The 2025 Met Gala dazzled New York with its theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” honoring the cultural and aesthetic influence of the Black community. While haute couture took center stage, luxury watches emerged as unexpected stars, adorning the wrists (and pockets) of A-list attendees.
Jeff Goldblum’s Jacob & Co. Ashoka Boutique Watch: A Diamond-Encrusted Marvel
Jeff Goldblum once again commanded attention, this time with Jacob & Co.’s Ashoka Boutique Watch—a staggering $1.2 million masterpiece. Encased in 18k white gold, the timepiece boasts over 60 carats of Ashoka-cut diamonds on the bracelet and bezel, with an additional 3.20 carats on the dial. Powered by a quartz movement (a practical choice given the gemstone density), the watch epitomized opulence.
Jalen Hurts’ Understated Elegance: Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph
Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts opted for refined sophistication with Breitling’s Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43. The 43mm stainless steel pilot’s watch featured a striking light-blue dial, a notched bezel, and a COSC-certified automatic movement. At a fraction of the cost of other Met Gala watches, Hurts’ choice highlighted timeless design over flashy excess.
Complementing his Breitling was a Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger “Bird on a Rock” brooch—a platinum-and-gold piece set with a 25-carat diamond, rubies, and diamond accents.
Jenna Ortega’s Vintage Heuer: A Nod to Horological History
Wednesday star Jenna Ortega made a bold statement with a 1914 Heuer Pocket Chronograph, a rare Rattrapante Dédoublante model. The 14k gold antique featured a 17-jewel movement, Breguet balance spring, and a split-seconds function—a groundbreaking innovation for early 20th-century timing.
TAG Heuer’s archives confirm the watch’s significance as a precursor to modern chronographs, like the 2024 Monaco Split-Seconds (priced at $150,000+). Ortega’s vintage piece, however, is likely priceless.
The Bigger Picture: Watches as Cultural Artifacts
Beyond glittering diamonds and intricate mechanics, this year’s Met Gala timepieces underscored horology’s evolving role in fashion—from status symbols to storytelling pieces. Whether through Hurts’ sporty elegance or Ortega’s historical homage, the watches proved that luxury is as much about heritage as it is about dazzle.
As the gala’s red carpet clears, one thing is certain: the conversation around watches has never been more vibrant.
