Dwayne Johnson's IWC Perpetual Calendar Is a Miniature Mechanical Computer
Not everyone can rock a 44mm watch, especially when it's a dress watch crafted from 18K 5N gold. But Dwayne Johnson, the larger-than-life actor, effortlessly pulls off the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (ref. IW503302), making it look positively tiny on his 6'5" frame. This watch is more than just a timepiece; it's a miniature mechanical computer, keeping track of time, day, date, month, moon phase, and leap year without manual adjustment. It's a true marvel of horology, and Johnson's choice of accessory is a bold statement.
At the Creative Impact Awards and 10 Directors To Watch Brunch, Johnson paired the sand-hued Dolce & Gabbana ensemble with the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar. While it's not part of IWC's dedicated pilot's watch collection, it shares aesthetic DNA with the timepieces used by early flyboys. The slab-sided round case, stepped bezel, and knurled crown are reminiscent of the original oversized Portugieser watches, which used pocket watch movements. The dial's railroad minute track, thin leaf handset, and applied Arabic numerals further enhance its classical appeal.
The ref. IW503302 is not a time-only pilot's watch or a chronograph; it's a perpetual calendar, which is a significant complication in watchmaking. Commercialized by Patek Philippe with the introduction of its ref. 1526 in 1941, the 'QP' took time to catch on due to its expense and labor-intensive production. However, most major watch brands now offer their take on the complication, and IWC's perpetual calendars have always been special.
In 1985, IWC debuted the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 3750, a groundbreaking watch in a ceramic case developed by Kurt Klauss, a brilliant watchmaker. In 2003, IWC released its first QP within the Portugieser collection, and Johnson's ref. IW503302 is just one of many impressive versions in the lineup. Perhaps none is as mind-boggling as the 2024 Portugieser Eternal Calendar, a 150,000 CHF platinum watch with a 'secular' perpetual calendar function that accounts for Gregorian calendar leap year exceptions.
Adam Brody's Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds
In 2025, everyone seemed to be wearing a dope Reverso on a step-and-repeat. Well, the fun is set to continue in 2026, and Adam Brody chose the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds at the 31st Annual Critics' Choice Awards. This 18K pink gold iteration of JLC's famed polo watch is one of the most covetable releases of 2025, and it looks great with a tuxedo.
Jeff Goldblum's Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate
Jeff Goldblum, a noted watch guy, made a horological splash at the 31st Annual Critics' Choice Awards with the Villeret Ultraplate, an ultra-thin dress watch from Blancpain. While Blancpain is perhaps most readily associated with its pioneering Fifty Fathoms dive watch, the Swiss firm makes plenty of models outside the tool watch sphere. The Villeret Ultraplate, measuring 40mm in stainless steel, has an in-house automatic movement with a four-day power reserve, which is longer than Goldblum usually goes without wearing a tux.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
At the Sport Illustrated's 2025 Sportsperson of the Year ceremony, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and GQ's first-round pick for best-dressed player, wore the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked. This iconic 1970s design features a skeletonized dial that showcases its namesake feature: a double balance wheel. The ref. 15416CD.O0.1225CD.01 worn by Gilgeous-Alexander is particularly cool for its 'Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50' ceramic, a color released by AP to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak in 2022.
Will Ferrell's Oris Divers Sixty-Five 12H
Will Ferrell, rinkside at a Kings game in full-referee cosplay, chose the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 12H. This vintage-inspired 'skin diver' case, black dial, and 12-hour bezel are significantly more subdued than his standard fare, but they ideally complement his black and white fit. The 12H also functions as a nifty travel watch, allowing you to easily track a second time zone by twisting the 12-hour bezel.
