Benedict Cumberbatch turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival this week—not just for his performance in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, but also for his unexpected double watch showcase. Known for his wide acting range, Cumberbatch showed similar versatility in his watch choices, pairing timepieces with both formalwear and casual outfits despite having one arm in a sling.
At the film’s premiere, the actor wore a sleek Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Date alongside his black tuxedo and custom black sling. This slim (7.8 mm) dress watch features a stainless steel case, automatic movement, and a classic crocodile leather strap. It offers a clean date and time display—more understated than the complex perpetual calendar version his character wore in Doctor Strange. The watch’s refined design makes it ideal for slipping under a tux sleeve, fitting seamlessly with Cumberbatch’s formal look.
Cumberbatch, however, didn’t stop at one timepiece. For the film’s photocall alongside co-stars Wes Anderson, Rupert Friend, Riz Ahmed, and Bill Murray, he switched to a more laid-back outfit: a brown Prada shirt and pants, sneakers, and a stylishly casual sling. To match the relaxed vibe, he wore a Bremont Broadsword Bronze. This military-inspired watch, with a softer bronze case and a grey fabric strap, gave off a rugged, lived-in feel. Unlike the Bremont Victory GMT he wore as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, the Broadsword Bronze felt more fitting for Cannes’ coastal atmosphere.
The Bremont’s 100-metre water resistance hinted at adventure, though with Cumberbatch’s arm in a sling, a swim was unlikely. Still, the watch added a bold, functional touch to his laid-back look.
In a festival known for flashy fashion and fierce competition for attention, Cumberbatch’s calm and confident approach stood out. By relying on familiar brands tied to his screen legacy—Jaeger-LeCoultre and Bremont—he made a stylish statement without overreaching.
In a setting where many aim to impress, Cumberbatch kept it cool by doing what he does best: showing character—on screen and on the wrist.
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