LONDON – May 22, 2025 — While many celebrities wear the flashiest new timepieces on red carpets, Paul Mescal is taking a different route. As an ambassador for Cartier, the Irish actor is using his Gladiator II press tour to showcase rare and vintage Cartier watches that speak to collectors and design lovers alike.
Known for his understated style, Mescal has worn a series of carefully chosen archival watches throughout the tour. In London, for the film’s world premiere, he selected a 1963 Cartier Petit Santos in yellow gold, paired with a custom black strap. The watch, sourced from Cartier’s archive collection, was a perfect match for his look, said stylist Felicity Kay. “The small face and vintage feel were ideal for the London premiere,” she noted.
Earlier in the tour, Mescal wore a Cartier Tank Louis Mini to the Academy Gala in Los Angeles. Its small size and classic design highlighted his appreciation for Cartier’s heritage. “Mini watches represent a timeless and refined style,” said Arnaud Carrez, Cartier’s Chief Marketing Officer. “They reflect Cartier’s elegant watchmaking aesthetic in modern proportions.”
Mescal’s love for vintage Cartier extends beyond the spotlight. At a private dinner hosted by Cartier for the Gladiator II cast in October, he wore a 1977 Cartier Gondole in 18k gold. With its slim rectangular shape, Roman numerals, and sapphire crown, the watch represents quiet luxury. Unlike the better-known Tank or Santos models, the Gondole is less familiar to casual fans but well-loved by collectors — a choice that reflects Mescal’s deeper appreciation for the brand’s history.
During the film’s premiere in Australia, Mescal continued his trend of subtle sophistication. Wearing a relaxed Gucci tuxedo and sunglasses, he completed the look with a vintage Baignoire de Cartier. First introduced in 1912, the unique oval-shaped watch has been worn by icons like George Harrison and, more recently, Tyler, the Creator. Carrez described it as a symbol of “style and refinement” deeply linked to Cartier’s identity.
For the Gladiator II celebrations in his hometown of Dublin, Mescal chose a personal favorite — a rare vintage Cartier Incurvée. Released in the 1960s and inspired by the curved design of WWI Renault tanks, this Tank variant features a tonneau-shaped case and a classic black leather strap. It’s a low-profile piece, well-suited for both casual wear and formal events.
What stands out most about Mescal’s approach to watch-wearing is its ease. There are no exaggerated poses or overt displays of branding. “There’s no difference between the watches he wears in daily life and on the red carpet,” Kay explained. “They really work for both.”
By choosing subtle, historical timepieces over showy new models, Mescal has quietly cemented himself as one of the most thoughtful celebrity watch ambassadors. His vintage Cartier selections reflect a deep connection to design, legacy, and personal style — and show that when it comes to watches, sometimes less really is more.
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