than just one.”
Alexander Skarsgard kept things timeless with a sharp Calvin Klein tuxedo and the Hublot Classic Fusion Racing Grey Chronograph Titanium. “It’s a timepiece that effortlessly combines refined elegance with a robust design,” says Ho. “Its satin-finished and polished titanium case speaks to its sophisticated appeal, while the bezel with six H-shaped screws, adds a touch of masculinity.”
Mixing and matching. The actor came decked out in Tiffany & Co. brooches, two pairs of glasses, white gloves, a smart black overcoat — and more Tiffany on his wrist, with the brand’s Cocktail 2-Hand watch. The timepiece comes with a black satin strap (smooooth), a bezel set with round diamonds, and a white guilloché dial. Classy and niche, gets our seal of approval.
No notes. The singer songwriter wore Loewe and sported a Cartier Crash, complete with an 18k white gold bracelet and brilliant cut diamonds. Just like the Clash, “There is also the absence of gender, and Cartier have designed these with no preconceptions of the person wearing them,” says Narvaez. “They flow with the garment, and that's what a good watch is. It shouldn't be about the watch but the person wearing it!”
The eagle has landed – on the red carpet, that is. It’s no secret that the Thor actor has a solid watch collection, and his sporty-chic Chopard Alpine Eagle is another great addition. Chris Hemsworth paired his bespoke Tom Ford cream suit with the rose gold timepiece, said to be inspired by the majestic bird and Swiss mountains, in a version adorned with a diamond bezel for extra bling.
Brooklyn may have attended the gala solo but instead of dipping into his dad's collection of Tudor beauties, he adorned his wrist with this year’s talk of the town, the all-gold Piaget Polo 79. “This watch truly represents the golden era of Piaget's fine watchmaking, reflecting an era of opulence in the 80s, balanced with a sense of modern elegance and luxury chic,” says Wong. “I am proud to see Piaget going back to the original Polo in gold.”
Here, our money is on Troye Sivan thinking there is no ‘Garden of Time’ quite like Adam and Eve's unspoilt garden of Eden – then putting his own non-religious spin on it by choosing to wear an Hublot Big Bang. Perhaps the diamonds are represent the light and energy the book of Genesis suggests Earth exploded from? Or perhaps Sivan just felt this watch went best with his all Prada look.
