Inspired by a short story of the same name, this year’s annual Met Gala theme was ‘The Garden of Time’. While it can be interpreted in many ways, and it certainly was, floral and botanical looks blossomed. In terms of watches, some attendees took the theme quite literally, while others went for a more simple look. Regardless, when the theme is ‘The Garden of Time’, you know the watches on show will be spectacular! A wide array of timepieces graced the iconic Met Gala stairs, so it was difficult to pick our top 5. However, we have rounded up our favourites and found similar models on our website. Keep reading to discover more.
Our Top 5 ‘The Garden of Time’ Watches from the Met Gala 2024
Eddie Redmayne’s Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades
Sporting several variations of the Aqua Terra over the years, for the Met Gala 2024, Eddie Redmayne opted for the Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades. His outfit was bold, so wearing a watch with a more simple nature was extremely clever. It didn’t take away from his unique look but rather added to it in a subtle way. Hence, it is one of our favourite pieces.
We Suggest: Hamilton Jazzmaster Automatic (40mm) Champagne Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet H32475120
With its sophisticated design, this Hamilton is similar to Redmayne’s Omega. Simple yet bold, the champagne dial is the focal point of the watch. Just like the Omega, it exhibits silver hands and baton indices, both coated in a luminous material, as well as a date aperture at 6 o’clock. Framing the dial is a stainless steel case that measures 40mm in diameter, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial. Overleaf, the exhibition case back allows the wearer to observe the movement that powers the watch. Said movement is Hamilton’s H-10 automatic movement with an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring and an 80-hour power reserve. Finally, a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp secures the watch to the wrist. Oozing elegance, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Automatic is a brilliant choice for those who enjoy the finer things in life; this model is not in stock but you can pre-order it here.
Alexandra Daddario’s TAG Heuer Aquaracer Date
Alexandra Daddario’s Dior outfit, in all its sheer glory, definitely followed ‘The Garden of Time’ theme, and her watch was the perfect piece to tie everything together. As one of TAG Heuer’s newest ambassadors, it’s no surprise that she walked the carpet at the Met with one on her wrist. Her choice; a two-tone TAG Heuer Aquaracer Date. The perfect balance of elegance and functionality, it is a great example of how to follow a unique theme and still be able to wear a refined timepiece.
We Suggest: Jacques Du Manoir Inspiration Crystal (26mm) Silver Dial / Two-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet NRO.08
Pretty and petite, this Jacques Du Manoir Inspiration Crystal oozes the same feminine appeal as Daddario’s TAG Heuer Aquaracer Date. Sure to grab the eye of any onlooker, the silver dial is set with 11 crystal indices. As well as this, the dial features gold-tone hands and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock. A gold-tone fluted bezel and a 26mm stainless steel case frame the dial. And while the bezel doesn’t feature any diamond detailing like the TAG does, it still has a feminine charm to it. Securing the watch to the wrist is a two-tone gold and stainless steel bracelet. For a flawless look, the middle link of gold-tone stainless steel flows from the fluted bezel. Finally, powering the watch is a Swiss-made quartz movement. Truly stunning, the Jacques Du Manoir Inspiration Crystal will always accentuate your outfit perfectly.
Barry Keoghan’s 1930s ‘Staybrite’ Pocket Watch
Truly embracing ‘The Garden of Time’ theme, Barry Keoghan wore a trio of Omega watches. Each beautiful in its own right, however, his 1930s ‘Staybrite’ Pocket Watch, with a two-tone dial, was the one that caught our eye! It’s not often you see pocket watches at major fashion events, so by wearing this Keoghan was the star of the show. And who knows, maybe because of this, we’ll see a rise in the demand for these timepieces.
We Suggest: Tissot Savonnette Mechanical Full Hunter T83640113
Providing its wearer with a hint of nostalgia, the Tissot Savonnette evokes the brand’s great history and tradition. Emphasising the vintage feel of the model, intricate black hands and painted black Roman numerals contrast the white dial. In addition, a small seconds sub-dial features at 6 o’clock and a mineral crystal protects the dial. This particular pocket watch follows a full Hunter design, so it features a protective front case; concealing the dial until opened. Measuring 49.55mm in diameter, and made from 316L stainless steel, it is decorated with the historical logo of Tissot. Within this case lies the Swiss-made mechanical movement that powers the watch. Self-winding and with a power reserve of 46 hours, it ensures great accuracy. Delivered with a chain, this historic pocket watch is a great piece to add to your collection, especially if you want to keep in tune with current trends.
Serena Williams’ Audemars Piguet Sandgold Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked
With one of Audemars Piguet’s newest models on her wrist, Serena Williams showed the world that sportier watches do in fact belong on red carpets. The watch is already extremely eye-catching, however, by cleverly placing it above her glove, Williams drew even more attention to her wrist. The contrast between black and gold was also beautiful, so it makes complete sense that the timepiece is in our top 5 watches from the Met Gala.
We Suggest: Ingersoll THE BALLER Automatic (45mm) Black Skeleton Dial / Gold PVD Stainless Steel Bracelet I15001
Although this watch is categorised as a men’s model, women can rock it too! Allowing the wearer a view into the watch’s inner mechanisms, the black skeleton dial showcases the model’s automatic movement. Alongside this, the dial features luminous hands and baton indices for enhanced readability, even in low-light conditions. A scratch-resistant mineral crystal protects the dial and a pale IP gold stainless steel case frames it. Measuring 45mm in diameter, it is an inclusive size that men and women can wear. Moreover, just like the dial, the exhibition case back offers a glimpse into the automatic movement. An IPG gold stainless steel bracelet, with a butterfly clasp, concludes the design of this Ingersoll. Reliable and robust, Ingersoll’s THE BALLER is a great watch for both daily wear and special occasions.
Brooklyn Beckham’s Piaget Polo 79
Concluding our Top 5 ‘The Garden of Time’ Watches from the Met Gala 2024 is Brooklyn Beckham’s Piaget Polo 79. While his watch appears simple, there is a deeper meaning behind it; extremely relevant to the Met Gala’s theme. J.G. Ballard’s Garden of Time is often seen to act as a metaphor for the evolution of history, and this Piaget model pays tribute to the original model from 1979 in celebration of the brand’s 150th anniversary.
We Suggest: Tissot PRX 40 205 | Gold Dial | Gold PVD Plated Steel Bracelet T1374103302100
Though influenced by the past, this Tissot PRX model still manages to offer us something fresh and unique. This 40mm yellow gold PVD stainless steel watch follows the PRX’s tonneau-shaped form. The golden dial features gold baton indices and hands as well as a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The hands and dial itself are covered with Super-LumiNova to guarantee that, even in low-light conditions, the wearer can always read the watch. Ensuring exceptional reliability, a Swiss-made quartz movement, with an E.O.L. indicator, powers the watch. As well as this, the model is water-resistant up to 100 meters. Concluding the design of this PRX, and offering great security, is a yellow gold stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp. With its slight vintage look, the PRX is a trendy yet classy option for everyday wear.
What did you think of our top 5 ‘The Garden of Time’ Watches from the Met Gala 2024? Which one was your favourite? Let us know in the comments!