As one of the best celebrity watch-spotting events of the year, the 2023 Met Gala promised some of the best watches money can buy and it more than delivered. While the ‘fits spanned a spectrum of weird to wonderful (with Randy wrapping up the ten best looks to walk the red carpet here), the timepieces also spanned a spectrum, ranging from opulent to classic and everything in between.
From the GOAT of the tennis court Roger Federer and everyone’s favourite Everything Everywhere All At Once star Michelle Yeoh, to fashion legend Kim Jones and NBA MVP Russell Westbrook the crème de la crème of contemporary culture turned out in force. Following up on the “gilded glamour” theme of the 2022 edition, this year the Met Gala celebrated the late German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld which saw a sea of signature black and white to honour the Chanel great.
Just as Lagerfeld knew how to pick the wheat from the chaff when it came to collecting the best watches, so too did many of the attendees at the 2023 Met Gala. We saw a lot of Cartier and Richard Mille, both vintage and latest-generation Rolex, Patek Philippe of customised and factory persuasions and even a new chronograph from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Let’s get into it.
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Jeremy Strong – Richard Mille RM 07-04
One of the latest creations from the cutting-edge factory of Richard Mille, the RM 07-04 on the wrist of Jeremy Strong is as sporty as it is lightweight (just 36g). He’s picked out the green reference to match his Homer chain (designed by the one and only Frank Ocean) and ties nicely into the Richard Mille he’s spotted wearing in the latest season of Succession.
Roger Federer – Rolex 1908 In White Gold
A new collection from Rolex that made its debut at Watches & Wonders 2023, the 1908 is the Big Crown’s latest range of dress watches and replaces the beleaguered Cellini collection. Federer has picked out the most tasteful of the 39mm references in white gold, with a black dial that hides the Rolex manufacture 7140 calibres beneath.
Michelle Yeoh – Richard Mille RM 07-01
After taking out the Oscar for Best Actress In A Leading Role for her performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once (where she wore a one-off Richard Mille RM 07-02), Michelle Yeoh returns to the red carpet this time sporting a diamond-encrusted Richard Mille RM 07-01. Serious watchmaking for a serious price.
Rami Malek – Cartier Tank Louis Cartier In Yellow Gold
The classics don’t need to be complicated and no one knows it better than the masters of shapes at Cartier, who fitted out Rami Malek with one of the cleanest timepieces spotted at the 2023 Met Gala. With a yellow gold case and black dial, the Tank is an icon for a reason.
Kim Jones – Vintage Rolex “Cosmograph” Ref. 6238
A fashion designer with names like Fendi and Dior on his resume, Kim Jones isn’t one to feel the pressure of wearing the latest or greatest timepiece. Instead, he selected a 36mm vintage Rolex chronograph from the early 60s in another unlikely winner from this year’s night of nights.
Stormzy – Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/110P-001 In Platinum
One of rap’s most flamboyant multi-hyphenate talents, Stormzy is well-known for his good taste in watches and he hasn’t slipped here, wearing a platinum Patek Philippe ref. 5711 with a baguette-cut diamond bezel. One of the rarest and most desirable Nautilus references there is, the same version sold at Phillips for CHF630,000 (AU$1,047,021). Easily one of the best and most expensive watches of the 2023 Met Gala.
James McAvoy – Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph In Pink Gold
Another watch that was recently launched at Watches & Wonders 2023, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph is the first chronograph from the watchmaker’s watchmaker for the best part of three decades. Powered by the technically impressive Manufacture Calibre 860, it boasts two timezones and a chronograph with a retrograde minute counter.
Russell Westbrook – Greg Yuna Custom Patek Philippe Nautilus with diamonds and sapphires
There’s nothing wrong with wearing the same watch a couple of times and that’s exactly what we’ve got with Russell Westbrook, boasting a custom Patek Philippe Nautilus that he also wore to the 2021 edition of the Met Gala. Featuring a custom gem and diamond setting from Westbrook’s New York-based jeweller Greg Yuna, this is a special piece.
Taika Waititi – Cartier Santos Dumont In Platinum
Among Cartier’s deep Santos Dumont archive is this remarkable platinum limited edition of 150 pieces launched last year. If it looks quite burgundy, that’s because the large 43.5mm platinum case has been inlaid with burgundy enamel and paired with a matching alligator strap, perfectly complimenting the ruby bezel cabochon. Great choice, Taika (the cream-tone version was one of our favourite watches of 2022).
Jackson Wang – Cartier Tank Cintrée Skeleton In Platinum
Last, but certainly not least is another very special Cartier on the wrist of Jackson Wang. This skeletonised Tank Cintrée features a large platinum case and the very finely crafted manually wound calibre 9917 MC. A special occasion watch if ever there was one.
