Watch Spotting: The Met Gala 2025 'Superfine, Tailoring Black Style'

The Met Gala, Fashion’s Most Exclusive Night

The Met Gala, founded in 1948 by Eleanor Lambert, is a yearly fundraiser for the Costume Institute in New York. Held each year on the first Monday in May, it’s now the most influential night in fashion, marking the launch of the Institute’s annual exhibition.

Since 1995, Vogue’s Editor in Chief Anna Wintour has transformed the Met Gala into a global fashion landmark. Her influence goes far beyond the guest list, she oversees everything from seating plans to the final approval of each outfit, ensuring every look aligns with the theme.

@Metropolitan Museum of Art The Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style over three hundred years through the concept of dandyism.

Each year, the Met Gala sets its tone with a theme. In 2025, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” honoured Black dandyism and the art of sharp, expressive tailoring. Inspired by Slaves to Fashion by Monica L. Miller, it paid tribute to icons like André Leon Talley and Dapper Dan, figures whose style and influence shaped the culture behind the clothes.

@vogue  The late Vogue editor-at-large, celebrated for his flamboyant capes and profound impact on fashion journalism, representing Black excellence in the industry.

Timepieces That Stole this years Spotlight...

The Met Gala 2025 didn’t disappoint. Here are the watches that stole the show for us at MGB Watches, from understated classics to bold, statement pieces, this year’s timepieces spoke volumes.

 

1. Colman Domingo - Omega Speedmaster

Co-chair Colman Domingo made a powerful statement by wearing an unreleased Omega Speedmaster in 18k gold, complementing his regal Valentino ensemble. The timepiece added a modern, luxurious touch to his look, which paid homage to Black dandyism and cultural icons like André Leon Talley.

2. Saquon Barkley- Moser New Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack

NFL star Saquon Barkley wore the H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack, a bold, minimalist watch that paired perfectly with his custom Thom Browne tux and the evening’s focus on precision, craft, and Black style. 

3. Henry Golding - Cartier Tank à Guichets

Henry Golding wore the Cartier Tank à Guichets, a sleek, minimalist choice that perfectly echoed the evening’s theme of refined tailoring and cultural legacy. This appears to be a vintage piece, however Cartier launched their brand new range of jump hour watches at Watches & Wonders 2025.

4. A$AP Rocky Bvlgari Octo Finissimo

At the 2025 Met Gala, A$AP Rocky wore what appeared to be the 1 of 10 Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra thin COSC or the Skeleton 8 Days model. Both are feats of slimline engineering and suited his sharp, fashion forward look on a night celebrating precision and personal style.

5. Shah Rukh Khan - Patek Philippe Grand Complications

Shah Rukh Khan made a striking debut, pairing his Sabyasachi ensemble with a custom Patek Philippe Grand Complications watch. This rose gold timepiece features a minute repeater and perpetual calendar, adorned with 80 baguette cut diamonds. Rumoured to be worth $2.3Million.

6. Nicole Kidman- Vintage Omega

Nicole Kidman brought timeless elegance to the 2025 Met Gala, wearing a vintage Omega Ladymatic Saphette from 1969. The delicate gold watch, with its distinctive faceted crystal and refined design, added a subtle touch of heritage glamour to her look, proof that quiet luxury never goes out of style.

 

7. S.Coups- Diamond Set Piaget

S.Coups stood out in a sculptural grey ensemble paired with a striking diamond set Piaget chronograph. The watch, shimmering with a full pavé bezel and baguette-set lugs, added a layer of modern luxury to his minimalist look.

 

8. Barry Kheon Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch

Barry Keoghan stepped onto the carpet wearing one of the most compelling modern takes on a space-age classic: the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in solid 18K Moonshine™ Gold (ref. 310.60.42.50.99.001). No surprise, given that he’s an official Omega brand ambassador, and this Moonshine™ Gold Speedy is a fitting choice.

9. Jeff Goldblum- Jacob & Co.

Jeff Goldblum made a dazzling statement by wearing a Jacob & Co. timepiece adorned with nearly 64 carats of diamonds. This extravagant watch, described as an homage to what André Leon Talley referred to as his "version of a tennis watch," perfectly complemented Goldblum's distinctive style. 

10. Jeremy Allen White- Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jeremy Allen White opted for quiet sophistication with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds. Its sleek Art Deco lines and understated elegance paired seamlessly with his classic tailoring, proof that timeless design can speak volumes on fashion’s boldest night.

11. Damson Idris- IWC

Damson Idris delivered one of the night’s most memorable arrivals at the 2025 Met Gala, stepping out in dramatic F1 fashion to match the theme’s emphasis on style and presence. On his wrist was the newly launched IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG, unveiled at this year’s Watches and Wonders.

12. Dapper Dan- Vintage Cartier

Dapper Dan’s 2025 Met Gala look was anchored by a standout accessory: a vintage Cartier Paris “Helm” pocket watch, from 1943 worn as a necklace. This rare timepiece, with its sculptural form and mechanical charm, added a layer of old-world elegance to his custom embroidered suit.

13. Pusha T- Rolex

Pusha T, an american rapper, songwriter, and music executive turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala in a crystal-embellished burgundy pinstripe suit, perfectly paired with the legendary Rolex Rainbow Daytona. The bold, gem-set chronograph added a hit of opulence to his luxe streetwear aesthetic, seamlessly merging hip-hop flair with high-end horology.

14. Maluma- Jacob & Co.

Last year, Usher drew attention not just for his crimson suit but for wearing the ultra-rare Jacob & Co. Ruby Billionaire III, an opulent timepiece valued at over £4 million. This year, that legacy of bold wristwear continued with Maluma, who arrived wearing the Jacob & Co. Emerald Billionaire III, fully set with green emerald-cut stones.

15. Khaby Lame’s Pocket Watches

Khaby Lame, the quietly commanding Senegalese-Italian creator and now the most-followed name on TikTok, made an understated yet unforgettable statement at the 2025 Met Gala. In a refined grey three-piece suit, he sidestepped the usual wristwatch spotlight entirely, instead layering several vintage pocket watches across his waistcoat. It was a subtle nod to tradition and individuality, one of the evening’s most original takes on the theme, blending quiet confidence with dandy detail

A Glimpse into Horological Highlights of Past Met Galas

The Met Gala has become a quiet showcase for rare and remarkable watches. In 2021, Russell Westbrook wore a diamond Patek Philippe Nautilus; in 2023, Simu Liu chose a classic Cartier Santos-Dumont. Last year, Usher turned heads with a £4 million Jacob & Co. Ruby Billionaire III, while Troye Sivan brought a modern edge with a Hublot Big Bang. These timepieces aren’t just accessories, they’re part of the story

Troye Sivan wearing a diamond-studded Hublot watch, showcasing minimalist menswear and luxury timepieces

See last years 'watch spots' at MGB Watches here.