If the first Monday in May has become culturally known as the Met Gala day, the following Tuesday should be subsequently known as judgment day. But while the world debates who was best dressed or whether an outfit was on theme, the detail-oriented among us will be looking at who was most fashionably on time.
Because while it’s the extravagant gowns and sculpture-like couture that usually get the attention, that doesn’t mean the wrists should go unnoticed either. From vintage collectibles to newly released models and one-of-a-kind timepieces, we’ve rounded up the most impressive and expensive watches seen on the Met Gala red carpet 2026.
The best watches at the Met Gala 2026
Luke Evans: Hublot Big Bang
Completing his haute couture homage to Tom of Finland – the artist known for his hyperstylized and erotic takes on masculinity – actor and singer Luke Evans opted for an equally daring timepiece to match his all-leather look: an unmissable Hublot Big Bang Unico High Jewellery. Its 42mm white gold case is set with no fewer than 334 baguette-cut diamonds (totaling 12.5 carats), while beneath the blanket of stones sits the HUB1280 calibre, a so-called ‘perfect fusion’ of power and extravagance.
$160,360
Rami Malek: Cartier Crash
It’s perhaps one of the most recognizable (and coveted) silhouettes in watchmaking, but Rami Malek’s Cartier Crash felt especially on theme for the night’s ‘Fashion in Art’ dress code, with its clear parallels to Salvador Dalí’s melting clocks in The Persistence of Memory. The Crash has dominated the secondary market for decades, with collectors chasing variations across metals and movements, but Malek’s choice – a vintage platinum model from 1992 – allows the distinctive shape to do all the talking.
$250,000
Serena Williams: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar
As a longtime Audemars Piguet ambassador, Serena Williams has helped lead the shift towards women embracing oversized, traditionally masculine watches – and for the 2026 Met Gala, she made the point clear. Her 41mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar, crafted in titanium with an openworked dial, was the perfect finishing touch to her modern gladiator-inspired look.
$232,000
Skepta: Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin
Referring to yourself for a theme like ‘Fashion is Art’ is a bold move, but grime artist Skepta committed fully, arriving in a custom Thom Browne suit layered with references to his track Back 2 Back with Fred Again. His watch choice was no quieter: a yellow-gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin, set with no fewer than 1,528 brilliant-cut yellow sapphires totaling over 10 carats.
$380,000
Mark Zuckerberg: George Daniels Anniversary Number 24 Yellow Gold
A George Daniels watch is a rare sight on any red carpet, yet this understated – though no less technically refined – piece feels like a fitting choice for a billionaire whose personal style rarely strays beyond a white T-shirt and sneakers. Don’t be fooled by the clean black leather strap and simple yellow gold dial; taking up to 2,500 hours to produce a single watch, its craftsmanship goes some way to attempt to justify its half-million-dollar price tag.
$500,000
See also: The Met Gala Proves Fashion Is Obsessed With ‘Museum Memory’
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson: Jacob & Co. Billionaire III
The Rock has become almost as well known for his watch collection as for his victories in the ring, and for his Met Gala debut, he didn’t hold back. He stepped out in one of his most impressive pieces to date: the Jacob & Co. Billionaire III, a hyper-luxurious skeleton watch crafted in 18-carat white gold and set with more than 700 diamonds – almost as heavyweight as the man himself.
$3.3m
Lisa: Bulgari Serpenti Spiga High Jewellery White Gold with Full Set Diamonds
Pop star and White Lotus actress Lisa collaborated with fellow Thai designer Robert Wun on a sculptural, avant-garde look, complete with a veiled arrangement of 3D-printed arms inspired by traditional dance. And yet, it’s what sparkles around those extra limbs that caught our attention. Multiple Bulgari Serpenti Spiga High Jewellery watches in white gold and full-set diamonds coiled around her wrists, paired with a Serpenti necklace featuring a sapphire centre stone and matching drop earrings.
$150,000
Jay-Z: Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref 6300
Maintaining his reputation as one of watch collecting’s most serious players, Jay-Z also claimed the title of most expensive timepiece on the 2026 red carpet. His Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300G-001 – widely regarded as one of the most complicated wristwatches ever made – features two dials displaying 20 complications, all housed in 18-carat white gold.
$8.5m
Paul Antony Kelly: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon
Perhaps channeling his on-screen turn as the ever-stylish JFK Jr., Paul Anthony Kelly opted for a quietly confident Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon at his first Met Gala. With a dial that perfectly complements his deep merlot suit and matching burgundy jewellery, it delivers luxury without tipping into excess – exactly how a Kennedy might have done it.
$159,000
Irina Shayk: Cartier Santos, diamond-set
If you can’t decide on just one timepiece, why not follow Irina Shayk’s lead and wear several? The standout is a diamond-set Cartier Santos, positioned front and center on her bralette-style top and connected by a cascade of stones. Elsewhere, vintage watches double as jewelry in the form of chokers and arm cuffs, while another oversized piece forms the closure at the back. As for total value? That’s hard to say – we’re still trying to count exactly how many she’s wearing.
