Mario Canonizado 
The annual Met Gala is in full swing, and once again, the world’s biggest A-listers are bringing their fashion A-game. Amid the dazzling displays — and the occasional eyebrow-raising outfit — some equally stunning timepieces have made their way up the iconic steps.
‘Fashion’s biggest night out’ has officially kicked off in 2025! Even if you’re not a fashion fanatic, chances are you know what the Met Gala is by now. Held annually as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, it’s widely considered fashion’s ultimate showcase — a night where the biggest names and most visionary stylists gather to show off and show out.
Each year, the event revolves around a specific theme inspired by the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition. In 2021 and 2022, the spotlight was on American fashion through a two-part exploration. The 2023 Gala paid heartfelt tribute to the late icon Karl Lagerfeld, while 2024 delved into fashion’s ephemeral beauty with Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.
This year, the 2025 Met Gala introduces Superfine: Tailoring Black Style — a powerful exhibition tracing 300 years of Black fashion through the lens of dandyism. It celebrates how style has served as a means of identity, distinction, and quiet resistance. With garments, art, and historical objects spanning the 18th century to today, the exhibition showcases how Black self-presentation has influenced culture across the Atlantic world.
In that same spirit of personal style and storytelling, watches also play a crucial role. Whether as symbols of heritage, craftsmanship, or understated power, timepieces help complement or complete one’s status, identity, or aesthetic — especially on a night as meticulously curated as this one. So it’s no wonder that some truly incredible works of horology are on display at this year’s Met Gala — and they certainly don’t disappoint, especially under the watchful eye of the formidable Anna Wintour. So, join me as we explore the standouts, surprises, and timeless statement-makers on the wrists of the stars at 2025’s Met Gala!
Walton Goggins
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface 270th Anniversary
One of my favourite actors to break into the mainstream spotlight recently is Walton Goggins. A criminally underrated performer now finally getting his due, you might recognise Goggins from his standout roles as Rick Hatchett in The White Lotus or as Cooper Howard/The Ghoul in Fallout. But his résumé runs deep — from Invincible, Justified, and Ant-Man and the Wasp to The Hateful Eight, Django Unchained, and even a cameo in Community, odds are you’ve seen him light up the screen more than once!
Making his Met Gala debut, Goggins arrived with signature swagger, donning a custom Thom Browne ensemble that paired a sharply tailored long coat with a bold skirt silhouette. On his wrist was the stunning Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface 270th Anniversary — an uncharacteristically daring yet meticulously crafted timepiece from the Genevan brand. With its subtle elegance in platinum, it’s a watch that can disappear in plain sight, only to command attention when noticed — much like Goggins himself in every role he takes on.
Ref. 4020T/000P-H038
Australian RRP: AU$117,000
Availability: Limited to 370 pieces. Find out more at WatchAdvice.com
Henry Golding
Cartier Privé Tank à Guichets in 18k Yellow Gold
Malaysian-born British actor Henry Golding made a striking impression at this year’s Met Gala. Since bursting onto the scene with Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, Golding has only solidified his star power with roles in The Gentlemen, Nine Perfect Strangers, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, A Simple Favour, and its sequel, Another Simple Favour.
Oozing charm as always, Golding stayed true to his name in a golden yellow suit by celebrated English designer Ozwald Boateng. While the look was undeniably sharp, I couldn’t help but be reminded — rather unfairly — of the Man with the Yellow Hat from Curious George. Thankfully, his watch choice leaves no room for mockery, donning the Cartier Privé Tank à Guichets in yellow gold. A true grail piece, this digital-jumping hour marvel stands out as one of the most distinctive creations in Cartier’s lineup, pairing innovation with timeless elegance — a perfect match for Golding’s bold yet refined style.
Ref. WGTA0234
International RRP: Upon Request
Availability: By inquiry only Find out more at WatchAdvice.com
Caleb McLaughlin
Zenith Defy Skyline Sapphire
Like Walton Goggins, the 2025 Met Gala marked American actor Caleb McLaughlin’s debut at fashion’s biggest night. Best known for his breakout role as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, McLaughlin’s career spans far beyond Hawkins, Indiana. He began on Broadway as young Simba in The Lion King and has since taken on roles in Law & Order: SVU, The New Edition Story, The Boys Presents: Diabolical, and made his feature film debut alongside Idris Elba in Concrete Cowboy.
With the pressure on to make a statement, the New Yorker turned the fashion world “Upside Down” in a sharp DIOR suit, elevated further by vintage Joseph Saidian jewellery. Complementing the look was the dazzling Zenith Defy Skyline Sapphire — a gemstone-studded take on the brand’s modern classic, set with 55 baguette-cut blue sapphires. But it’s not just a sparkling showpiece: beneath the bling lies the high-frequency El Primero 3620 movement, beating at 5Hz (36,000 vph), with a spinning 1/10th second subdial at 9 o’clock to prove it.
Ref. 16.9300.3620/51.I001
Australian RRP: AU$43,200
Availability: Available at Zenith.com, Zenith boutiques, and authorised dealers.
A$AP Rocky
BVLGARI Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC
Perhaps one of the strongest expressions of this year’s Met Gala theme came courtesy of A$AP Rocky. As a prolific rapper, style icon, and member of the A$AP Mob, Rakim Mayers was always destined to turn heads — especially as one of the event’s co-chairs. And what better way to embody the idea of tailored identity than by wearing something made for — and by — you?
This year, A$AP Rocky wore a custom look selected from AWGE — the multidisciplinary creative agency founded by… well, him! While AWGE hasn’t (yet) dipped into the world of horology, A$AP’s choice of wristwear still speaks volumes. Seen above, he sports the BVLGARI Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, crafted in titanium and measuring a mind-bending 1.7mm thick — making it the world’s thinnest chronometer-certified watch. A record-breaking timepiece from the Italian watchmaker’s, and a fitting flex for the multi-platinum musical phenom.
Ref. 104081
International RRP: Upon Request
Availability: Upon inquiry only. Find out more at BVLGARI.com
Lorde
Cartier Baignoire Mini in White Gold and Diamonds
For the first time since 2021, Lorde graced the steps of the Met Gala. In both her professional life and personal pursuits, Ella Yelich-O’Connor’s enigmatic presence precedes her. Since breaking out with the global smash Royals, the Kiwi-born, Croatian-Irish singer has continued to captivate with her debut album Pure Heroine, the universally acclaimed Melodrama, and the more meditative (and polarising) Solar Power. Beyond music, she’s also developed a cult following for reviewing onion rings on a secret Instagram account — though it’s been dormant ever since the internet unmasked her.
Making a rare return to the public spotlight, Lorde’s Met Gala appearance generated buzz for more than just her presence. Dressed in a custom Thom Browne creation, her outfit raised a few eyebrows due to its daring design — a backless satin bandeau that looked to be held together by sheer will and divine intervention. Fortunately, her timepiece was at less risk of being risqué: a dazzling Cartier Baignoire. Taking its name from the French word for ‘bathtub,’ the Baignoire is known for its elegant oval silhouette — this particular piece is rendered in white gold and blanketed in brilliant-cut diamonds.
Ref. HPI01773
Australian RRP: AU$79,500
Availability: By inquiry only. Find out more at Cartier.com
Simone Biles
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini Frosted Gold Quartz in White Gold
While the Met Gala was filled with stars, few shone as brightly as Simone Biles. Despite enduring her share of unfair criticism and relentless scrutiny, Biles has remained unstoppable — cementing her legacy as the greatest gymnast of all time. With 30 World Championship titles and 11 Olympic medals to her name, she stands as the most decorated gymnast in history and ties with Věra Čáslavská as the second-most decorated female Olympian in gymnastics.
Accompanied by her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, Biles made a breathtaking entrance in a bright blue Harbison Studio dress. The look featured a dramatic train, matching bow, heels, and an illusion bubble hem — all combining to create a silhouette as striking as her athletic record. The finishing touch came courtesy of Audemars Piguet, with the Royal Oak Mini Frosted Gold Quartz. An elegant take on the iconic Royal Oak, originally designed by watchmaking GOAT Gérald Genta, it’s a fitting match for a woman regarded as the GOAT in her own arena.
Ref. 67630BC.GG.1312BC.01-B
International RRP: CHF 31,500
Availability: By inquiry only. Find out more at AudemarsPiguet.com
Regé-Jean Page
Vintage Heuer Carrera in Yellow Gold
The second British actor of note to grace the Met Gala with his presence was Regé-Jean Page. Best known for his breakout role as Simon Bassett in Bridgerton, Page has since taken on major roles in films such as Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Gray Man, and Black Bag. He also previously served as an Ambassador of Elegance for Longines, a role well-suited to his endless charm.
Always one to exude gentlemanly flair and smouldering good looks, Page attended the 2025 Met Gala in a striking custom red suit by Brioni. The look appeared to take direct inspiration from the iconic wardrobe of R&B and soul legend Marvin Gaye — a fitting nod that Page wears effortlessly, especially given his familiarity with period-specific style. Matching the vibe perfectly, he strapped on a vintage Heuer Carrera Ref. 110.515CHN from the golden era of TAG Heuer — back when the brand still bore the original Heuer name. Crafted in full yellow gold, the watch radiates both elegance and historical weight, the kind of piece that feels truly timeless among its peers.
Ref. 110.515CHN
International RRP: N/A
Availability: N/A
Colman Domingo
Unreleased Omega Speedmaster in MoonshineTM Gold
Perhaps the most compelling appearance at this year’s Met Gala — both in fashion and horology — came from Colman Domingo. I’ll admit, I wasn’t familiar with the full scope of his work, but Domingo has been a powerhouse in the creative industries for over three decades. Whether acting, directing, writing, producing, or even singing, the incredible multi-hyphenate has a résumé so vast and accomplished, that it’s impossible to do it justice here. Do yourself a favour and look him up — his career is nothing short of legendary.
It’s no surprise, then, that Domingo also served as a co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, alongside A$AP Rocky, Anna Wintour, Sir Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and honorary chair LeBron James. His entrance was unforgettable: draped in a dramatic Valentino cape paying tribute to the late André Leon Talley, which revealed a striking, tailored Valentino suit underneath. But what really caught our eye was the timepiece barely peeking out from under his cuff — a mysterious Omega Speedmaster we’ve never seen before.
Encased in Omega’s signature Moonshine™ Gold and featuring what appears to be a reverse panda dial, this unknown Speedy has us completely stumped. It wouldn’t be the first time Omega teased a new model through a high-profile ambassador (they’ve pulled similar moves with former Bond, Daniel Craig), but rest assured — we’re on the case!
