Omega, Cartier, TAG Heuer: How Swiss timepieces have become the red carpet’s hottest accessories

Omega, Cartier, TAG Heuer: How Swiss timepieces have become the red carpet’s hottest accessories 

Photographers snapping away, celebrities stepping out in their best outfits and the world’s attention all turned to one spot. Awards ceremonies are as glamorous and exciting as they come.  While traditionally the clothes are the stars of the red carpet, timepieces are quickly gaining attention too. This is especially true for famous men who strut their stuff for the cameras.   

Some of the most notable names in the watchmaking industry have been “dressing up” the wrists of famous artistes – and like fashion houses, they are getting noticed for it. Cartier, Omega, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Longines and lots more were spotted this year, showing that price is no matter for looking your best.  

Just take a look back at the Oscars. In March, during the star-studded awards night, Andrew Garfield and Jamie Dornan were seen wearing the very fabulous Omega Speedmaster ‘57. 

This latest model was not even available in the boutiques yet at that time. How’s that for generating buzz?  

Another interesting point is that the Omega Speedmaster ‘57 happens to be a timepiece inspired by sports and racing. The two actors still looked incredibly dapper wearing it though, which shows how it could also work to complement a well-tailored suit. The original Omega Speedmaster is recognised for being the NASA-approved watch that accompanied Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong’s maiden voyage to the moon – able to endure turbulence, shifts in gravity and high temperatures.

Well, the design can apparently survive the intense scrutiny of fashion critics too.

The latest version of the Omega Speedmaster ’57 features a case that’s smaller (40.5 mm) and slimmer (13 mm). It also has a new manual-wound movement. Together, they give it a more vintage feel.

Wrist check

Cartier also made headlines at the Oscars. Jake Gyllenhaal and Rami Malek sported the watchmaker’s very fashionable Tank timepiece. Malek showed off his Tank Must watch with a matching Cartier lapel pin, which perfectly complemented his sleek tuxedo. 

Gyllenhaal’s Tank was a little more special. He debuted the Cartier Prive (a special limited edition line) Tank Chinoise in 18k yellow gold. This model was previously unseen, only later launched at the end of the month during the Watches & Wonders trade show.   

The Cartier Tank is regarded as one of the most fashionable timepieces ever created. It was designed in 1917, with the dial taking the rhomboid shape of a tank viewed from the top. One of the world’s first square-ish wristwatches, the model has remained a favourite to this day. 

For 2022, Cartier has released several updated Tank watches. The model worn by Gyllenhaal is one, but there are also others with dials in new colours and bearing a concentric rectangle motif made by high-precision electrochemical engraving. Not to forget the new uber cool all-black, stainless steel Cartier Tank for the Must series – a concept collection first introduced in 1973 with a line of high-end accessories like pens, lighters and bags. 

The first Tank Must was introduced in 1977. 

Talking about a watch with a black dial, Jacob Elordi was photographed at the Oscars with the TAG Heuer Monaco. This is also a sports watch – made for the racetrack, but it looked at home on the red carpet all the same. Elordi wore the Ref. CBL2113. 

When the first TAG Heuer Monaco was launched back in 1969, it was powered by one of the first automatic chronograph movements of all times and debuted in a square case that was water resistant. It has a rather legendary reputation. As Steve McQueen’s watch (Ref. 1133) featured in the 1971 film Le Mans, it became strongly associated with motor racing. 

The late actor – who was also an avid motorcycle and race car enthusiast – apparently did not take it off in private settings as well.  More than five decades later, this iconic Monaco design is now blazing on the red carpet instead.

TAG Heuer has even unveiled an exciting new model for 2022. The Monaco Gulf Special Edition carries the famous dark blue, turquoise and orange colours of Gulf Oil, whose iconic livery was worn by the Le Mans winning Porsches of the late 1960s and early 1970s. A first for the TAG Heuer Monaco, inside the case is the classic Calibre Heuer 02, a modern integrated chronograph.  

Fashion’s favourite

If there is any doubt that watches are becoming the frontrunners of accessorising, just look to the recent Met Gala. Of course, as fashion’s biggest night, the clothes were meant to be the focus. Watch lovers from around the world however, got a major kick from spotting beautiful watches that appeared on the wrists of celebrities. 

Everyone had their eyes glued to the screen on the “first Monday in May” to see if some of their favourite brands made the cut – a small price to pay (in time spent) for the fine appreciation of horology. As it is, there were plenty to gawk at – with striking timepieces put on show, worn by both ladies and gents alike. 

You could catch glimpses of numerous Cartier models, for example. The Santos Yellow Gold was one, as well as the Tank SolarBeat, Tank Louis Cartier and Tank Francaise. Omega’s Speedmaster Moonshine Gold was also seen. Same goes for the Tudor Pelagos LHD and Longines DolceVita.

This is not just any red carpet event too. The Met Gala is the annual highlight of the style industry. From fashion designers to artistes and models, it hosts global A-listers who come together to celebrate a themed night of art and fashion. If you are having people take the time to stare at wrists instead, then there is certainly no doubt that watches have made it to the upper echelons of red carpet must-haves.

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