SpotlightThe Many Faces Of Time At The 2020 Oscars

The 92nd Academy Awards presented quite an interesting assortment of results, with South Korea’s Parasite emerging as the first ever film in a language other than English to win best picture. It wasn’t unexpected, but still interesting, with frontrunner 1917 being sidelined in the process. Similarly, when it came to spotting watches this year, it wasn’t just the usual dress watches that made a presence on the wrists of nominees and presenters. There were also a couple of signature pieces that may not typically be associated with black-tie attire. Yet, because of how distinctive and iconic they are for the brands they belong to, and for the watch industry in general, these watches didn’t seem out of place on the red carpet. And aside from that, it really goes to show that if you pick the right timepiece, even if it may seem too edgy or too sporty, it still can be quite versatile to go with anything. Here are a few watches seen at the Oscars that present the wide spectrum of all that you can consider as formal.

Antonio Banderas | Bulgari Octo Finissimo

When you simply take a look at the Bulgari Octo Finissimo watches, you most probably wouldn’t think of them as dress watches. The bracelet strap, the sharp edges, the octagonal design—none of it spells red carpet elegance. However, come to think of it, the slim profile of these watches from Bulgari’s record-breaking range of ultra-slim timepieces actually makes it quite the perfect addition to an elegant, black-tie ensemble. Actor Antonio Banderas, who was nominated for his leading role in Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain And Glory, showed us just that. The Octo Finissimo he chose to wear unassumingly slipped right under the cuff of his Dior tuxedo, while the grey hue of the titanium watch still made a distinguished statement.

The Octo Finissimo Banderas chose to wear unassumingly slipped right under the cuff of his Dior tuxedo, while the grey hue of the titanium watch still made a distinguished statement

The 40mm titanium watch is just 5.15mm thick, water resistant to 30m, and houses an automatic movement that offers a 60-hour power reserve

₹15,51,000

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Bradley Cooper | IWC Portugieser Chronograph

This watch actually is a dress watch, but one that mixes steel with gold-hued elements in a distinctive way, aside from being a chronograph—a complication that isn’t instantly associated with dress watches. Moreover, it was refreshing change on Bradley Cooper. The actor, nominated as a producer of best picture contender Joker, is usually seen wearing his IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. This year, the IWC brand ambassador chose to go with a Portugieser with his classic black tuxedo.

Bradley Cooper is seen here sharing a light moment with Oscar winner Brad Pitt, at the Dolby Theatre during the 2020 Academy Awards

The Portugieser Chronograph that Cooper wore is powered by an IWC calibre that offers a power reserve of 46 hours, and comes in a 41mm steel case, water resistant to 30m

IWC Portugieser Chronograph EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

Mark Ruffalo | Frederique Constant Slimline

This one is more of a typical dress watch that you would actually expect to see paired with a tuxedo. The classic black leather look, with a clean silvery white dial is what makes it so timeless. The thin profile of the Frederique Constant Slimline makes it even more suitable for the formal Valentino ensemble that actor Mark Ruffalo chose. A brand ambassador for Frederique Constant, Mark Ruffalo presented the Oscar for best documentary feature on Sunday.

The thin profile of the Frederique Constant Slimline makes it even more suitable for the formal Valentino ensemble that actor Mark Ruffalo wore

The watch that Ruffalo is wearing appears to have a small seconds sub-dial and no date, unlike this Slimline edition here, which even has a date aperture at three o’clock

₹71,300

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Taika Waititi | Panerai Luminor

Even though it’s a true classic, the Panerai Luminor is still not a watch that you might immediately think of as black-tie attire. The wholesome cushion-shaped case, the iconic crown protector, and the sandwich dial are considered rather sporty instead, especially when it’s in blue. Yet, filmmaker Taika Waititi made it work wonderfully with his black Dior tuxedo. The writer and director of Jojo Rabbit won an Oscar for his adapted screenplay of the comedy-satire film set during World War II.

Oscar winner for the screenplay of 'Jojo Rabbit', filmmaker Taika Waititi is best known for directing 'Thor: Ragnarok', and is set to direct the upcoming 'Thor: Love And Thunder'

Waititi is reportedly wearing a Luminor Due in 42mm, with no date. While this one also comes in a 42mm case—in titanium—it includes a date feature at three

₹7,05,400

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Colin Jost | TAG Heuer Monaco

Here’s another classic collection, which made waves in the 60s and 70s and became TAG Heuer’s pride and joy. Yet, this motorsport timepiece wouldn’t seem at home on the red carpet, and not just because of its square case. However, comedian Colin Jost shows us that it actually goes very well with a black tuxedo, despite its blue dial, sporty red accents and perforated leather strap. Jost showed up to support his partner, actress Scarlett Johansson—who was up for two Oscars (lead actress, Marriage Story; and supporting actress, Jojo Rabbit).

Comedian Colin Jost shows us that the TAG Heuer Monaco actually goes very well with a black tuxedo, despite its blue dial, sporty red accents and perforated leather strap

One of the most famous square watches you can come across, this classic TAG Heuer chronograph is set in a 39mm steel case and houses the automatic calibre 11