Held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Met Gala marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s Spring exhibition and brings together a curated list of celebrities, artists, designers, and creatives. Every year, the fashion world watches as guests interpret a theme with everything from understated elegance to boundary-pushing extravagance.


As much attention as the gowns and tuxes receive, it’s often the details that carry weight. We’re drawn to the accessories: the jewelry, the bags, the unexpected flourishes and the timepieces. A watch at the Met Gala isn’t just about utility. It’s about identity, precision, and sometimes, a little flex.


This year’s Met Gala featured a wide variety of watches, reflecting both simple and bold styles. A$AP Rocky wore the slim Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, while Henry Golding chose the classic Cartier Tank à Guichet. Pharrell Williams showed off a Richard Mille RM 74-02, and Jeff Goldblum wore a diamond-set Jacob & Co. Ashoka. The selection ranged from minimalist designs to eye-catching, gem-covered pieces. The highlight of the night was Pusha T’s appearance with the Rainbow Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Everose gold, which drew plenty of attention and set the tone for standout watches at the event.


This model isn’t new, but it never fails to capture attention. Introduced in Everose gold in 2018, the Rainbow Daytona is perhaps Rolex’s boldest expression of technical mastery and aesthetic play. Its bezel is set with 36 baguette-cut sapphires arranged in a color gradient, hence the nickname. Eleven matching sapphires serve as hour markers, and 56 brilliant-cut diamonds are set into the lugs and crown guards. The 40mm case is made from Rolex’s signature Everose gold, and inside is the Caliber 4130, offering a solid 72-hour power reserve.


What makes the Rainbow Daytona special isn’t just its gem setting, it’s how Rolex does it. Each sapphire is color-matched with precision, and the entire watch maintains Rolex’s unwavering attention to durability and functionality. It’s a spectacle, yes, but one built for the long run. For a Gala that celebrates drama and craftsmanship, it was the perfect match.


We chose to spotlight Pusha T’s Rainbow Daytona not only because it stood out on the carpet, but because it’s right in our wheelhouse. At our shop, we’re proud to offer one of the Southeast’s best selections of pre-owned Rolex timepieces. We’ve even had the Rainbow Daytona in our showcase. While it’s not an everyday piece, it’s a powerful reminder of how watches can transcend function and become pure expression.
As watch lovers, it’s always rewarding to see our passion intersect with pop culture. At the Met Gala, watches aren’t just keeping time, they’re telling stories.