Oscars 2026: 5 standout watches spotted on the red carpet

The red carpet has long served as a prestigious runway for high fashion, but in recent years, the focus has increasingly broadened to include luxury watches as a critical component of a celebrity’s overall presentation. This shift reflects a broader trend in luxury marketing and the growing appreciation for fine watchmaking among a younger, more style-conscious demographic. Celebrities, often working closely with top stylists and luxury brands, meticulously select timepieces that not only complement their attire but also convey an aspect of their personality or professional brand. Vintage watches, in particular, have seen a resurgence, offering a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and exclusivity that appeals to both connoisseurs and the fashion-forward. Meanwhile, contemporary pieces from iconic brands continue to assert their relevance through innovative design and cutting-edge technology. The 2026 Oscars demonstrated a remarkable spectrum of these choices, from understated elegance to bold, boundary-pushing designs.

The significance of these watch choices extends beyond mere aesthetics. For the brands, an appearance on the Oscars red carpet represents unparalleled global exposure, cementing their status in the luxury market and often driving consumer interest and sales. For the celebrities, these partnerships can be lucrative, enhancing their personal brand as tastemakers and style icons. The careful curation seen at this year’s awards highlighted not just the individual pieces, but also the stories behind them – tales of heritage, innovation, and artistic collaboration. As the stars gathered to celebrate cinematic achievements, their wrists became miniature stages, showcasing the artistry of watchmaking in its most glamorous context. Here are five timepieces that truly captured attention and sparked conversation.

MICHAEL B. JORDAN – PIAGET: A VINTAGE VICTORY

Michael B. Jordan, whose career has soared with acclaimed performances, celebrated a momentous personal victory at the 98th Academy Awards, clinching his very first Oscar for Best Actor for his compelling role in "Sinners." Matching the magnitude of this achievement, Jordan chose a timepiece that exuded timeless elegance and subtle grandeur: a vintage Piaget creation. This exquisite watch featured an 18k yellow gold dial, a material choice that harks back to an era of classic luxury and warmth, distinct from the cooler tones of white metals. The dial was further elevated by a dazzling centre set with pavé diamonds, adding a touch of discreet opulence without being overtly flashy.

Piaget, founded in 1874, has a rich legacy rooted in the Jura mountains of Switzerland, initially specializing in ultra-thin movements before expanding into high jewellery and watches. By the mid-20th century, Piaget became synonymous with "Joaillerie-Horlogerie," seamlessly blending watchmaking with artistic jewellery design, and became a favourite among Hollywood’s elite and international jet-setters. Their vintage pieces, particularly from the 1970s and 80s, are highly sought after for their distinctive designs, often featuring integrated bracelets, unique dials, and a strong emphasis on gold and precious stones.

Jordan’s choice of a vintage Piaget spoke volumes. It wasn’t merely a watch; it was a piece of history, carefully preserved and imbued with character. The 18k yellow gold provided a striking contrast against his tuxedo, offering a sophisticated warmth. The pavé diamonds, meticulously set, caught the light subtly, signaling luxury without ostentation. This choice underscored Jordan’s refined aesthetic, suggesting an appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship over fleeting trends. It perfectly complemented his celebratory moment, embodying a classic Hollywood glamour that felt both personal and iconic. The watch served as a silent testament to his journey, a symbol of enduring excellence mirroring his cinematic success.

RYAN COOGLER – CARTIER TANK À GUICHETS: AN AVANT-GARDE STATEMENT

Ryan Coogler, the visionary director behind "Sinners" and celebrated for his groundbreaking work in contemporary cinema, arrived on the red carpet making a bold and unconventional horological statement. He sported one of 2025’s most-talked-about watches: the Cartier Tank à Guichets. This choice immediately set him apart, showcasing a director known for pushing boundaries not only in film but also in personal style.

Cartier, a name synonymous with luxury and avant-garde design, introduced the Tank watch in 1917, inspired by the Renault tanks of World War I. It quickly became an icon, embraced by figures ranging from Louis Cartier himself to Audrey Hepburn and Andy Warhol, celebrated for its elegant rectangular case and timeless appeal. The Tank à Guichets, however, is a particularly rare and distinctive iteration of this classic. First conceived in 1928, it radically reimagined the traditional watch face. Instead of hands, the time is displayed through small apertures, or "guichets" (French for "windows"), typically showing jumping hours and minutes. This "digital" display, achieved mechanically, was a revolutionary concept for its time, embodying a modernist spirit.

Coogler’s decision to wear the Tank à Guichets was a masterstroke of individual expression. The watch, with its solid metal dial and the singular focus on the time presented through its windows, is a piece of art that challenges conventional watch design. Its rarity and historical significance – often released in very limited editions over the decades – make it a collector’s dream and a powerful symbol of refined taste. For a director like Coogler, known for his thoughtful and often groundbreaking narratives, this watch was a perfect metaphor for his artistic vision: innovative, deeply rooted in history, yet strikingly forward-looking. It suggested a man who appreciates the unconventional, valuing intellectual design over widespread popularity, and reinforced his image as a creative force unafraid to defy expectations. The watch became a subtle yet potent extension of his directorial persona, cementing his status as a tastemaker beyond the silver screen.

LEONARDO DICAPRIO – ROLEX PERPETUAL 1908: A SHIFT IN ELEGANCE

Leonardo DiCaprio, Hollywood’s quintessential A-list actor, is renowned not only for his powerful performances but also for his discerning taste in luxury. While often associated with the sporty robustness of his trusty Rolex Daytona, at the 98th Academy Awards, DiCaprio made a noteworthy stylistic pivot, opting for the elegant and refined Rolex Perpetual 1908. This change was a subtle yet significant declaration of his evolving aesthetic, leaning into a more classic and understated form of luxury perfectly suited for the gravitas of the Oscars.

Rolex holds an unparalleled position in the world of luxury watches, synonymous with precision, durability, and timeless prestige. While celebrated for iconic sports models like the Submariner and Daytona, Rolex also boasts a rich heritage in classic dress watches. The Perpetual 1908, a relatively recent addition to the Rolex family, represents a deliberate re-engagement with this heritage. Launched as part of the Perpetual collection, it draws inspiration from Rolex’s earliest movements and aims to offer a distinctly elegant, slender profile that stands apart from the brand’s more robust offerings.

DiCaprio’s chosen 1908 model featured a striking ice blue guilloché rice-grain dial. The "ice blue" hue is particularly significant within Rolex’s lexicon, often reserved for their most exclusive platinum timepieces, hinting at an elevated level of luxury and rarity. The guilloché rice-grain pattern, a meticulous decorative technique, adds intricate texture and depth, catching the light in a sophisticated dance. This dial, paired with the watch’s slender bezel and traditional small seconds sub-dial, created a watch that was both understated and incredibly luxurious. By "swapping out his trusty Daytona," DiCaprio signalled a deliberate choice for a more formal and refined aesthetic. It showcased a maturity in his red carpet styling, demonstrating that even a titan of cinema can surprise with a nod to classic watchmaking. The Perpetual 1908, with its blend of historical reverence and contemporary elegance, perfectly complemented DiCaprio’s enduring status as a sophisticated and influential figure in Hollywood, elevating his classic tuxedo with an air of unparalleled refinement.

PEDRO PASCAL – CHANEL BOY FRIEND: GENDER-FLUID CHIC

Pedro Pascal, the charismatic actor whose star has risen meteorically, solidified his reputation as a style icon at the 98th Academy Awards, demonstrating his unique and often gender-fluid approach to fashion. His choice of the Chanel Boy Friend watch was a perfect embodiment of his distinctive persona, blending classic elegance with a modern, boundary-pushing sensibility.

Chanel, founded by the legendary Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, is an undisputed powerhouse in luxury fashion, celebrated for its revolutionary designs that liberated women from corsetry and introduced timeless elegance. While primarily known for haute couture, handbags, and fragrances, Chanel has also made significant inroads into fine watchmaking, translating its iconic design codes into horological masterpieces. The Boy Friend watch, launched in 2015, is a prime example of this philosophy. Its very name encapsulates its design ethos: a timepiece that borrows from masculine watch aesthetics – typically larger, more angular cases – but is crafted with a distinctly feminine touch and intended for anyone who appreciates its style. It embodies Chanel’s belief in effortless chic and the blurring of traditional gender lines in fashion.

Pascal wore the Boy Friend watch in beige gold, one of Chanel’s proprietary gold alloys, known for its unique warmth and subtle glow, a softer alternative to traditional yellow or rose gold. This choice underscored the watch’s sophisticated appeal. The timepiece was paired with an alligator-pattern calfskin strap, adding a touch of luxurious texture while maintaining practicality. For Pascal, a male actor known for his bold and often unconventional red carpet choices, the Boy Friend watch was more than just an accessory. It was a statement. It demonstrated a confidence in embracing designs that transcend traditional gender categories, aligning perfectly with his image as a trendsetter. The watch, while perhaps less overtly "haute horlogerie" than some of the other pieces seen that night, perfectly embodied Chanel’s philosophy of understated luxury and sophisticated design, allowing Pascal to project an image that was both refined and forward-thinking. It was a testament to how personal style can redefine and elevate luxury.

HUDSON WILLIAMS – BVLGARI SERPENTI TUBOGAS: BOLD DEFIANCE

Hudson Williams, the breakout star of the critically acclaimed film "Heated Rivalry," truly made a statement on the Oscars red carpet, not just with his burgeoning talent but with an audacious choice of timepiece: the Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas watch, coiled elegantly around his wrist. This was arguably one of the most talked-about accessory choices of the evening, challenging conventional male red carpet styling and asserting a new era of self-expression.

Bvlgari, the illustrious Italian luxury house founded in Rome in 1884, is globally renowned for its magnificent jewellery, bold designs, and vibrant use of colour. Its watchmaking division often draws heavily from its jewellery heritage, creating timepieces that are as much wearable art as they are functional instruments. The Serpenti collection, arguably Bvlgari’s most iconic motif, originated in the 1940s, evolving from watches designed to resemble a coiled snake, a symbol of wisdom, vitality, and eternal youth. The Tubogas technique, a complex and meticulous method of forming flexible, seamless metal coils (inspired by the flexible gas pipes), was introduced to the Serpenti in the 1970s, making the watch incredibly comfortable and adaptable to the wrist.

Traditionally, the Serpenti watch, with its sensuous curves and jewellery-like aesthetic, has been predominantly associated with female wearers, becoming a symbol of feminine power and allure. Williams’ decision to wear the Serpenti Tubogas was therefore a powerful, almost rebellious, act of fashion. It dismantled traditional gender norms in luxury accessories, showcasing a willingness to embrace beauty and design without preconceived notions of masculinity or femininity. The watch, with its distinctive coiled form and luxurious finish, provided a striking visual counterpoint to his formal attire, drawing immediate attention to his wrist. For a "breakout star" like Williams, this choice was strategically brilliant. It not only highlighted his individuality and confidence but also positioned him as a fashion-forward icon unafraid to challenge the status quo. It was a clear signal that the rules of red carpet dressing, particularly for men, are evolving, paving the way for more diverse and expressive choices in luxury watch styling. The Bvlgari Serpenti on his wrist was not just a watch; it was a conversation starter, a symbol of a new generation defining its own parameters of style.

The 98th Academy Awards truly underscored the evolving landscape of red carpet fashion, where watches have firmly cemented their status as indispensable elements of celebrity styling. From Michael B. Jordan’s timeless vintage Piaget to Ryan Coogler’s avant-garde Cartier Tank à Guichets, Leonardo DiCaprio’s refined Rolex Perpetual 1908, Pedro Pascal’s gender-fluid Chanel Boy Friend, and Hudson Williams’ daring Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas, each choice told a unique story. These timepieces were not merely functional instruments but profound statements of personal taste, brand allegiance, and an increasingly sophisticated understanding of luxury. They highlighted a growing trend where male celebrities are embracing more diverse and expressive horological choices, moving beyond traditional norms to showcase their individuality and fashion-forward sensibilities. The Oscars 2026 red carpet proved that in the realm of high glamour, the right watch can indeed be just as memorable, and perhaps even more revealing, than the most elaborate of outfits, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of style.