In the world of luxury watches, certain timepieces stand out not just for telling time but for making bold statements—this week is no exception. From Hollywood celebrities showcasing their latest collections to iconic models capturing moments of achievement, the week’s top watches reveal what’s driving style, innovation, and heritage in horology today. But here’s where it gets controversial: are these displays of wealth truly about craftsmanship, or are they just luxury jewelry wrapped around a wrist? Let’s explore the most eye-catching and meaningful watches that took center stage recently.
After a short break due to the holiday season, celebrities have returned to the spotlight, confidently flaunting their luxury timepieces on the red carpet and at exclusive events. Dwayne Johnson, continuing his streak of horological choices, once again turned heads by wearing a sophisticated IWC Portugieser at Variety’s Creative Impact Awards. Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal both chose to wear Cartier Tank models at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards, indicating that the trend of pairing tall actors with smaller, elegant watches remains strong into 2026.
In addition, Chris Pratt and Connor Storrie, both representing the same prestigious Swiss manufacturer, showcased Hublot pieces at functions in London and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Stephen Graham flashed a steel Rolex Daytona during his career retrospective in L.A., and Colman Domingo opted for his trusty Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra at a screening of Dead Man’s Wire.
Below, we highlight the most stylish and significant watch moments of the week.
Stephen Graham: Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona worn by Stephen Graham at his career retrospective hosted by SAG-AFTRA is nothing short of legendary. This specific model (reference 116520), produced from 2000 to 2016, marked a pivotal moment in Rolex’s history by introducing the in-house Caliber 4130 movement, replacing the previous Zenith-based versions. This change granted Rolex complete autonomy over its chronograph mechanics, elevating its prestige. Visually, the watch features a sleek, stainless steel-on-steel design with a clean white dial, embodying both form and function. Pre-owned examples typically go for about $25,000, making it a notable investment for collectors.
Chris Pratt: Hublot Big Bang Unico Titanium
This week also saw Chris Pratt sport a new brand—Hublot—departing from his usual Panerai or IWC choices. At a Mercy photocall in London, he debuted the Hublot Big Bang Unico in titanium. Released in 2018, this 42 mm model offers a modern, more compact size compared to the original 44 mm version. Its lightweight titanium case and a black skeleton dial reveal a glimpse of the intricate self-winding movement inside. The HUB1280 Unico movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve, along with a flyback chronograph that simplifies timing operations with a single push. Priced at roughly $22,800, this watch emphasizes innovation and sporty elegance.
Jacob Elordi: Cartier Tank LC
Jacob Elordi added a touch of cinematic flair to his look by wearing the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier (LC) during his acceptance of the Best Supporting Actor award at Palm Springs. His choice—an elegant green lacquered dial with an alligator strap—echoes the “Frankenstein” vibe of his role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, thanks to its unique colorway. Introduced in 2023, this model features a compact 25.5 mm gold case, complemented by matching gold hands and a crown adorned with a synthetic spinel cabochon. Valued at $14,800, Elordi’s watch, paired with jewelry from the Juste un Clou and Love collections, underscores his emerging ambassador role for Cartier.
Colman Domingo: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
At the Los Angeles screening of Dead Man’s Wire, Colman Domingo dazzled once again, selecting a refined Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. He paired his ensemble with a Boucheron accessory—reflecting his new ambassadorship with the French maison—and chose a sleek, 41 mm reference released in 2024. This particular model sports a simple black lacquered dial, deviating from the usual horizontal “teak” pattern. The 41 mm version features a Caliber 8900 movement, certified as Master Chronometer, and costs around $7,000. Its minimalist aesthetics and precise mechanics make it a versatile and stylish choice.
Dwayne Johnson: IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar
True to his commanding presence, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson donned a striking IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar during the Variety Creative Impact Awards. Launched in 2015, this 44.2 mm model boasts a stunning silver dial housing a suite of complications: date, day, month, year, moon phase, a power reserve indicator, and a small seconds dial. Its automatic Caliber 52610 offers an impressive seven-day power reserve, and unique high-precision features mean the moon phase only needs adjustment once every 577.5 years—a feat of engineering and artistry. Priced at $52,700, it exemplifies both luxury and technical mastery.
Connor Storrie: Hublot Classic Fusion King Gold
At the SAG-AFTRA Nominations announcement, Connor Storrie made a statement with his regal Hublot Classic Fusion King Gold. This model, with a 38 mm case and bezel crafted from the brand’s signature 18-karat rose gold alloy, radiates warmth and luxury. The black sunray dial, with matching King Gold hands and markers, offers a striking contrast. Powered by the self-winding HUB1110 movement with a 48-hour power reserve, this watch combines elegance with practicality. Retailing at $21,100, it’s available in multiple sizes and continues to be a favorite for those seeking a blend of sophistication and modern flair.
Paul Mescal: Cartier Tank LC
Finally, Paul Mescal consistently demonstrates that classic elegance never goes out of style—especially when pairing Gucci suits with Cartier watches. At both the Critics Choice Awards and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Irish actor wore his signature Tank Louis Cartier. The 2022 release features a large 18-karat yellow gold case with a minimalist black dial, gold sword-shaped hands, and a beaded crown with a synthetic spinel. Strapped with black alligator leather, this $14,800 piece complements Mescal’s elegant red carpet looks perfectly.
Are these luxury watches just accessories, or do they represent a deeper conversation about craftsmanship, status, and individual style? Do you believe the surge in celebrity watch choices influences mainstream trends, or are we witnessing a display of wealth that’s detached from horological appreciation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
