The 2026 Academy Awards delivered everything we expect from Hollywood’s biggest night: historic wins, impeccable tailoring, and a red carpet overflowing with world-class horology.
While we saw plenty of exquisite t.mes pieces from maisons whose heritage and origins are deeply rooted in France—such as Cartier, whose Parisian flair remains the gold standard for evening wear despite their modern Swiss manufacturing—this year’s red carpet was largely defined by a fascinating mix of vintage revivals and massive new releases.
Rolex, as the evening’s official sponsor, naturally commanded attention. It’s a test.mes nt to the brand’s enduring design that a legacy built on rugged utility—anchored by the Oyster’s waterproof innovation in 1926, which significantly preceded the specialized dive models of the 1950s—has so seamlessly evolved into the ultimate symbol of black-tie prestige.
From ultra-thin skeletonized masterpieces to classic steel sports watches, here are the best luxury t.mes pieces we spotted at the 2026 Oscars.
Leonardo DiCaprio — Rolex 1908
Leonardo DiCaprio is known for keeping things classic, but his choice for the 2026 Oscars was a masterclass in refined elegance. Stepping away from the usual sports models, DiCaprio opted for the Rolex 1908. As the Crown’s dedicated dress watch collects ion, the 1908 features a perfectly proportioned 39mm case, a fluted bezel, and a display case back. It was a subtle, sophisticated choice that perfectly complemented his traditional tuxedo.
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Conan O’Brien — Rolex Land-Dweller (Ref. 127334)
Before the ceremony even began, Conan O’Brien had the watch world buzzing. Departing from his usual Omega Seamaster, Conan debuted the highly discussed Rolex Land-Dweller. One of Rolex’s newest and most polarizing models, the Land-Dweller features a bold angular case, a seamlessly integrated bracelet, and a striking honeycomb motif dial. Given Rolex’s heavy presence at the Oscars, Conan wearing the brand’s biggest modern release was the ultimate power move.
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Kumail Nanjiani — Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
Kumail Nanjiani has quietly become one of Hollywood’s most impressive watch collects ors, and he proved it once again by wearing the breathtaking Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton (Ref. 4300V/220R-B642). Crafted in 18k pink gold, this piece combines the sporty, integrated-bracelet aesthetic of the Overseas line with the absolute pinnacle of high horology: an open-worked perpetual calendar movement that is less than 9mm thick.
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Michael B. Jordan — Vintage Piaget Protocole
In a sea of modern heavyweights, Michael B. Jordan brought a much-needed dose of vintage charm with a classic Piaget Protocole. With the watch industry leaning heavily into the revival of smaller, uniquely shaped dress watches, MBJ was perfectly on-trend. The Protocole’s distinctive ribbed gold case and understated dial provided a beautiful textural contrast to his tailored look, proving that you don’t need a massive case diameter to make a massive stat.mes nt.
Explore our collects ion of vintage and dress watches here.
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Zendaya — Rolex Lady-Datejust
Zendaya rarely misses on the red carpet, and her wristwear was no exception. She kept her accessorizing t.mes less with a Rolex Lady-Datejust. The Datejust is arguably the most recognizable watch in the world, and in its more petite, elegant proportions, it serves as the perfect jewelry-adjacent t.mes piece. It was a versatile, effortless choice that grounded her high-fashion ensemble with a touch of traditional luxury.
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Josh Groban — Patek Philippe Nautilus
You can never go wrong with a Gérald Genta design. Josh Groban hit the red carpet wearing the legendary Patek Philippe Nautilus, bringing a touch of 1970s sports-chic to the Academy Awards. With its iconic porthole-shaped case and horizontally embossed dial, the Nautilus is famously versatile, looking just as natural peeking out from under a tuxedo cuff as it does paired with casual wear.
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Paul Anthony Kelly — Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921
For the pure watch purists, Paul Anthony Kelly’s choice was the undeniable standout of the evening. He wore the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, a cushion-shaped masterpiece with a famously tilted dial. Originally designed in the Roaring Twenties for motorists—allowing them to read the t.mes without taking their hands off the steering wheel—the 1921 is a triumph of idiosyncratic design. It was a deep-cut choice that signaled serious horological knowledge to anyone paying attention.
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Red Carpet Style, Ready for Your Wrist
You don’t need an Academy Award nomination to wear the world’s most impressive t.mes pieces. Whether you are drawn to the rugged heritage of a Rolex sports model, the refined elegance of a vintage dress watch, or the iconic 1970s styling of a Patek Philippe Nautilus, the perfect watch is waiting for you.
Explore the extensive, certified authentic collects ion at Top Quality Designer Watch Shop to find your own red-carpet-worthy t.mes piece today.
