Timothèe Chalamet, Cartier, Crash, Watch
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images)

He may have missed out on the Golden Globe for his portrayal of candyman genius Willy Wonka, but Timothée Chalamet can boast the best watch of the evening and one his surreal-loving character would highly approve of: A white gold, diamond-set Cartier Crash.

You have to hand it to Chalamet – few actors could pull off the Crash in the same nonchalant manner as  the Dune star. Conceived in the 1960s, the Crash’s origins are as twisty as its famous case. Some say it was inspired by the melting clocks of Salvadore Dali while others (and perhaps the most commonly shared story) believe that the Crash originated from a Baignoire Allongée that had been damaged in the fire of a car crash, hence the name.

Cartier
Cartier Crash. Image: Supplied

Chalamet’s choice to wear it – or at least, his stylist’s choice with the help of Cartier – is a reflection of the 28-year-old’s penchant for sartorially unconventional red carpet moments. This choice not only complemented his recent role in Wonka but also highlighted his affinity for timepieces that defy stereotypical masculine norms, leaning towards a more fluid aesthetic.

The Cartier Crash, a limited edition timepiece with only 67 units available, boasts a 38.45 mm x 25.5 mm case size, crafted from 18K rhodiumised white gold and lavishly set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Its beaded crown, also adorned with a diamond, adds to the piece’s exquisite charm. The silvered opaline dial, featuring a sunray effect and blued-steel sword-shaped hands, further enhances the watch’s allure. Notably, the watch’s slender 6.6 mm case thickness and the refined bracelet, also in 18K rhodiumised white gold set with diamonds, underscore its elegance.

Timothée Chalamet, Cartier, Crash
Timothée Chalamet at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images)

As the first event of the year, the Golden Globes are something of a benchmark for the upcoming season of red carpet fashion, and timepieces trends are now a cemented extension of this. Horological choices are as much a statement of personal and artistic identity as they are of luxury and status. Chalamet’s preference for the Cartier Crash over more conventional timepieces speaks to a deeper narrative – one where the choice of a watch transcends mere functionality or status symbol and becomes an extension of an individual’s artistic expression and boundary-pushing persona. As Chalamet continues to navigate roles that redefine cinematic storytelling, his affinity for unique timepieces like the Cartier Crash offers a window into a world where artistry and horology converge in the most captivating manner.