Men Who Rock Ladies Watches

In the ever-evolving horology realm, there is an emerging trend that defies conventional expectations – men sporting timepieces designed for women. Gone are the days when watches were bound by the limits of gender. Men are now cozying up to the elegance, subtlety, and unique designs that ladies’ watches offer, just as women have relished the benefits of robust and oversized men’s timepieces over the years.

This style statement not only challenges social norms but redefines the very essence of self-expression. If you are looking to join this movement, take your cue from these Hollywood A-listers who love their ladies’ watches from Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Piaget:

Timothee Chalamet – Cartier Panthere Steel Watch

Timothee Chalamet was one of the first male personalities to dabble in this fashion-forward trend. He was spotted wearing the Cartier Panthere on multiple occasions, from the red carpet to sporty, casual settings. One of the French maison’s hallmark creations, this watch is traditionally considered a ladies’ design due to its delicate, feminine profile and was regarded as a “jewelry timepiece” of choice among the fashionable set. 

Timothee owns a steel model, which also happens to be one of the smallest versions in production, measuring a mere 23mm x 30mm. Classic Cartier design cues are also present including the blue cabochon crown, blued steel hands, and black Roman numerals on a silver dial, while the five-piece link bracelet and screw-punctuated bezel tie the look together. Photo from Timothee Chalamet on Instagram

Austin Butler – Cartier Tank Louis Gold and Cartier Tank Must Steel Watch

Austin Butler, who is known for his willingness to dip his toes into aesthetics outside the usual scope, also prefers the dialed-down look for his timepieces. As a Cartier ambassador, the actor is often spotted wearing the daintier and more understated offerings of the French maison, rather than its supersized and traditionally masculine pieces. 

One of them is a Tank Louis in toned-down yellow gold, which Austin wore to the London screening of his 2022 biographical movie Elvis. This watch comes in a small size with a quartz movement under its hood. Evoking an Art Deco look, it also features a white rectangular dial with painted Roman numerals and rounded brancards that seamlessly fuse the brown leather strap. 

Austin also popped up at the 2022 Cannes with the relatively simple but refined Tank Must. This timepiece, first introduced as a limited edition in 2021 to commemorate the reopening of the Geneva Cartier shop, is similar in appearance to its predecessor but has a steel body measuring 33.7mm x 25.5mm. Its standout feature is its all-black dial that displays only two hands and the words “Cartier” and “Swiss Made” at 12 and 6 o’clock. By wearing this watch, the actor has proved that the Tank Must looks just as great on the wrists of men as it does on women. Photos from Cartier, Getty Images and GQ Magazine on Twitter.

Lionel Messi – Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Rose Gold ‘Rainbow’

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce was originally designed as a paragon of casual feminine flair but men have recently developed an affection for the said sporty-elegant watch, proving its universal appeal. Football legend Lionel Messi, for one, wore the ‘Rainbow’ edition during his recent unveiling at Inter Miami.

Launched in 2022, the Aquanaut Luce Rainbow is the first from the Aquanaut Luce series to feature a self-winding chronograph. It features a 39mm case made of rose gold, making it equally suited for men. Multi-colored sapphires and baguette diamonds are invisibly set on the bezel and white mother-of-pearl dial, while the three accompanying composite straps in red, beige, and white complete the vibrant design. Photo from Patek Philippe and Video from Joe Pompliano on Twitter

Bad Bunny – Patek Philippe 3980 Vintage Gold Watch

Bad Bunny is also not one to shy away from timepieces that are frequently deemed outside of traditional masculine ideals. His preferred designs have smaller profiles and a delicate aesthetic, highlighting his penchant for pushing boundaries and unique approach to fashion. He keeps a few women’s watches in his collection including a vintage Patek Philippe ref 3980, fashioned entirely in yellow gold.

A statement piece through and through, this 28mm watch has baguette-cut diamonds on the lugs and bracelet. The champagne-toned dial is likewise embellished with precious stones, including four baguette-cut blue sapphires set at quarters to match the sapphire-accented bezel. Photos from Christie’s and British GQ on Twitter

The Weeknd – Piaget Limelight Gala White Gold Diamond Watch

The Weeknd, one of the best-dressed personalities in the game right now, is also a fan of both the ladies’ watches’ androgynous appeal and extraordinary gem-setting. For his Cannes debut in May 2023, the Canadian singer and songwriter wore a bejeweled Piaget Limelight Gala High Jewellery watch, which was an elegant match to his custom Loewe tuxedo.

This timepiece is made of solid white gold and packs a bounty of gems on the case, bezel, dial, and bracelet, including 626 diamonds and 156 yellow sapphires. Loved for its delicate proportions and classic looks, the Limelight Gala High Jewellery also has engraved decorations on the side of the case and a self-winding movement at its core. Piaget only made 8 pieces of this stunning watch. Photo from Piaget and Video from Reuters on Twitter