The Cannes Film Festival is not only a grand celebration of cinematography excellence, but also an occasion for celebrities to show off their unique style and preferences. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the event, the red carpet saw a number of remarkable watches adorning the wrists of actors and famous personalities. And as with any major event, we at IWS couldn’t wait to share with you the most unique watches we spotted. Let’s take a walk through the world of fine timepieces and explore the watches worn during the Cannes Film Festival.
Madds Mikkelsen – Chopard L.U.C. Perpetual Twin
Famed actor Madds Mikkelsen paid tribute to the Cannes Film Festival with his presence, exuding elegance and sophistication. Embellishing his classic ensemble was the Chopard L.U.C. Perpetual Twin watch on his wrist. The watch, made by the esteemed Swiss brand, boasts a refined design with a steel case and black alligator leather strap. The perpetual calendar complication adds functionality to its timeless appeal, making it an appropriate choice for Mikkelsen’s distinguished style.
Harrison Ford – Breitling Aerospace Avantage E79362
Legendary actor Harrison Ford made a striking statement at the Cannes Film Festival by choosing the Breitling Aerospace Avantage E79362. This unusual timepiece combines robustness and technological innovation, reflecting Ford’s adventurous spirit. Don’t let appearance fool you, what looks like a dated steel watch has a much more innovative soul than you think. In fact, the titanium case and bracelet ensure durability, while the chronograph and dual time-zone functions meet the needs of a globetrotter like Ford.
Paola Turani – Patek Aquanaut Lady white 5267/200A
Italian influencer and model Paola Turani conquered the Cannes red carpet with her grace and style. On her wrist we find a sporty yet refined Patek Aquanaut Lady white 5267/200A. It features a stainless steel case and a diamond-set bezel. The white strap and dial add a touch of summer freshness. This watch testifies to Patek Philippe’s mastery of combining sophistication and sportiness. Although we definitely prefer other models from the Geneva manufacture.
Ethan Hawke – Piaget’s Altiplano High Jewelry
Acclaimed actor Ethan Hawke definitely stole the show at the Cannes Film Festival with his exquisite Piaget Altiplano High Jewelry. The timepiece boasts a stunning 18K white gold case embellished with baguette-cut diamonds, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship. Its ultra-thin profile enhances its appeal, making it a symbol of elegance and precision that perfectly complements Hawke’s charismatic presence. Bonus tip: The Piaget Altiplano was the world’s thinnest watch before being surpassed by the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra and later by the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari.
Michael Douglas – TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date Blue
Veteran actor Michael Douglas walked the Cannes red carpet with his signature charm, accentuated by the TAG Heuer Carrera Carrera Day-Date Blue watch he wore on his wrist. The elegant blue dial, stainless steel case and bracelet exude timeless appeal, while the day-date complication adds practicality to its design. Tag Heuer is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Carrera, and the more we see of this watch, the more we like it. A bright pink version was also launched in May 2023, which our Edoardo took. At first we laughed about it, but now I would like to have it too….
Hirokazu Kore’eda – Chanel J12 Black Ceramic
Acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda did at the Cannes Film Festival wearing a Chanel J12. This elegant timepiece features a black ceramic case and bracelet, conveying a sense of modernity and style. The J12’s monochromatic aesthetic and understated elegance blend perfectly with Kore-eda’s minimalist approach to storytelling. The J-12 has been one of the fashion company’s most successful models.
Xavier Dolan – Bulgari Octo Finissimo Titanium
There is a little bit of Italy in this selection, thanks Xavier. Multi-talented director and actor Xavier Dolan walked the Cannes red carpet with the Bulgari Octo Finissimo titanium watch. This timepiece, known for its sharp design and especially its thickness, perfectly complements Dolan’s avant-garde fashion choices. The titanium case and bracelet, combined with the ultra-thin profile, make it a perfect blend of contemporary elegance (which remains sporty) and technical prowess.
Iris Knobloch – Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 278248
If you do not know who we are talking about we will help you. Iris Knobloch has been president of Warner Bros France, WornerMedia France, and has served as president of the Cannes Film Festival since 2023. Ms. Knobloch added a touch of yellow to the Cannes Film Festival by choosing the Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 278248 as her wristwatch. The gold case and bracelet exude timeless elegance, while the champagne dial adds panache to the watch.
Alejandro Nones – Chopard Imperial Tourbillon Baguette
Venezuelan actor Alejandro Nones walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival with a watch that hardly goes unnoticed, the Chopard Imperial Tourbillon Baguette. This exceptional timepiece combines intricate horological craftsmanship with equally extraordinary goldsmithing. Baguette-cut diamonds are set on the white gold case and dial rim. In the center of the dial, the star is the hypnotic tourbillon complication, surrounded by brilliant diamonds in different cuts. Nones’ choice for this exquisite watch reflects his appreciation for the finer things in life. Unlike the one in the photo, however, the one he is wearing has an alligator strap.
Final remarks
The Cannes Film Festival 2023 saw a display of horological splendor when celebrities walked the red carpet with their exquisite timepieces. From the classic elegance of Chopard and Rolex to the avant-garde design of Piaget and Bulgari, each watch chosen by these celebrities showcased their personal style and elevated their red carpet ensembles. While the festival celebrated cinematic excellence (something we are particularly fond of) we scouted fascinating watches. Which one is your favorite? Did we miss any?
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