Grammy Awards 2026: A Spectacle of Luxury Timepieces and High Fashion
The 2026 Grammy Awards not only celebrated musical excellence but also transformed into a dazzling showcase of haute horlogerie, where the red carpet became a runway for some of the world's most exquisite and iconic timepieces. For a few unforgettable hours, the ceremony evolved into a fashion extravaganza, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship and bold designs of luxury watchmaking. From diamond-encrusted tourbillons to open-worked models that reveal the artistry within, the event was a testament to how timepieces can elevate celebrity style to new heights.
Cartier Dominates the Night with Timeless Elegance
Two of the evening's biggest winners, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny, both chose to adorn their wrists with iconic Cartier creations, underscoring the brand's enduring appeal in the world of music and fashion.
Kendrick Lamar's Cartier Tank Américaine: Lamar sported the legendary Cartier Tank Américaine, a watch first designed by Louis Cartier in 1917. This timepiece is celebrated for its sleek, geometric design that combines precise proportions with a bold identity. His particular model featured a mechanical movement with automatic winding, housed in an 18K rose gold case. The faceted crown was set with a faceted sapphire, complementing a satin-brushed silvered dial and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. Protected by sapphire crystal, it was completed with a semi-matte grey alligator-skin strap and an interchangeable 18K rose gold folding buckle, making it a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication.
Bad Bunny's Cartier Collection Tortue: Bad Bunny opted for the Cartier Collection Tortue, a watch with a distinctive tortoise-inspired shape that was first introduced in 1912. At a time when round watches dominated, this groundbreaking design quickly became a classic. His version boasted mechanical movement with manual winding, with the case and octagonal crown crafted in rose gold and set with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.51 carats. The silvered sunray-effect flinqué dial and a strap in shiny bordeaux alligator leather added to its luxurious appeal, showcasing Cartier's mastery in blending innovation with timeless style.
Audemars Piguet and Other Luxury Brands Shine on the Red Carpet
Beyond Cartier, other prestigious watchmakers like Audemars Piguet, Jacob & Co., and Hublot also received significant attention, with their pieces gracing the wrists of celebrities and adding to the night's glamour.
Alex Warren in Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked: Alex Warren made a striking statement with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked. Crafted entirely from Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 ceramic, this 41mm timepiece is the first Royal Oak to feature this deep, iridescent blue ceramic across both the case and the integrated bracelet. The hue, long associated with AP's most iconic dials, envelops the watch in a material that is not only visually captivating but also exceptionally lightweight and scratch-resistant, highlighting the brand's commitment to innovation and durability.
J Balvin in Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin: J Balvin chose the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin, which introduced a new grainy blue dial for a fresh interpretation of this famous model. Presented in an extra-thin white gold case, it features an 18-carat white gold case, along with a glare-proofed sapphire crystal and case back, offering a sleek and modern take on a classic design.
Exquisite Craftsmanship from Richard Mille and Blancpain
The 2026 Grammys also featured timepieces that showcased the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry, with brands like Richard Mille and Blancpain presenting models that are as much engineering marvels as they are fashion statements.
Pharrell Williams in Richard Mille RM 74-02: Pharrell Williams wore the Richard Mille RM 74-02, a watch that offers an ultra-skeletonised tourbillon heart and a unique personality. It features a skeletonised automatic-winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, and a variable-geometry rotor. The baseplate and bridges are machined from 18K 5N red gold and 18K 3N yellow gold, respectively, and are meticulously microblasted and hand-bevelled. Notably, the regulator index is eliminated, allowing for more accurate and repeatable calibration thanks to four small, adjustable weights mounted directly on the balance, demonstrating Richard Mille's focus on precision and innovation.
Jeff Goldblum in Blancpain Villeret Squelette 8 Jours: Jeff Goldblum showcased the Blancpain Villeret Squelette 8 Jours, powered by the calibre 1333 SQ movement consisting of 157 components. Introduced in 2012, this modern movement is fully openworked, revealing the inner workings that make it tick. The plate, bridges, and other components, such as the barrel covers, are hollowed out, meticulously angled, and engraved, offering a transparent view into the artistry of watchmaking.
The 2026 Grammy Awards proved to be more than just a celebration of music; it was a grand display of luxury and craftsmanship, where timepieces from Cartier, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, and others stole the spotlight. These iconic watches not only complemented the stars' outfits but also highlighted the enduring allure of fine watchmaking in the world of high fashion.
