SpotlightWatch Spotting At The Oscars 2017
Get your binoculars out and join us, as we spot the top 8 watches worn at the Oscars this year.
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When Hollywood walked down the Oscars red carpet on February 26, 2017, little did they know that the 89th Academy Awards would be a historic night to remember. The evening witnessed an array of record-breaking moments. From some good moments like Mahershala Ali making history by becoming the first Muslim to be recognised by the Academy for acting, and Viola Davis the first African-American to win an Emmy, Tony and an Oscar (Triple Crown) for the same category. On the other hand, the night of the Oscars 2017 also witnessed the “Biggest Mistake” in Academy Award history, with the epic Best Picture fiasco.
All said and done, the Oscars 2017 night was an incredible night of glamour and glitz. While cinema lovers and fashion enthusiasts follow the Oscars for their respective reasons, The Watch Guide team was following the watches. Why not! It is the perfect time to spot some incredible timepieces on the wrists of celebrities and the Hollywood ‘royalty’. So, like last year, we at The Watch Guide were ready with our binoculars out, to get started on some much-needed watch-spotting.
Here are the top 8 watches from the biggest night of cinema, the Oscars 2017.
1. Mahershala Ali: IWC Da Vinci Chronograph
Apart from winning an Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role for Moonlight, Mahershala Ali also made history by being ‘the first Muslim to be recognized’ by the Academy. HE was sporting the latest IWC Da Vinci Chronograph “LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD FOUNDATION” in black alligator Santoni strap, and that further sealed the deal for us! A classic choice we’d say. Featuring a 42mm stainless steel case that is fitted with newly designed moving lugs and curved horns. Furthermore, the dark blue dial of the watch matched perfectly with his all black ensemble. This watch, however, is limited to 1500 pieces only.
What The Watch Guide Recommends: IWC Portugieser
In case you can’t get your hands on this one, we’re suggesting something that keeps in accordance to what Mahershala Ali would have chosen. We recommend the IWC Portugieser that also features a blue dial. Slightly larger in size, the 43mm stainless steel case features a chronograph function that offers day, date, minutes and small seconds. Somewhat like the newly developed Da Vinci Chronograph, the Portugieser is a definite head turner with its eye-catching blue dial attached to an understated albeit immaculately designed stainless steel bracelet.
2. Jamie Dornan: Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat in Rose Gold
Presenting the award for Best Production Design, the Fifty Shades of Grey actor, Jamie Dornan looked dapper in a slick white tux and the 2017 edition of the Cartier Drive De Cartier Extra-Flat in pink gold adorning his wrist. The limited series Drive De Cartier was looking spectacular on his wrist and combined perfectly with his persona. Jamie Dornan’s Cartier Drive De Cartier Extra-Flat was also the first watch spotted by us this year (because it’s so recognisable).
What The Watch Guide Recommends: Cartier Drive De Cartier
While the Drive Extra-Flat is yet to hit the market, The Watch Guide recommends it’s elder sibling and Cartier’s most successful men’s watch so far – the Drive De Cartier. Introduced as a new range of watches that feature a new case shape, the Drive De Cartier definitely made a lasting impression around the world when it launched. It’s one of Cartier’s praise-worthy attempts to break down the wall between day and evening dress watches and is a perfectly articulated watch, constructed with refined lines that bring out Cartier’s stylish, elegant and modern persona.
3. Chris Evans: Montblanc Star-Classique
Looking dapper in a sharp blue Salvatore Ferragamo tux and Christian Louboutin shoes, Chris Evans definitely took centre stage this year at the Academy Awards red carpet. Sporting a timeless Montblanc Star Classique on his wrist was arguably the crowning stroke of style and sublimity. A truly classic timepiece that symbolizes elegance, panache and style, the Montblanc Star Classique is a watch that rightly deserves a night at the Oscars. A watch as simple as the man wearing it, the Montblanc Star Classique perfectly personifies Chris Evans, on and off screen.
What The Watch Guide Recommends: Montblanc Heritage Spirit
A timeless classically inclined Montblanc is what came to our mind when we saw this timepiece, and the one we would recommend to you is the Montblanc Heritage Spirit. Similar to the Star Classique, the Heritage Spirit is an elegant watch that represents minimalism at its best. The timepiece features a bombé dial finished with a sunburst effect, classic dauphine shaped faceted hands and a nice blend of differentiated polished and satin-surface finish case. Offering a timeless interpretation of the moon phase and date complication, the Montblanc Heritage Spirit is a sophisticated presence on the wrist that exudes a royal persona and spirit.
4. Dev Patel: IWC Da Vinci
Featuring for the second time on our Oscar list is none other than our very own, Dev Patel. The Lion star arrived at the Oscars looking utterly handsome in a black and white suit by Burberry and an IWC Da Vinci on his wrist. This one was an obvious choice from Dev, as the actor is a brand ambassador for the watch brand and is often seen hitting the red carpet with an IWC on his wrist. The white dial fitted with a stainless steel case perfectly encapsulates the overall look of Dev with utmost swag and panache. However, on a completely different note, extra points for taking his mum to the Oscars as his plus one.
What The Watch Guide recommends: IWC Portofino Automatic
The Portofino, without a doubt! Simple, clean and utterly timeless. The Portofino collection from IWC is one of the most classic timepieces from the Schaufhassen brand and is the perfect accessory to wear on your wrist especially for a formal night as historic as the Oscars. Attached to a high-quality black alligator leather strap, the IWC Portofino Automatic brings class and elegance to your wrist.
5. Damien Chazelle: JLC Master-Ultra-Thin
A young Mr. Damien Chazelle made history by being the youngest man to win an Oscar for the Best Director category. The 32-year old Academy Award winner paired his classic blue tuxedo with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin in pink gold on his wrist. As the name of the watch suggests, it fits him like a glove and blended seamlessly with his suit and stature. Like his movies, his choice of watch was greatly appreciated by movie lovers and watch enthusiasts alike. Like they say, to win, you got to wear gold!
What The Watch Guide recommends: JLC Master Ultra Thin
The stainless steel cousin of Damien’s watch, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin like its gold counterpart (mentioned above) is a kind of watch that complements formal events and business meetings. As the name suggests, with a thickness of just 7.58mm, the watch when worn on the wrist definitely feels like second skin. The silver dial with a guilloché-patterned small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, sapphire crystal see-through caseback and a refined case design, make it a true piece of haute horlogerie.
6. Sting: Bulgari Diagono Ceramic Chronograph Automatic
One could not help but notice the matte black Bulgari Diagono Ceramic Chronograph Automatic on Sting’s wrist while he was performing a soulful rendition of his Oscar-nominated piano ballad, “The Empty Chair”. The matte black Bulgari Diagono Ceramic Chronograph with its distinctive rubber strap definitely added more soul and style to his stunning performance at the Oscars.
What The Watch Guide recommends: Bvlgari Diagono
Similar to what Sting was wearing at the Oscars, the Bulgari Diagono in steel and ceramic is a sporty watch in spirit but still adapts perfectly to a formal event from dinner to business meetings. The use of cutting-edge materials like ceramic makes this watch a fantastic one to wear and own. The watch offers a distinctly designed 40mm steel case fitted with a refined ceramic bezel that features the brand name engraved on it. Moreover, it is attached to a high-quality rubber strap which allows the watch to fit snugly on your wrist. A cool timepiece to wear anytime, anywhere!
All watches recommended above are available at Ethos Watch Boutiques.
Did you spot any watches at the Oscars that we missed out? Which was your favourite timepiece at the Oscars? We would love to know. Let us know in the comment section below!
