The 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles delivered glitz, glamour, and six Oscar wins for Paul Thomas Anderson’s ”There Will Be Blood.” But while the world focused on who wore what and who took home trophies, we zoomed in on something more subtle-and often more telling-worn just below the cuffs: celebrity wristwatches.
From March 15 to 16, the red carpet played host to a striking mix of timepieces: Leonardo DiCaprio sporting a platinum Rolex, Gabriel Leone opting for a sleek Bvlgari, and Kevin O’Leary doubling down with two luxury watches. The styles ranged from vintage charm to bold new releases, gold versus steel, understatement versus ostentation. Here’s a closer look at the most noteworthy watches of the night.
Matt Friend’s Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 126518LN)
Rolex achieves a rare feat: watches that cost a fortune yet feel like hidden treasures from a flea market. Comedian Matt Friend wore a standout from Rolex’s current collection-a yellow gold Daytona with a lacquered turquoise dial, reminiscent of the coveted 1970s ”Stella” dials. Launched just last year, this model has already become a collector’s favorite.
Hudson Williams’ Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas
Star of ”Rivalry,” Hudson Williams wore a steel Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas with a single-wrap bracelet, guilloché dial, and diamond detail on the serpent’s head. The Serpenti design is one of the rare watch styles to remain virtually unchanged for decades without ever looking outdated, blurring the line between timepiece and high jewelry.
Kevin O’Leary’s Cartier Crash Skeleton (Ref. W7200001) and Rolex Daytona (Ref. 126599 TRU)
The ”Shark Tank” mogul arrived wearing two watches simultaneously-one of the only ways to rock a platinum Cartier Crash Skeleton alongside a white gold Rolex Daytona set with baguette-cut rubies. Both are insanely expensive, both deliberate choices. The combo perfectly captures O’Leary’s vibe: excessive by design and unapologetically confident.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rolex 1908 Platinum (Ref. 52506)
Rolex ambassador and Oscar nominee Leonardo DiCaprio skipped flashy chronographs and diamonds in favor of an understated platinum case and a sky-blue guilloché dial impossible to look away from. The Rolex 1908 is a watch that speaks softly but carries weight-perfect for someone who doesn’t need to prove anything.
Ryan Coogler’s Cartier Tank à Guichets
The director of ”Devil in a Blue Dress” picked one of the most unusual new watches of recent years-a platinum Cartier Tank with a jumping hour displayed through a shaped aperture. A modern homage to a daring 1920s mechanical innovation, wearing this watch on Oscar night signals serious self-assuredness.
Michael B. Jordan’s Piaget Ref. 9297 Tank
The evening’s Best Actor arrived with a watch older than most guests: a vintage 1970s Piaget in a rectangular case, featuring a diamond-inlaid rectangle on the dial center. This isn’t just a pricey red carpet accessory-it’s a rare artifact that speaks volumes without words.
Nicole Kidman’s vintage Omega Saphette (~1966)
Kidman has long made delicate vintage Omegas her red carpet signature. Tonight, she wore cocktail-sized wristwear likely from the mid-1960s-a fragile, feminine Omega Saphette that stands timeless amid a sea of modern trends. It’s a conscious, precise statement: when you are the trend, following it becomes irrelevant.
Kumail Nanjiani’s Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
At the Golden Globes, Nanjiani sported a striking Vacheron Constantin with a red dial-bold and vivid. For the Oscars, he dialed it back with a rose gold skeleton version featuring the same complexity inside: a perpetual calendar and an ultra-thin movement. Outside, it’s far more understated, tracing a refined evolution of taste in real time.
Shabusi’s Chopard 18K L’Heure du Diamant
The singer chose white gold Chopard L’Heure du Diamant, encrusted with diamonds on the dial, embracing a classic red carpet jewelry style where the watch is no longer just a tool but a pure statement piece. The name translates to ”The Hour of the Diamond,” fitting perfectly for the Oscars’ sparkle and spotlight.
Kieran Culkin’s Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph King Gold 42
Last year’s Best Supporting Actor winner wore a Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph in his trademark King Gold alloy-a blend of gold, platinum, and tungsten that delivers a richer hue than traditional yellow gold. Clean, refined, and without excess-much like his performance in ”Succession.”
Arón Piper’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold
The German-Spanish actor and singer paired his white tuxedo with Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Frosted Gold-a yellow gold case textured to resemble delicate frost. This finishing is achieved using diamond-tipped tools following Florentine jeweler techniques. Launched a decade ago, this remains one of the best watch-and-outfit combinations of the evening.
Milo Manheim’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The 25-year-old star from Disney’s ”Zombies” went with the ultimate classic-Rolex Oyster Perpetual-with no frills or pretensions. Sometimes the best choice is simply the right one. Surrounded by platinum, rubies, and diamonds, this choice felt almost like a manifesto.
Gabriel Leone’s Bvlgari Octo Roma
Rounding out the list, Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone wore an elegant steel Bvlgari Octo Roma with a black dial. The octagonal case and architectural design by Gerald Genta come without gold or the need to show off. A minimalist conclusion to a night filled with bold statements.
Watches on the Oscars red carpet are more than just accessories-they’re an extension of personality and taste, reflecting trends and departures from them alike. As luxury watchmakers increasingly blend artistry and innovation, it’s clear that this interplay between subtlety and showmanship will only grow more intriguing in celebrity culture. Expect future ceremonies to showcase even more daring and diverse wristwear choices.