Paul Mescal is a certified vintage Cartier watch connoisseur
Like his cardigans, the Irish actor likes his watches tiny, and most importantly, French
By 
ALONG WITH ITTY-BITTY cardigans, Paul Mescal loves an itty-bitty watch.
The Irish actor was spotted watching the Wimbledon men’s singles final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz over the weekend, doubling over in laughter with his seatmate and All Of Us Strangers co-star Andrew Scott. Striking a Rodin-Thinker pose as the ball volleyed between the world number one and two, he revealed beneath his tailored sleeve the latest piece in his Cartier collection: a vintage Tank Gondole.
Related: The best watches spotted at Wimbledon 2025
We say ‘collection’ because Mescal isn’t your typical brand ambassador. Endorsing the brand since 2022, the 29-year-old hasn’t just been wearing the latest and greatest brooches and jewels from the French house – he’s also struck gold in the brand’s penchant for minuscule timepieces. His Gladiator II press tour wardrobe, for instance, saw him sporting a wealth of Cartier pieces: an oval Baignoire, a Petit Santos with a spicy orange strap, and a vintage mini Tank Louis. Mescal lives and breathes Cartier.
His partnership with the brand might also allow him to dip his wrist into the archive from time to time. That, or he seeks and buys the watches himself. If the latter, it explains the vintage Gondole on his wrist at Wimbledon, which is not currently available directly from the brand. Looking elsewhere, the watch fetches $46,000 on luxury resale site 1stDibs.
What makes Paul Mescal’s vintage Cartier Gondole special?
First introduced in 1972 to celebrate Cartier moving its horological operations from France to Switzerland, the Tank Gondole was one of a dozen new gold releases that year. As its name suggests, it takes its shape from the iconic Tank Louis model, but featured here with curved edges and a square shape. Like the famed Crash model, another Tank off-shoot, the Gondole’s dial has a surrealist feel: the black-painted square appearing to expand like a bubble. And made of 18-carat yellow gold, the watch embodies a subtle yet flashy presence very much of its period.
Keeping in the excess and opulent feel, Mescal looks more like a sports club owner than one of his generation’s best talents. Wearing the timepiece with a sharp peak lapelled navy suit, the finer details continued in his striped white shirt and vintage horse-print silk tie, his Jacques Marie Mage shades adding modern luxe. And with the goal of every ambassadorship, Mescal might just spike interest in the Gondole. Cartier, if you’re reading this: bring back the Gondole.
Related:
