When it comes to luxury watches, celebrities are the ultimate trendsetters, and this week’s lineup is nothing short of jaw-dropping. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some stars are sticking to iconic brands like Rolex and Cartier, others are boldly stepping into the world of indie watchmakers, sparking a debate about whether niche brands can ever truly rival the giants. Let’s dive into the 7 best watch moments of the week, from Timothée Chalamet’s game-changing Petermann Bédat to Bad Bunny’s jaw-dropping Cartier Crash.
Timothée Chalamet: The Indie Watch Whisperer
Timothée Chalamet isn’t just a fashion icon—he’s becoming a watch world disruptor. At the Paris premiere of Marty Supreme, he donned a Petermann Bédat Ref. 1967, a timepiece so rare it’s practically a collector’s fantasy. This isn’t Chalamet’s first rodeo with indie brands; he recently sent the internet into a frenzy with an Urban Jürgensen UJ-2, designed by the legendary Kari Voutilainen. And this is the part most people miss: Chalamet’s shift from mainstream Cartier to lesser-known brands could be a game-changer for the watch industry. Will the ‘Chalamet effect’ catapult indie watchmakers into the spotlight? Only time will tell.
The Petermann Bédat Ref. 1967, released in 2017 by Swiss duo Gaël Petermann and Florian Bédat, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Limited to just 20 pieces (10 in white gold and 10 in rose gold), each priced at $66,000, the collection sold out in two weeks. Its unique deadbeat seconds complication—where the seconds hand jumps rather than sweeps—pays homage to the 1967 debut of quartz movement prototypes. It’s a watch nerd’s dream, and Chalamet’s endorsement has put Petermann Bédat on the map.
Bad Bunny: Cartier’s Crown Prince
While Chalamet is branching out, Bad Bunny is doubling down on Cartier. In one week, he flexed not one but two iconic pieces: a vintage Tortue at the Grammys and a platinum Crash at the Super Bowl Halftime Show press conference. Here’s the kicker: that Crash, with its surrealist design and exclusive London boutique origins, can fetch up to $600,000 on the secondary market. Is Bad Bunny the ultimate Cartier ambassador, or is he just playing the resale game? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Chris Hemsworth: Patek Philippe’s Jet-Setter
Chris Hemsworth swapped his usual Chopard and Audemars Piguet for a Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph during a SiriusXM interview. This rose-gold beauty (Ref. 5990/1R-001) is a traveler’s dream, displaying two time zones and a synchronized analog date. Retailing at $139,410, it’s a watch that says, ‘I’m ready for takeoff.’
James Marsden: Rolex Rebel?
James Marsden, IWC’s official ambassador since 2020, surprised everyone by ditching his Portugiesers for a Rolex Explorer at Apple TV Press Day. The 36 mm Oystersteel model, priced at $7,900, is a classic choice—but does this mean he’s cheating on IWC? Or is he just proving that a great watch is a great watch, no matter the brand?
Simu Liu: Batman’s Timekeeper
Simu Liu is clearly a Rolex GMT-Master II enthusiast, spotted in the ‘Batman’ model (Ref. 126710BLNR) with its iconic blue and black bezel. At $11,800, it’s a bold statement piece—but is it worth the hype? Some say the Batman’s resale value makes it a smart investment. What’s your take?
John Cena: The Explorer II Loyalist
John Cena rarely takes off his Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 216570), and it’s easy to see why. This discontinued model, with its polar white dial and 24-hour bezel, is a collector’s favorite, commanding up to $12,000 on the secondary market. But with Rolex releasing a near-identical successor in 2021 for $10,600, is the original still worth the premium?
Sam Richardson: Cartier’s Blue Period
Sam Richardson is on a blue-dial kick, recently spotted in a Cartier Santos with a graduated blue dial and steel sword-shaped hands. At $7,750, it’s a stylish yet accessible choice—but is it as iconic as Bad Bunny’s Crash? You be the judge.
Final Thoughts: The Watch World’s Shifting Sands
This week’s highlights reveal a fascinating tension between mainstream luxury and indie innovation. Chalamet’s embrace of Petermann Bédat and Bad Bunny’s Cartier obsession raise a provocative question: Can indie brands ever truly rival the giants, or will they remain niche players? And as celebrities continue to shape watch trends, who will emerge as the next big influencer? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation ticking.
