A Standoff of Styles: When Timepieces Take Center Stage
The Opening Act: Chalamet, Tyler, and O'Leary's Wrist Battle
The red carpet for 'Marty Supreme' in New York became an unexpected arena for a friendly horological competition. Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet, Tyler, the Creator, and Kevin O\u2019Leary each unveiled their chosen wristwear, sparking a lively debate among enthusiasts. Their choices, ranging from a sophisticated Urban J\u00fcrgensen to a more understated Pierre Balmain, and a surprising duo from O'Leary, underscored the vast spectrum of personal taste in luxury timepieces.
Chalamet's Contemporary Masterpiece: The Urban J\u00fcrgensen UJ-2
Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet's selection was a robust, contemporary marvel: an Urban J\u00fcrgensen UJ-2. This platinum piece, measuring 39mm, represents a revival of a storied Danish brand with a 250-year legacy. Its double-wheel natural escapement, a creation of renowned watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, along with a meticulously crafted guilloch\u00e9 dial, seamlessly blends traditional 18th and 19th-century aesthetics with modern design proportions.
Tyler's Distinctive Choice: The Pierre Balmain Dress Watch
Tyler, the Creator, opted for a somewhat less common yet intriguing gold-plated dress watch from Pierre Balmain. This quartz-powered timepiece, featuring a rectangular case and a silvered dial with what appears to be an engraved floral motif, is a mid-1990s anniversary edition. Its pairing with a green leather strap via T-bar lugs added to its unique appeal. Notably, Swatch Group has been producing Balmain's watches since the late 1980s.
Value Beyond Price: A Collector's Perspective
While Chalamet's UJ-2 undoubtedly boasts a higher retail price than Tyler's "fashion watch," true horological appreciation extends beyond mere monetary value. Serious watch collectors prioritize joy and personal connection over MSRP. Tyler, known for his trendsetting influence, often champions accessible timepieces, demonstrating that style and history are not exclusive to the most expensive brands. His Balmain watch, for instance, can be acquired for approximately $500.
Mr. Wonderful's Dual Display: Patek Philippe and Seiko
Not to be outdone, Kevin O'Leary, affectionately known as Mr. Wonderful, presented a captivating blend of high horology and accessible quality. Underneath his burgundy velvet dinner jacket, he proudly wore two midcentury dress watches: a vintage yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 2468 "Hour Glass" on his left wrist, and a gold Seiko dress piece, likely a Super, on his right. This combination showcased his appreciation for both the prestigious Swiss craftsmanship and the innovative spirit of Japanese watchmaking.
Seiko's Historical Significance: A Testament to Innovation
O'Leary's choice of a Seiko, despite its more modest price point compared to the Patek, highlights the brand's profound historical and technical significance. Seiko's early dress watches, with their in-house designed movements, represented a distinct departure from Swiss influences. Experts like Nick Ferrell note that the technology developed for models like the Seiko Marvel paved the way for subsequent mechanical watches that revolutionized the market with their accuracy and advanced features. O'Leary's anecdote about acquiring his special Seiko, featuring a Japanese flag on the caseback, further underscores his deep connection to the brand's heritage.
Beyond the Wrist: Tyler's Pocket Watch Surprise
The horological narrative didn't end with wristwatches. Tyler, the Creator, was also observed wearing a pocket watch, suspended from his belt loop by a fob. This choice aligns with a growing trend that challenges traditional notions of watch placement, with timepieces appearing on ankles, around necks, and even on both wrists simultaneously. Whether Tyler intended to outmaneuver O'Leary's double-wristing or simply track an additional time zone, his choice added another layer of intrigue to the evening's watch-centric discussions.
A Horological Extravaganza: The Enduring Legacy of 'Marty Supreme'
The New York premiere of 'Marty Supreme' will be remembered not just for the film itself, but for the remarkable horological adventure it presented. The diverse and distinguished watches worn by its stars served as a powerful testament to the idea that dreaming big extends beyond the silver screen, manifesting even in the intricate mechanisms and personal statements of their timepieces.