The Most Beautiful Watches At The Oscars 2019

Yes, the tuxedos takes up most of the headlines on Oscars night. But look closely, and the wristwear is just as impressive. In true Hollywood style, the 91st Academy Awards displayed some mighty haute horlogerie that was allowed out of the heavily-guarded showcase for a whirl on the red carpet.

Here are the best of the night.

After premiering what could well be the Oscars first ever beanie, it made perfect sense for Mahershala Ali to twist up the watch, too. The Santos de Cartier Skeleton is a rejig of a classic piece, and one that bends the rulebook without burning it completely.

Santos de Cartier Skeleton, £23,000, cartier.co.uk

Nicholas Hoult went for Dior and reinvented the tux with an origami-inspired get-up. But his choice of watch – in this instance, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic – is just as innovative, boasting a two-faced dial on the manufacture’s signature design.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Classic Large Duoface, £19,300, mrporter.com

He may’ve missed out on Best Supporting Actor, but homegrown talent Richard E. Grant topped the horological hits with this: a clean, classic Jaeger-LeCoultre that follows all the luxury dress watch rules.

Jaeger-LeCoultre, £6,700, jaeger-lecoultre.com

The Cartier Tank Américaine is a classic accomplice to Rami Malek’s tux, and a piece that complements the cornerstones of traditional black tie. Expect a unique octagonal crown, and a navy blue alligator strap.

Cartier Tank Américaine, £4,950, cartier.co.uk

IWC – shorthand for the International Watch Company – is a watch brand for watch aficionados. Which makes sense, as ardent watch collector Henry Golding settled for the Portugieser Automatic: a well-made automatic with an impactful black dial.

IWC Portugieser Automatic, £10,650, iwc.com

IWC’s Big Pilot is a special sort of watch – something you won’t find in the usual showcase. That’s because it’s been specially designed for a charity auction at Sotheby’s, with Bradley Cooper’s red carpet pick designed to raise funds for the Fondation Antoine de Saint Exupéry – an initiative to help children in disadvantaged circumstances. Bidding closes on 4 March.

IWC Big Pilot Ref. IW500923, sothebys.com

Black and blue, once sworn enemies, are now the best of friends. Or at least they were in Christian Bale’s wardrobe, with the Best Actor nominee pairing a blue dialled Santos de Cartier with an all-black suit.

Santos de Cartier, £5,900, cartier.co.uk