And just like that, the Met Gala 2026 just happened. And what a night it was! This year’s theme was “Fashion Is Art”, and naturally, the A-listers from across the globe came together in some unforgettable outfits. But, apart from being fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala is quickly gaining a reputation as the watch world’s biggest night too – or maybe, the flashiest.

From a horological perspective, the 2026 edition, with its fascinating dress code, is shaping up to be the blingiest show yet. From diamond-paved icons to vintage showstoppers and gold pieces, the watches this year gleamed beneath the camera flashes and, in some cases, stole the spotlight completely.

Suffice it to say, it was another red carpet to remember.

If you’re wondering which watches could adapt to the theme while standing out, here’s a list of the very best luxury watches.

Let’s get straight into it now.

Complete List Of 2026 Met Gala’s Most Exceptional Watches

1. Rami Malek – Platinum Cartier Crash

It wouldn’t be a red carpet if someone’s not wearing a Cartier Crash, and this year, Rami Malek pulled it out for the 2026 Met Gala. The one he chose is a stunning vintage platinum Dali-esque model from 1992, paired with a silver dial. The quietly disruptive shape of the Crash’s dial well-complemented the flair in his all-black look and stood out in a way that is even flashier than a heavy-hitting chronograph.

2. Luke Evans - Hublot Big Bang Unico High Jewellery

The highlight of the night was the wrist of Welsh actor Luke Evans, who completed his ‘Tom of Finland’ look with a Hublot Big Bang Unico timepiece featuring a diamond-paved case and bezel with a skeletonised dial that is, in one word, spectacular. This ultra-luxurious 42mm white gold model dazzles with diamonds, while beneath the blanket of gems is the powerful HUB1280 calibre. Luke Evans nailed it!

3. Dwayne Johnson – Jacob & Co. Billionaire III

Dwayne Johnson made his long-awaited Met Gala debut with a watch that is as show-stopping as the moment. The action superstar arrived with his wife wearing a one-of-a-kind 700-diamond Jacob & Co. Billionaire III watch, which happens to be one of the most expensive ever worn on the museum’s steps. While his outfit captivated immediately, the true anchor of his look was the fully diamond-encrusted piece with an open-worked movement, highlighting a magnificent blend of jewellery and haute horlogerie.

4. Serena Williams - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar

Tennis legend Serena Williams was a vision in silver. She paired her custom Marc Jacobs mini dress with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (26685XT). Made of titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), this 41mm timepiece is one of only a handful of perpetual calendars flexing a sapphire dial, revealing the newly debuted open-worked calibre 7139 within. It is a majestic work of art, yet very, very functional and extremely legible. The watch matches Williams's hue, adding a modern edge to her gladiator look.

5. Connor Storrie - Omega Constellation Observatory

Connor Storrie’s all-black Saint Laurent look with a polka-dot sleeveless top was brought to the next level with not just his two brooches from Tiffany & Co. and his rope huggie earrings, but also Omega’s newest watch model, the Constellation Observatory, which was first publicly seen at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. Crafted from the brand’s signature Moonshine gold, it is luxury at its finest and adds a nice contrast to his monochromatic look.

6. Tyriq Withers - Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds

If there’s one thing that the Gen-Z fashion boys approve of, it’s a square watch. Tyriq Withers, who made his first Met Gala appearance this year, had one of the shiniest fits on the red carpet, which he matched with an even shinier bag. He pushed it a bit further with the JLC Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds in white gold, set with twin horizontal rows of green emeralds framing the dial on a steel mesh bracelet. The look was perfect for his first time, and the watch stood out against his stark, all-black, sheer look.

7. Jay-Z - Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime

It’s no secret that Jay-Z is a pretty serious watch connoisseur, and for this special occasion, he decided to strap an ultra-rare Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300G-001, one of the most complicated wristwatches ever made. Representing the pinnacle of high horology, this 20-complication timepiece features a reversible white gold case and is a coveted collector’s piece. Easily, one of the most impressive wrist pieces on the carpet.

8. Paul Anthony Kelly - Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

Love Story actor, Paul Anthony Kelly, makes his debut in a chic, minimal Dior look. On his wrist, he brought out a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon, matching the rich burgundy hue of his velvet jacket. Cased in titanium, the 42.5mm watch elegantly combines a sporty aesthetic with a deep-red dial and Haute Horlogerie complication. His choice added just the right amount of technical clarity to the opulence of his look.

9. Morgan Spector - IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar

Morgan Spector might have chosen a minimalist all-black ensemble for the night, but the masterpiece on his wrist spoke otherwise. It was great to see the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 in white gold on the Gilded Age actor’s wrist. Paired with a distinctive ‘dune-coloured’ dial and black leather strap, this one really stands out. Featured in the Watches and Wonders 2024 with a refined design and an iconic perpetual calendar movement, this one’s a low-key heavy hitter.

10. Lisa Manobal – Bvlgari Serpenti Spiga ‘Double-Spiral’ High Jewellery

Thai singer and rapper Lisa Manobal is no stranger to dramatic couture, and her look from the 2026 Met Gala might be her most angelic yet. The global superstar made her fans happy with a custom Robert Wun gown, complemented by a high-jewellery sapphire necklace and other Bvlgari Serpenti pieces. On one of her four arms was a double-spiral Bvlgari Serpenti Spiga High Jewellery watch, crafted in 18ct white gold with over 400 diamonds set on the head, dial and bracelet. Lisa, who has been a Bvlgari ambassador for years, has always shown that true style lies in the details.

11. Dónal Finn - Omega Constellation Observatory

For his first Met Gala, it was only natural for Dónal Finn to pull out his best pick, and he absolutely claimed his spot in the process by wearing one of the best new dress watches of 2026 – one of Omega’s new Constellation Observatory pieces. The one worn by the Irish actor is crafted in O-MEGASTEEL and features a deep green dial. Measuring 39.4mm, it is the first two-hand watch to achieve Master Chronometer certification. He wore it alongside actor Tom Francis, who wore the Canopus Gold version of the same model to highlight the collection’s debut at the event.

12. Skepta - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin

Well, the only thing we have to say about Skepta is that he was not short on confidence. The Nigerian rapper, who otherwise tends to wear a Rolex, chose Audemars Piguet for the 2026 Met Gala and brought away something even more starry and sparkly. Discreetly peeking out from his custom Thom Browne monochrome ensemble was a grail-worthy AP Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin (16202BA.HH.1241BA.01) in 18ct yellow gold, heavily set with brilliant-cut yellow sapphires. It served as a true ray of sunshine on his wrist, while reinforcing his bold style statement.

13. Bad Bunny - Cartier Cloche

As a tribute to the ‘ageing body’, Grammy and Super Bowl performer, Bad Bunny, served realness at the Met Gala 2026 by showing up as an 82-year-old version of himself. He wore a custom all-black tuxedo, an oversized pussy bow, and accessorised this look with a vintage Cartier Cloche timepiece. With a distinct “bell” shape, the 18ct yellow gold watch frames a dial uniquely rotated 90 degrees, placing the 12 o’clock adjacent to the sapphire cabochon crown. An eccentric marvel of early 20th-century design, it perfectly aligns with the singer’s historical homage.

14. Colman Domingo - Vintage Omega Constellation “Manhattan”

Colman Domingo, a.k.a the King of Suave red carpet style, stepped out in a vibrant Valentino look complemented by Boucheron jewels. But interestingly, he settled on a vintage Omega called the Manhattan, which is also where the Met Gala is held. Released in 1984, the Omega Constellation “Manhattan” was one of the sleekest dress watches of the night. Made of 18ct yellow gold and stainless steel with a sun-brushed black dial, this 33mm vintage Omega has been drawn from the same archive era that first defined the collection. The fact that there was nothing obvious about the choice of his watch is exactly what makes it so appealing.

15. Anderson .Paak - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked

Usually, the fashion police have to go hunting for the details of an outfit, but not with Anderson.Paak. The musician was more than happy to show off his impressive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin. Coming in a white gold case and bracelet with a contrasting openworked dial, this one is a highly complicated Royal Oak model. For those who appreciate AP’s technical side over the gem-set spectacle, this one is a hot-shot collector-grade piece.

16. Maluma - Bvlgari Octo Finissimo

Columbian singer-songwriter, Maluma, always brings his horological A-game to these kinds of high-profile events, and he certainly did a good job in this one as well, as he flexed the brand new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in 37mm. Made of titanium with an opaline titanium dial and a new ultra-thin automatic movement, the watch upholds the line’s reputation for sleek, modern horology. Less flash, more finesse, Maluma’s watch of choice proved that understatement can still steal the show.

17. Russell Wilson - Jacob & Co. Astronomia Meteorite

Russell Wilson went full spectacle on the wrist by opting for a cosmic showpiece from Jacob & Co. The Astronomia Meteorite in 18ct rose gold features a mini-solar system sculpture at its centre. Creating this work of art goes beyond all preconceptions, breaking barriers like space exploration. It offers an outstanding 360-degree view, aiming for ‘visual pleasure’ over simple timekeeping. Russell Wilson, who stepped out in a full royal Egyptian fit, unveiled a fitting choice for an “art is fashion” theme.

18. Dwayne Wade - Tiffany Eternity

Tiffany ambassador, Dwayne Wade, who notably wore a 32mm version of the Tiffany Eternity at the Met Gala 2025, now opted for a white gold Eternity watch from the watchmaker for fashion’s biggest night. Paired with a black dial featuring various diamond-cut hour markers, the watch highlights the trend of smaller, jewellery-focused watches for men. Keeping things luxurious yet minimal, Wade ensured the piece complemented, not competed with, the outfit.

19. Al Sharpton – Rolex Day-Dates

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton stayed true to his sense of classic formality with a Rolex Day-Date perfectly coordinated with the stripes on his suit. The gold case and champagne dial Rolex Day-Date served as a key accessory to his ensemble, rounding out his outfit with a touch of traditional luxury. No theatrics, just timeless authority, Sharpton made certain to let his style be as impactful as his words.

20. Nicole Kidman – Omega Constellation "Manhattan"

Nicole Kidman, who has always been known for picking the right Omega for the right room, made a stunning entry into the 2026 Met Gala wearing a 1982 "Manhattan" in its most elevated jewellery form. With a delicate mix of yellow and white gold, the 23mm sleek timepiece is the perfect symbol of the New Romantic era. This particular model is adorned with diamonds on the bezel, bracelet, and hour markers, setting the tone for fashion’s most significant night.

Closing Notes

If anything, the Met Gala 2026 embraced the “Fashion Is Art” theme in its purest form, transforming the red carpet into a curated art exhibition. Beyond the couture and spectacle, the annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute never falls short on art, and this year, the watches proved just as expressive as the garments themselves.

Whether utilising vintage archives, surrealist shapes or blinding arrays of sapphires, diamonds and other gems, the range on display highlighted how diverse modern watch collecting has become. Some pieces whispered, while others demanded attention, but all added character, depth, and intent to the looks they accompanied.

In the end, the message is clear: the Met Gala is never just about tailoring, but extends all the way down to the smallest details, including what’s on the wrist.

Best Watches Spotted At The Met Gala 2026

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