Last night's 98th Academy Awards brought all the usual spectacle — sweeping gowns, sharp tailoring, frock coats making a surprise comeback — but for those of us who look a little closer, the real drama was happening on the wrist. From seven-figure grand complications to vintage gold treasures, the men of this year's Oscars red carpet brought serious horological heat.
Here are the standout timepieces that caught our eye.
Kevin O'Leary — Cartier Crash Skeleton & Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Mr. Wonderful showed up with not one but two legendary pieces in his rotation. The Cartier Crash Skeleton is one of the most visually striking watches in the world — its melted, Salvador Dalí-esque case is unmistakable. He was also spotted wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 126599TBR), because when you're Kevin O'Leary, one icon apparently isn't enough.
Kumail Nanjiani — Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar
Nanjiani paired his sharp evening look with a rose gold Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 4300V/220R-B642). It's a sporty-elegant piece that tracks the day, date, month, and moon phase — all housed in VC's signature Overseas case with that gorgeous integrated bracelet. A quietly powerful choice.
Corey Gamble — Patek Philippe Grand Complications
This was arguably the heaviest hitter of the night. The Patek Philippe Ref. 6300/401G-001 is a Grandmaster Chime variant — one of the most complicated wristwatches ever produced. In white gold with a striking blue dial, it's a multi-million-dollar statement piece that very few people in the world can claim to own.
Shaboozey — Chopard L'Heure du Diamant
The country music star, fresh off a massive year, matched his old-Hollywood tailcoat with a Chopard L'Heure du Diamant dripping in diamonds. It was bold, it was glamorous, and it fit perfectly with his brooch-and-pearl-earring look that had everyone talking.
Felix Kammerer — Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar
The young Austrian actor (who stars in the Oscar-nominated All Quiet on the Western Front follow-up) went with refined understatement: a Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar in titanium and white gold (Ref. 4300T/000G-H106). Dress watch perfection on a brown leather strap — classic taste well beyond his years.
Cole Walliser — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
The celebrity photographer and GlamBOT creator brought the ice with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in full ceramic (Ref. 26579CB). The all-white ceramic case and bracelet gave it a futuristic edge against his tuxedo. The Royal Oak needs no introduction, but this particular reference still turns heads.
Michael B. Jordan — Piaget Vintage Watch
The Best Actor winner capped off an incredible night with a vintage Piaget (Ref. 9297) — a gold, diamond-set dress watch on a chain that felt more like jewellery than traditional horology. With his Oscars statuette in hand and a piece of 1970s Piaget on his wrist, Jordan proved that sometimes the most powerful move is looking backwards.
The Verdict
What struck us most about this year's wrist game was the range. You had modern grand complications sitting alongside vintage treasures, diamond-encrusted showpieces next to understated perpetual calendars. It's a reminder that when it comes to fine watchmaking, there's no single right answer — just personal expression at its finest.
Which timepiece was your favourite? Let us know.