The Best Watches from the 2025 Met Gala Red Carpet

The annual clash of fashion and celebrity has hit New York, with the 2025 Met Gala officially kicking off in Manhattan. With this year’s theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style taking centre stage, haute couture designers celebrated the cultural and aesthetic influence of the Black community, paying tribute to the bold stories that have underpinned America’s fractured history.

From Ralph Lauren to Tiffany & Co., the world’s biggest brands were on display, adorning some of the best-loved names in fashion, sports and entertainment. However, it wasn’t the clothes that caught viewers’ attention. As usual, the event proved to be a visual buffet for watch lovers, with the best watches of the Met Gala 2025 offering a glimpse into the industry’s future. Whether it was Usher’s stunning Jaeger-LeCoultre or Jalen Hurt’s somewhat understated Breitling Navitimer, the Met Gala watches this year were a cut above.

Best Watches from Met Gala 2025

While the costumes on display may have kept the fashion world on edge, we had our eyes fixed firmly on the wrists of celebrity attendees. Without further ado, here are the best Met Gala watches from 2025, according to our team of experts.

Jeff Goldblum – Jacob & Co. Ashoka Boutique Watch

• Brand: Jacob & Co
• Model: Slender Ashoka Boutique Watch
• Reference: Ref. 92148952
• Movement: Calibre JCGQ01 Quartz
• Power Reserve: 2 years
• Water-Resistance: 30 metres
• Price: USD$1,200,000

As usual, Jeff Goldblum stole the show at this year’s event. The perennial fan favourite hit the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala wearing the incredible Ashoka Boutique piece from renowned jeweller to the stars-turned-watchmaker Jacob & Co. With a retail value of a reported USD$1.2 million, the glitzy and glamorous timepiece is undoubtedly the most expensive watch for this year’s activation and understandably so.

The Ashoka Boutique Watch features an incredible 60.09ct worth of Ashoka Cut Diamonds, around the outside and on the bracelet. In case that wasn’t enough, Jacob & Co has even adorned the dial with a further 3.20ct of Ashoka Cut Diamonds, making sure that this timepiece is practically blinding. Construction-wise, the case is made from 18k white gold and houses a calibre JCGQ01 quartz movement. While that might seem a little strange, it’s hard to see where the watchmaker would have been able to squeeze an automatic movement in behind all that rock. Unbelievable.

Jalen Hurts – Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Ref. AB0138241C1P1

• Brand: Breitling
• Model: Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43
• Reference: Ref. AB0138241C1P1
• Diameter: 43mm
• Thickness: 13.69mm
• Movement: Calibre Breitling 01
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Water-Resistance: 30 metres
• Price: AUD$13,590

Fresh off a Super Bowl-winning performance just months ago, NFL superstar Jalen Hurts took to the Met Gala red carpet sporting some fresh jewellery, it wasn’t just a Championship ring. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was spotted wearing the much-loved Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 from Breitling, which it must be said, is a remarkably affordable timepiece when compared to some of the others on this list.

The 43mm release is a modern take on Breitling’s original beloved pilot’s watch, best characterised by its stunning light-blue dial. It bears all the hallmarks of the iconic aviation piece, from the notched bezel for easy grip to the highly legible numerals, but it has a far more refined aesthetic that is fast becoming a favourite amongst collectors.

Jalen Hurst has opted for the Ref. AB0138241C1P1 model, which features a compact profile, alongside alternating polished and brushed finishes and a triple chronograph counter design. The stainless steel timepiece also has a discreet date window situated at the 6 o’clock position, and an open-caseback that allows you to peer in at the COSC-certified Breitling 01 calibre movement.

Hurts didn’t stop at the Breitling, either. The NFL superstar was also spotted wearing a Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock brooch. The unique piece of jewellery is crafted from platinum and 18k yellow gold, and features a diamond of over 25 carats, diamond accents and rubies. The man has exquisite taste.

Jenna Ortega – Vintage Heuer Pocket Chronograph

• Brand: Heuer
• Model: Chronograph Rattrapante Dédoublante
• Year: Circa 1914
• Material: 14 carat gold
• Movement: 17-line anchor movement

Not to be outdone, Wednesday star Jenna Ortega threw her hat into the grail watch discussion, arriving at the A$AP Rocky x Ray Ban Met Gala After Party with a piece of horological history dangling from her waist. Forgoing the wrist-wear approach in favour of something more traditional, Ortega was spotted wearing a vintage 14-karat gold Heuer Pocket Chronograph that dates back to around 1914.

According to documents provided by TAG Heuer, the unique timepiece on display was the Chronograph Rattrapante Dédoublante. First released in the early 20th century, this pre-war pocket watch featured an incredible 17-line anchor movement, complete with 17 jewels or sapphires, a Breguet balance spring, and an escapement valve. A true feat of watchmaking prowess, the movement within marked a milestone moment in Heuer’s endeavour to become a stalwart of race timing and accuracy.

The Rattrapante function essentially allowed for the measurement of two separate events that start simultaneously but have different durations. In the decades since, Heuer (now TAG Heuer) has redeveloped and expanded the line, most recently in 2024 with the launch of the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph. That piece was priced upwards of USD$150,000, so you can only imagine how much Jenna Ortega’s vintage Heuer is worth.

Pusha T – Rolex Rainbow Cosmograph Daytona in Pink Gold

• Brand: Rolex
• Model: Rainbow Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
• Reference: Ref. 116595RBOW-0001
• Diameter: 40mm
• Movement: Calibre 4130
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres

If rare and expensive is to your liking, Pusha T has something special for you. The rapper rocked up the 2025 Met Gala event sporting a Rainbow Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Pink Gold, which is exactly as opulent as it sounds. The 18k pink gold release is covered in diamonds and an array of coloured gemstones, most notably sapphires, providing a full spectrum of glorious hues. You’ll also find white diamonds on the lugs and crown guards to complete the iced-out look.

According to Christie’s Auction, which listed a Rainbow Daytona in 2024, Rolex takes extreme care in ensuring that all the stones on each individual watch are of the same shade. By all accounts, this sorting process is carried out by hand, ensuring that the coloured gemstones that make their way into the timepiece are of an extremely high quality. First introduced in 2012, the Daytona Rainbow is arguably most impressive and appealing of Rolex’s gem-set creations, so it’s little wonder that Pusha T got his model out for fashion’s night of nights.

S.Coups – Piaget Polo Haute Horlogerie Chronograph Ref. PGGOA35112

• Brand: Piaget
• Model: Polo Haute Horlogerie Chronograph
• Reference: Ref. PGGOA35112
• Diameter: 44mm
• Movement: Manufacture 881P movement
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres

For decades, Piaget has been synonymous with glamour, sophistication, and celebrity, so it’s only natural that the brand shell out for the Met Gala. From relationships with artists, musicians, actors as diverse as Andy Warhol, Brooke Shields, Jackie Kennedy, Sammy Davis Jr., and Ursula Andress, the Swiss watchmaker is no stranger to a red carpet, and the latest release demonstrates just how much it cares.

For this year’s Met Gala, Piaget strapped one of its most incredible, not to mention difficult to find, timepieces onto the wrist of K-Pop star S. Coups. The rising talent was spotted wearing the Polo Haute Horlogerie Chronograph, a 44mm release that exemplifies the maison’s incredible approach to haute horology and gem-setting.

The unique watch features a Mother of Pearl dial, complete with 102 white brilliant baguette diamonds weighing 11.3 cts set directly into the outside of the case. From there, you’ll also find a black onyx cabochon, and 649 brilliant round white diamonds weighing 6.27 cts across the entirety of the watch. The piece is powered by the in-house manufacture 881P movement, which dishes up 72 hours, but let’s face it—no one is buying this watch because of its timekeeping prowess.

Angela Bassett – Glashütte Original Serenade Luna

• Brand: Glashütte Original
• Model: Serenade Luna
• Reference: Ref. 1-35-14-02-12-04
• Diameter: 32.5mm
• Thickness: 8.9mm
• Movement: Calibre 35-14
• Power Reserve: 60 hours
• Water-Resistance: 30 metres
• Price: USD$15,100

With a theme centred around Black Excellence, fashion icon and powerhouse of the stage and screen, Angela Bassett was always going to bring the passion. The remarkable actress completely nailed the theme, sporting a blue velvet Burberry jumpsuit set over a sheer black dress shirt and a black gauze tie. For accessories, she pulled out a Jon Narcisso Millinery hat accentuated by Messika High jewellery and, much to our surprise, a Glashütte Original Serenade Luna.

Bassett’s timepiece of choice differed greatly from the other models seen this year, and it was a welcome departure. The supremely elegant 32.5mm watch was the perfect complement to the outfit, adding a touch of glamour and texture to the fold. This specific model, Ref. 1-35-14-02-12-04, is best characterised by its stunning Mother-of-Pearl dial and diamond bezel.

You’ll also find a striking moon phase complication at 6 o-clock, whereby the display is represented on a flat disc which rotates beneath the dial window. Again, the disc is covered with a thin layer of Mother-of-Pearl, with dark blue lacquer providing the contrasting profile. As far as watch choices go, Angela Bessett’s decision to opt for the upscale Glashütte Original was a masterstroke Not bad for a Met gala debut.

A$AP Rocky – Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC

• Brand: Bulgari
• Model: Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC
• Reference: Ref. 104081
• Diameter: 40mm
• Thickness: 1.70mm
• Movement: BVL180 calibre
• Power Reserve: 50 hours
• Availability: Limited to 20 pieces worldwide
• Price: EUR 600,000

While his baby news with partner Rihanna may have overshadowed the outfits on display, rapper A$AP Rocky didn’t disappoint on the watch front. The A-lister turned up to the Met Gala event this year sporting a Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, which is among the thinnest (and most coveted) timepieces in the world. Measuring in at just 1.70mm thick, Bulgari‘s skinnest entry into the haute horology world is a serious feature of mechanical and industrial engineering.

Even more impressive, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC watch is powered by a mechanical manufacture ultra-thin COSC-certified movement. Within the ultra-thin, sandblasted titanium case timepiece lies a manual winding movement that dishes up a exceptional 50 hours of power reserve. The perfect cross-section of design, beauty and functionality, Bulgari’s premier thin timepiece is something to behold.

Shah Rukh Khan – Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5304/301R

• Brand: Patek Philippe
• Model: Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar
• Reference: Ref. 5304/301R
• Diameter: 43mm
• Thickness: 13.3mm
• Movement: Calibre R 27 PS QR LU
• Power Reserve: 48 hours
• Price: On request

Indian actor and film producer Shah Rukh Khan may be known as the “King Khan”, but at this year’s Met Gala, it was his timepiece that stole the crown. The “Baadshah of Bollywood” hit the red carpet sporting a stunning Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5304/301R, arguably the most impressive and complicated timepiece of the night.

It features a self-winding Grand Complication, which is among Patek Philippe‘s most remarkable innovations, and comes with minute repeater and retrograde perpetual calendar functions. For this specific release, the complication has been reinterpreted in rose gold, with the bezel, lugs and fold-over clasp enhanced with 80 baguette-cut diamonds weighing a full 6.22 cts. The day, month, and leap-year cycle displays are featured on very thin transparent sapphire disks, with three gold apertures framing white indications that become clearly readable against a black background.

Interestingly, the timepiece was first released in 2021, meaning that it is likely this crazy watch comes straight from Shah Rukh Khan’s personal collection, rather than from Patek Philippe itself. When you consider the watchmaker only lists pricing as ‘on request’, we can only imagine just how much the Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar actually costs.

Jeremy Allen White – Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds

• Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Model: Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds
• Reference: Ref. Q7132521
• Diameter: 45.6mm
• Thickness: 7.56mm
• Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822
• Power Reserve: 42 hours
• Water-Resistance: 30 metres
• Price: AUD$36,600

When it comes to style in 2025, it is hard to go past Jeremy Allen White. The star of the hit FX series The Bear has fast become one of the world’s leading fashion exports, courtesy of his work with Calvin Klein and penchant for NN07 jackets. For the Met Gala this year, the actor took a leaf out of Lenny Kravitz’s book, opting to wear a stunning Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds from watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The perfect blend of heritage charm and modern functionality, this timepiece is just about the ultimate dress watch. Slim and streamlined, the pink gold timepiece is best characterised by its rectangular case shape and flawless proportions. This is particularly impressive when you consider that there are more than 50 components inside the 7.56 mm-thick reversible pink gold case alone.

The seemingly simple silver dial is complemented by applied hour markers, Dauphine hands and a small seconds hand, but the real advantage lies within. On the underside of the timepiece, you’ll find a tribute to the first Reverso models of the 1930s, a display that Jaeger-LeCoultre reveals can be personalised with a date, motif, initials, and more. While it doesn’t boast the same level of hidden face features that others in the Reverso li up do, the Tribute Monoface does exude an undeniable sense of class and refinement.

Henry Golding – Cartier Tank à Guichets Ref. WGTA0234

• Brand: Cartier
• Model: Tank à Guichets
• Reference: Ref. WGTA0234
• Diameter: 37.6mm
• Thickness: 7.56mm
• Movement: Calibre 9755 MC
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Price: EUR52,000

As the star of Crazy Rich Asians, Henry Golding is no stranger to the world of haute horology, and it shows. The Hollywood A-lister brought his A-game to the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, complementing a stunning gold Ozwald Boateng suit with the latest Cartier Tank à Guichets Ref. WGTA0234. One of the most in-demand models at the moment, the Ref. WGTA0234 is the ultimate call-back to Cartier’s watchmaking golden age, referencing a time when horology embraced innovation and true avant-garde design.

Golding’s model is a contemporary take on the jumping hours design, housed within a 37.6mm yellow gold case. It measures in at just 6mm thick and places the crown just above 12 o’clock, a direct lineage to the original 1928 model. As our own Rob Edwards said when he saw them at Watches & Wonders earlier this year, there has been a noticeable improvement in this specific section.

The cradle carved out of the case to hold said crown appears to offer a more snug fit than the original model did, while the case overall, including its edges and lugs, looks to have benefited from some subtle but effective refinement. Inside, you’ll find the new hand-wound 9755 MC jump hour calibre, which provides the unique timepiece with a power reserve of 40 hours. Specifically developed for this incarnation, the movement powers the jumping hours and dragging minutes function, keeping this highly desirable and outside-the-box timepiece on track.

What is the Met Gala?

First held in 1948, the Met Gala (formally called the Costume Institute Benefit) is an annual haute couture fundraising effort on behalf of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Described as ‘fashion’s biggest night of the year’, the event brings designers, models, and Hollywood stars together in one fabulous location, all under the pretence of charity.

Personified by over-the-top dresses, stunning formalwear and the utterly outrageous, the event is headlined by its red carpet showcase, in which designers drape the entertainment industry’s elite names in their latest pieces. Moreover, each Met Gala follows a specific theme that designers and craftspeople must follow. Typically, the theme will correlate to the upcoming exhibition, with past themes including camp, religion and punk. The entire night is held to celebrate and fundraise at a new exhibit from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

When is Met Gala 2025?

The Met Gala is traditionally held each year on the first Monday in May. This date aligns with the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit hosted on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, marking the official launch of the season’s activities. This year, the Met Gala 2025 is held on Monday, 5 May, in keeping with the traditional date range for the fundraising event.

What is the Met Gala Theme for 2025?

The Met Gala theme for 2025 is ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’. This theme complements the upcoming exhibition, which celebrates the unique and influential history of Black fashion and clothing. More specifically, the spring exhibition takes inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, which depicts the Emancipation of Black slaves in America and the role that clothing has played in forming cultural stories.

How Much Are Met Gala Tickets?

While the price of exposure for celebrities and designers is nigh-on priceless, those wanting to attend the event will have to fork out a pretty penny. According to the latest figures sourced by The New York Times, Met Gala ticket prices rose to a whopping USD$75,000 in 2024, an increase of 50 per cent on the USD$50,000 entry point in 2023.

Importantly, money doesn’t guarantee a ticket, either. Attendees are still required to be invited, with The Met telling CBS MoneyWatch in 2024 that a 10-person table starts at USD$350,000. Of course, that doesn’t mean that all the celebrities who attend drop $100k on the opportunity. Typically, a design house will invite guests they wish to host, paying their admission with a glittering outfit, while the true A-listers reportedly gain attendance for free.

While that might sound remarkable, some pundits argue that the exposure is worth it. In 2023, software company Launchmetrics suggested that the Met Gala generated nearly double the “media impact value” (the monetary value of publicity generated) for brands than the Super Bowl. At the time, the value was estimated at USD$995 million, but just a year later, that figure hit $1.4 billion.