When it comes to red carpet fashion, men often fall short (except for Lil Nas and maybe Jared Leto, who chose to skip this year’s Met Gala). However, amidst the predictable choices of suits and tuxedos, some gentlemen managed to deliver some of the finest and most exclusive pieces in the watches department.

Under the theme ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ and the dress code ‘Garden of Time’, the world of watches took us down the rabbit hole with each A-list celebrity gracing us with timepieces that were truly worth a double take. From Usher’s jaw-dropping Jacob & Co. Ruby Billionaire III to Ben Simmons’ iconic Patek Philippe Aquanaut briefcase, luxury watch brands went above and beyond, delving into their archives to discover pieces that flawlessly harmonised with the theme of this year.

Here are our top picks for the most extraordinary and rare timepieces spotted at this year’s Met Gala.

Omar Apollo in Cartier 

Omar Apollo’s Cartier Crash 18k white gold timepiece evokes a sense of wonder akin to Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole. This exquisite Cartier creation features a stunning 18k white gold bracelet embellished with brilliant cut diamonds, making it the singer’s ultimate accessory.

Barry Keoghan in Omega 

Barry Keoghan wore not one, not two, but three pieces from Omega. The actor sported the Seamaster Aqua Terra on his right wrist, the De Ville Parestige on his left wrist and the iconic ’30s pocket watch. Who can top this? 

Ben Simmons in Patek Philippe 

Now, this is how you do a ‘prop’. For his first Met Gala, Ben Simmons chose to wear a Patek Phillipe Aquanaut on wrist while carrying a unite watch attaché with a simple two-hand clock and gold hardware, giving the Australian hooper’s ensemble a fantasy fiction-esque feel. 

Usher in Jacob & Co. 

Usher took the fantasy theme too literally when he showed up with the jaw-dropping Jacob & Co. Ruby Billionaire III. The luxury timepiece is said to be adorned with 714 natural, no-heat rubies, weighing a total of 147.65 carats.

Steven Yeun wore Cartier

If you wish to make a subtle fashion statement, take inspiration from Steven Yeun. The actor chose to rock the Cartier Clash [Un]limited, with beads, picot studs, clou carrés and mobility. A timepiece that set the tone for his overall look.  

Lil Nas X wore Piaget 

You can always count on Lil Nas X to bring the glitz and glam to new heights. The singer and fashion personality chose Piaget for a timepiece with the rare ’70’s in white gold and malachite. The green dial beautifully captured the essence of a garden-inspired theme.

Read next: Our favourite red carpet looks at the 2024 Met Gala