Dandy on the Wrist: The Dazzling Watches that Dominated the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet

The world's most glamorous night — the Met Gala — once again blurred the lines between couture and art, leaving audiences simply mesmerised. This year, the theme of the fundraising festival, held in Manhattan, was ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’. As The Met put it, the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition showcased a “cultural and historical examination of Black style over three hundred years through the concept of dandyism”. It explained that the theme explored the “importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, particularly in the United States and Europe”. 

In keeping with the theme, the attendees embraced the ‘Tailored for You’ dress code with a striking variety of bespoke ensembles, from classic zoot suits and Congolese sapeur-inspired outfits to contemporary interpretations featuring luxurious fabrics and intricate detailing.

While the fashion world’s finest event conspired to stun us, we couldn’t help but notice the wrist candies on A-listers. From diamond-studded masterpieces to sleek, minimalist marvels, luxury watches commanded attention at the gala, standing proudly alongside the evening's show-stopping couture. 

GMT India takes a close look at the horological masterpieces that turned heads at the gala.

Shah Rukh Khan Makes His Debut at the Met Gala with a Patek Philippe

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Shah Rukh Khan's spectacular Met Gala debut reaffirmed just how deeply adored he is. While his signature charm and captivating smile held the spotlight, his wrist made an equally striking statement. Embodying sheer cinematic royalty in Sabyasachi’s impressive interpretation of ‘Black Dandy’, SRK completed his look with the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Self-Winding 5304/301R. A true marvel of haute horlogerie, this timepiece features a self-winding mechanical movement (Caliber R 27 PS QR LU), along with a minute repeater, a retrograde perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a transparent sapphire dial. 

The rose gold case, adorned with white gold inserts, is set with 80 baguette-cut diamonds, totalling approximately 6.22 carats; the diamonds ensure a breathtaking display of brilliance on the bezel, lugs, and clasp. The watch’s open sapphire caseback reveals the intricate off-centre rose gold mini-rotor engraved with a delicate leaf motif, echoing the engravings on the case sides. Paired with a hand-stitched shiny black alligator leather strap, the watch perfectly balanced tradition, transparency, and elegance, much like the man himself.

Lorde Returns, with a Cartier Baignoire

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Lorde, the New Zealand-born singer-songwriter known for her ethereal voice and avant-garde style, made a dramatic return to the Met Gala red carpet in 2025, commanding attention with her distinctive presence. She donned a silver satin ensemble by Thom Browne, featuring a corseted skirt and a backless bandeau top that appeared to float effortlessly. Lorde accessorised her outfit with a Cartier Baignoire watch in white gold, adorned with diamonds. 

This marked Lorde's highly anticipated return to the Met Gala after a four-year hiatus, perfectly timed with the announcement of her forthcoming album, Virgin.

Diljit Dosanjh Drips Royalty with Panthère de Cartier

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Proudly representing his culture and heritage, Dosanjh wore the Faune et Flore de Cartier 'Nature Sauvage Tigre' bracelet, crafted in 18 ct yellow gold, and adorned with emeralds and yellow, orange, and brown diamonds. With piercing emerald eyes, fine features, and sculptural volume, the feline motif highlights a powerful presence, brought to life by the ultimate touch of realism.

He paired this bold piece with the newly launched Panthère de Cartier watch, a small model in 18 ct rose gold set with diamonds. The iconic design of the Panthère watch is reimagined with a semi-pavé look, offering a light, delicate, and luxurious aesthetic. Completing his ensemble was the Panthère de Cartier ring in 18 ct rose gold, set with emeralds, onyx, and diamonds — needless to say, this added another layer of refinement.

A$AP Rocky Stuns with Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra

Met Gala’s co-chair A$AP Rocky epitomised avant-garde elegance with his Harlem-inspired AWGE ensemble, complemented by the ultra-thin Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra. Feted as the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, this timepiece enhanced Rocky's custom look, which featured a double-breasted parka crafted from technical wool, tailored trousers, and accessories from Christian Louboutin and Bvlgari. 

The Octo Finissimo Ultra's sleek design and innovative engineering mirrored the evening's theme, celebrating precision and artistry in both fashion and horology. Rocky's choice embodied his dedication to merging cultural heritage with cutting-edge style. 

Hailey Bieber Spotted with a Vintage Audemars Piguet‍

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Hailey Bieber, renowned model and founder of Rhode, deserves few words on her recent look from 2025 Met Gala. She wore a vintage Gucci dress from the Spring 1998 collection, showcasing Tom Ford's minimalist design. Complementing her monochrome appearance was a vintage Audemars Piguet watch featuring an opaline dial. This combination of classic fashion and haute horology reaffirmed her status as a fashion icon, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary flair. 

Maluma Shows up with Jacob & Co. Billionaire III

Colombian singer Maluma sported the Jacob & Co. Billionaire III watch — a masterpiece of haute horology combined with high jewellery. This extraordinary timepiece is bedecked with 714 diamonds, including 152 emerald-cut stones on the case and inner ring, 57 baguette-cut diamonds on the movement bridges, and 504 emerald-cut diamonds on the bracelet. 

Crafted from 18K white gold, the watch features a skeletonised manual-winding tourbillon movement with a 72-hour power reserve. Limited to just 18 pieces worldwide, the Billionaire III is valued at approximately ₹41.5 crore, epitomising exclusivity and opulence.

‍Tramel Tillman Exudes Elegance with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Tourbillon

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Tramell Tillman, the American actor, attended the gala flaunting Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Tourbillon in pink gold (750/1000). The watch houses Calibre 847, celebrated for its iconic swivelling case and dual aesthetics. On the recto, it has an elegant yet highly distinctive presence, allowing the tourbillon to command attention. 

Capturing the spirit of the early 1930s models, the pared-down aesthetics and signature details of the dial exude refinement. The reverse dial of the watch projects a bolder character altogether. Enhanced by partial skeletonisation and glorious decoration, the gold bridges are remarkably contrasted by the black sunray-brushed dial.

‍Omar Sy Makes a Statement with Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph‍

This year, Omar Sy aced his look in a suit that perfectly mirrored the theme of the Met Gala. The French actor and comedian wore the limited-edition Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold (750/1000, 18 carats), which further elevated his overall look for the event. 

This iteration of the JLC highlights the Maison's watchmaking heritage, aligning beautifully with the event's theme. While the recto side echoes the original Reverso, its openworked verso is distinctly modern. 

‍Pusha T Takes Out Rolex Daytona Rainbow for a Spin

Acclaimed rapper and fashion buff Pusha T turned heads last night with a double-breasted Louis Vuitton outfit. He also sported the eye-catching Rolex Daytona Rainbow, an opulent timepiece renowned for its vibrant array of sapphires. Its bezel features 36 meticulously arranged baguette-cut sapphires in a seamless rainbow gradient while 56 brilliant-cut diamonds are set into the lugs and crown guards. The watch is powered by Rolex's in-house Caliber 4130 movement, known for its reliability and precision. This bold accessory not only highlighted his impeccable taste but also underscored the fusion of high fashion and haute horology on the Met Gala red carpet.

Saquon Barkley tucked it away with H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack

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Saquon Barkley scored big once again — but this time with his impeccable watch choice at the Met Gala. The American footballer elevated his ensemble with the H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack, a bold and minimalist timepiece that flawlessly complemented his custom Thom Browne tuxedo. 

Crafted in stainless steel, the Endeavour Tourbillon features a dial made from Vantablack®, the darkest material known to man, absorbing 99.965% of light. Its strikingly deep black surface, free of logos, hour markers or any embellishments, perfectly echoed the refined lines and monochrome elegance of his tailored look. The hypnotic flying tourbillon, enhanced by Moser’s ingenious double hairspring, offered a dramatic contrast, blending innovation with understated sophistication.