When considering the red carpet lifestyle, you may immediately think of gowns and tuxedos, but if you take a closer look, you will see another star of the show quietly differentiating itself as well, high-end wristwatches. In 2025, high-end wristwatches have adorned and informed beyond the countless images and stories created in the last few months, much of the loudest celebrity style coming from the red carpet.

From the hot weather in Cannes on the French Riviera to the bright lights of the Oscars, watches have played a part in every A-list event for their bold level of sophistication, drama, or unique personal style. Let’s turn back the clock and look back on some of the celebrity-watch moments that we have seen this awards season. 

Zendaya’s Serpentine Statement 

Is there even a red-carpet roundup without Zendaya? She was the belle of the festival at Cannes when she showed up in her gorgeous emerald gown – and of course, on her wrist was the always-amazing Bulgari Serpenti, swinging around like a snake. 

The Serpenti isn’t just a simple watch, though; it’s certainly one of the finest examples of haute horology there truly is; it’s wearable art. It’s not just about telling time, it’s about making a classic fashion statement.   

 Timothée Chalamet – Stealing the Show in Cartier   

When Timothée Chalamet was being interviewed at the Oscars, all of the attention was on him, and not just because he was rocking an electric blue, shirtless tux! The actual jaw-dropper was his watch: a platinum Cartier Crash. Famous for its melted, dreamlike appearance (a happy mistake elevated to legend), the Crash is one of the rarest and most experimental haute horology watches on the planet.

Timothée’s decision said everything about his nonconformist style. While others would choose traditional round faces or chunky sports watches, he sported a watch that breaks symmetry, time, and convention. Cartier’s Crash is a rebellious history lesson on your wrist, and its presence at the Oscars was a fashion wink to insiders.  

The Gentlemen’s Club 

In the unbuttoned way that Brad Pitt, who also topped the BAFTAs, wore a yellow gold Patek Philippe Calatrava that evoked vintage Hollywood sophistication, this watch is understated, bold, and has quiet confidence. The Calatrava is understated, bold, and has quiet confidence. It summed up the look for a guy like Pitt, who pushed his classic suit but with twists.

In contrast, Michael B. Jordan had some fun with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore smack dab in the middle of his Oscars getup. The Royal Oak Offshore is far too visual Lo-Fi to stay indoors. Aside from the octagonal bezel, the Royal Oak Offshore is supersized and well-liked by the stars who prefer accessories that allow them to be vocally noticed.

Rocking the luxury business but scruffy look with a red-carpet glaze is a fine line, but few brands can manage the magic. 

The Leading Ladies of Luxury 

While men soaked up the limelight for wristwatches this year, some women made watch-wearing fashionable as well.  At the Met Gala, Anya Taylor-Joy in a vintage Piaget cuff watch served sweet, surreal old-school vibes of a story she shared.

Call it a secret jewel whispered yet potent, as a spell spoken. Also worth noting was Rihanna – never one to shy away from drama- who elevated her pre-Oscars party look with a dazzling, diamond-dripping Jacob & Co. timepiece. It felt more like stealing time than keeping time.  

Haute horology watches on the red carpet aren’t a fad; it’s a development of culture. Watches are more than just time tellers; they are pieces of history, character, and craftsmanship. They say something about the wearer’s taste, heritage, and sometimes sense of humour.

It has become clear that by 2025, watches will certainly have established their role alongside couture gowns and bespoke tailoring. Whether that’s the organic curves of the Bulgari Serpenti, surrealism in the Cartier Crash, or the drama in the architecture of an Audemars Piguet, haute horology watches are not just supporting actors; they are the stars.

One thing is certain as awards season gives way to memory: the haute horology watch on the red carpet is just getting started.