Feature
Timekeepers of Style: The Hottest Watches at Met Gala 2025
Amidst the theatrical fashion and glittering jewels at the Met Gala 2025, watches proved they were more than just timekeepers—they were style statements in their own right. As VIP guests made their way through the exhibition (timed perfectly before dinner), their wristwear added a sophisticated punch to their red-carpet ensembles.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid homage to the legacy of Black dandyism, celebrating a sharp, bold, and elegant aesthetic. The timepieces on display matched that spirit flawlessly.Luxury giants like Cartier, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre were spotted on countless wrists, but one standout moment belonged to Bollywood royalty. Shah Rukh Khan, making his Met Gala debut, turned heads in a dazzling high complication Patek Philippe, perfectly in tune with the evening’s
Shah Rukh Khan in Patek Philippe
Making his highly-anticipated MET Gala debut, Shah Rukh Khan dazzled with an event and stature-appropriate timepiece. Because SRK tops the hierarchy of movie superstars, in the same way, Patek Philippe tops the hierarchy of haute horology. Khan didn’t just wear any Patek – he wore a Grand Complication Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar (in rose gold) whose current market value is estimated at under $2 million (Rs 16 crore). A minute repeater is considered to be one of the most intricate and hard-to-build complications out there, add to it an equally complex perpetual calendar movement and you have a watch that’s as rare as the star wearing it.
Features of the Patek Philippe Grande Complication – 5304/301R:
- Case: 43 mm, rose gold case with white gold decorative inserts
- Dial: Transparent sapphire
- Movement Type: Self-winding mechanical
- Water Resistance: Not water-resistant
- Strap: Black leather
- Functions:
- Perpetual calendar
- Displays date, day, month, and leap year
Maluma in Jacob & Co.
Colombian singer Maluma wore a one-of-a-kind Emerald Billionaire III timepiece valued at $5 million. The 18k white gold case and bracelet, case frame, bridges, inner ring and bracelet are set with emeralds. The watch is powered by the manual skeleton tourbillon JCAM39 movement.
Maluma’s bejewelled watch is the Jacob & Co. Emerald Billionaire III, a 53x43mm white gold watch and bracelet adorned with 714 emerald-cut emeralds, totaling 147 carats. It features a skeleton tourbillon movement with a 72-hour power reserve.
Key Features:
- Style: A bold, refined creation described as a “vision of refined power and design”
- Case & Bracelet: 53×43 mm white gold, set with 714 natural, no-oil, emerald-cut emeralds
- Jewels: Totaling 147 carats of emeralds
- Movement: Skeleton tourbillon
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
Diljit Dosanjh in Cartier
Diljit Dosanjh embraced his Punjabi Heritage and paid homage to the former Maharaja of Patiala, primarily by adorning a lot of jewellery. In keeping with the royal theme, Dosanjh wore a Panthère de Cartier small model watch in 18k rose gold, affixed to a Faune et Flore de Cartier bracelet in 18k yellow gold with emeralds, yellow, orange, and brown diamonds. The Panthère de Cartier is a watch truly worthy of royalty. A refined wrist ornament, modest in size (the only thing modest about it) crafted from a warm-toned precious metal, quietly speaks of lasting style and accuracy. It’s rectangular housing—neither too large nor too small—shimmers with delicately set clear stones. The face catches light subtly, its metallic hands shaped like miniature blades.
Features of the Panthère de Cartier Watch – WJPN0062 are mentioned below:
- Case: 30.3 mm x 22.0 mm, rose gold
- Dial: 172 brilliant-cut diamond
- Movement Type: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
- Bracelet: Rose gold
- Function: Minutes & Hours
Jeff Goldblum in Jacob & Co.
Jeff Goldblum donned the Ashoka Boutique Watch valued at $1.2 million. The 18k white gold case and bracelet are paved with 60.09 carats of Ashoka cut diamonds. Another 3.20 carats of Ashoka Cut diamonds cover the dial.
Features of the Jacob & Co. Slender Ashoka Diamond Boutique Watch – 92148952 are mentioned below:
- Case: 17cm, 18k white gold (diamonds)
- Dial: 16 Ashoka diamonds
- Movement Type: Quartz
- Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 30 m (3 atm)
- Bracelet: 18k white gold
- Functions: Hours and Minutes
Usher in Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto Jewellery
Usher turned heads at the MET Gala 2025 watch spotting scene wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto Jewellery – Q336247J. This masterpiece features a reversible rose gold case, diamond-set bezel, and two elegant dials—one silvered grey, the other black. Its Art Deco design and high-jewellery detailing added pure sophistication to Usher’s red-carpet presence.
Features of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto Jewellery – Q336247J are mentioned below:
- Power Reserve: Approx. 50 hrs
- Case: 40 x 20 mm, Pink Gold (18 carats case)
- Recto Dial: Arabic numerals, Silvered grey, Guilloché and Sunray-brushed
- Verso Dial: Baton hour-markers, Black, lacquered
- Movement Type: Manual winding
- Water Resistance: 3 bar (30 m)
- Strap: Black
As India steps into its most vibrant and commercially significant stretch of the calendar—up to December 2025—the jewellery industry is entering a golden window of opportunity. This festive quarter, often referred to as the “glitter quarter”, consistently delivers a surge in consumer spending, driven by cultural traditions, weddings, and gifting rituals deeply rooted in Indian festivities.
However, in 2025, this high-potential period is set against a backdrop of evolving consumer behaviours, digitally influenced preferences, and a growing desire for emotional storytelling and value-driven purchases. Today’s buyers—particularly millennials and Gen Z—are no longer drawn solely to grandeur; they’re seeking jewellery that reflects personal meaning, functionality, and modern aesthetics, all while staying rooted in tradition.
For manufacturers, retailers, and designers, the months ahead present not just the chance to capitalise on demand, but to build brand loyalty and capture a new generation of customers. Here’s a strategic breakdown of the key jewellery trends that are poised to shape consumer choices this festive season.
Beautiful pair of white gold wedding rings with gems, isolated. The photo was taken by stacking
1. Platinum Gifting Takes Centre Stage
Platinum is increasingly being viewed as a gifting essential—especially during festivals and wedding occasions. The metal’s positioning around 95% purity, emotional symbolism, and modern minimalism appeals strongly to Gen Z and millennial buyers. Retailers are advised to stock contemporary, lightweight platinum SKUs suited for daily wear and festive gifting.
2. Gold Reimagined with Bold Forms
While gold remains a traditional favourite, the demand is moving towards bold and stylised interpretations—think chunky necklaces, oversized earrings, temple motifs, and stackable bangles. Manufacturers should take note of the rising interest in regional craftsmanship, particularly South Indian temple work, Rajasthani filigree, and Bengali gold designs.
3. Silver Moves Beyond Utility
Silver jewellery is no longer confined to budget-conscious segments. With increased consumer appetite for oxidised, handcrafted, and tribal-inspired silver, the metal is gaining relevance for festive season. Quick-to-market silver collections and festive-themed SKUs (like silver rakhis or gift sets) are recommended for retailers looking to tap into this high-volume category.
4. Gemstone & Polki Resurgence
Coloured gemstone jewellery—particularly with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires—is expected to see a spike in demand, especially in the bridal and occasionwear segment. At the same time, uncut Polki diamonds remain a go-to for high-value festive purchases and winter weddings. Retailers should consider curating colour-based collections to align with seasonal fashion palettes and rituals.
5. Personalised & Symbolic Designs
From zodiac and birthstone jewellery to initial charms and spiritual symbols, personalised jewellery is becoming a key purchase driver. Consumers are seeking pieces that hold emotional meaning. Modular charms, talismans, and symbolic pendants are strong SKUs to include in festive lines.
6. Versatile, Convertible Pieces in Demand
Today’s consumers are value-conscious and expect multi-wear options from their jewellery. Detachable elements, reversible pendants, and modular earrings are growing in popularity. Manufacturers should prioritise design innovations that enhance versatility, especially for mid- to high-ticket items targeted at festive buyers.
7. Lab-Grown Diamonds Gain Momentum
Lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewellery is becoming mainstream across gifting, self-purchase, and bridal categories. With price advantages, ethical positioning, and increasing availability, LGDs are expected to perform well this season—particularly for Diwali gifts, anniversaries, and Christmas promotions. Retailers should integrate LGD collections with aspirational storytelling and certification to build trust.
8. Fusion Styling Leads Design Direction
With consumers blending ethnic and Western wear, jewellery too is evolving. Designs that bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics are key—think kundan chokers with Indo-western gowns, jadau studs with power suits, and meena work bangles with cocktail saris. This crossover appeal offers significant scope for brands to expand their design language.
-
National News2 weeks agoGST on gold, silver jewellery remains unchanged at 3%, with additional 5% on making charges
-
ShowBuzz29 minutes agoShri Devendra Fadnavis unveils GJS – The Diwali Edition 2025 at JWCC, Mumbai
-
New Premises47 minutes agoVasundhra Raj unveils showroom at Noida
-
DiamondBuzz3 hours agoAll non-natural diamonds to be labelled only as “synthetic: CIBJO
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.