It was another strong Sunday for watch spotting in London last night, as awards season continued with the 78th Annual British Academy Film Awards.
Held at the Royal Festival Hall, the good and the great of movies braved the cold to give standing-ovation performances in the best watch category.
The red carpet saw some unexpected choices alongside firm favourites on the red carpet, proving that elevated style really is in the details.
From Jeff Goldblum’s exquisite Vacheron Constantin Égérie Creative Edition to Jeremy Strong sending watch fans spinning with a Richard Mille RM63-01 ‘Dizzy Hands’, here’s some of our editor’s favourites.
Best celebrity watches at the BAFTAS
Jeff Goldblum
Actor Jeff Goldblum caught the attention of magpies with the Vacheron Constantin Égérie Creative Edition. Featuring the four pillars of artistry and craftsmanship – tapisserie, engraving, enameling, and gem setting – the 37mm model is crafted from white gold and is embellished with over 4 carats of diamonds.
Simon Pegg
British actor Simon Pegg opted to accessorize his all-black look with a sporty number: the Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph. A modern version on the DEFY’s earliest octagonal 42mm case with a multisided bezel, it features the El Primero 3600 caliber that boasts impressive 1/10th of a second precision.
Vanessa Williams
‘Devil Wears Prada’ stageshow star Vanessa Williams went for something suitably high fashion with the Bvlgari Serpenti Secret watch. Featuring a manual winding micro-movement, its 18K white and yellow gold case is adorned with two pear-cut emeralds alongside an array of brilliant-cut and pavé-set diamonds.
James McAvoy
Showcasing ineffable attention to detail, James McAvoy wore a IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar on the red carpet. The model features a polished 18K Armor Gold case with an Obsidian dial, gold-plated hands, and appliques. The intricate dial, created in no less than 60 steps, has 15 layers of transparent lacquer for optical depth.
Orlando Bloom
Fresh from his announcement as the new face of Porsche Design, Orlando Bloom unsurprisingly donned the Chronograph 1 Automatic at the BAFTAs. Inspired by the 1972 model designed by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the timepiece combines automotive and timekeeping heritage in one sleek design, with a sapphire crystal case back revealing the mechanical movement and winding rotor.
Edward Berger
Achieving a double win at the BAFTAs for Best Film and Outstanding British Film for ‘Conclave’, German director Edward Berger celebrated wearing an Omega De Ville Trésor. Originally launched in 1949, Omega’s Trésor line is known for its thin, elegant case and legendary 30mm caliber. This model features a polished 40mm 18K Sedna gold case and a sophisticated burgundy leather strap.
Jeremy Strong
Never one to shy away from a strong look, Jeremy Strong accessorized his relatively understated (for him) look with a Richard Mille RM 63-01 Automatic Winding Dizzy Hands. This impressive piece gets its name from the mesmerising visual effect created when you press the pusher in the crown – the sapphire glass dial rotates anti-clockwise while the hour hand moves clockwise at different speeds.
Guy Pearce
Guy Pearce was feeling blue – in the best sartorial way. An Omega Speedmaster ’57 offered the perfect finishing touch to his navy velvet suit, coordinating with a sleek leather strap and dial. Featuring a 40.50mm stainless steel case, the timepiece is powered by the manual-winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 9906, and is certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS – resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss.
Will Sharpe
Will Sharpe did monochrome to the max at the BAFTAs, even down to his nails, which just so happened to draw attention the white dial of his Montblanc Star Legacy Moonphase & Date watch. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Montblanc’s Star Legacy Collection, the model spotlights the brand’s signature exploding star guilloché pattern, while a blue second hand adds vibrancy, and 34 diamonds frame the date wheel at 6 o’clock.
Dev Patel
Understated and elegant, BAFTA nominee Dev Patel wore a 1973 Cartier London Tank Normale – a rare midsize model crafted in 18K yellow gold with a 20.5mm case. It features the original LeCoultre Co. K840 manual winding movement and a London dial with Chemin de Fer. This storied timepiece was made by the Wright & Davis London Workshop which was at the time under the helm of Jean-Jacques Cartier, who created iconic models such as the Crash, Pebble and Maxi Oval.
Sebastian Stan
Finishing his classic tuxedo with an equally classic timepiece, Sebastian Stan opted for a Cartier Tank Française for the BAFTAs. Crafted from yellow gold, the medium model is set with 27 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 1.22 carats, while its golden sunray dial is complemented by signature blued-steel sword-shaped hands.
Will Poulter
Will Poulter wore the Hublot Classic Fusion Original Black Magic for the occasion – a model that revolutionised the industry in 1980 with its combination of precious gold and a simple rubber strap, a concept previously unthinkable. The 42mm model features a satin-finished black ceramic case, sapphire crystal, and a HUB1110 self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve, which is water-resistant to 50m.