THERE IS A TIME and a place for chunky tech watches or integrated steel watches – those sporty timepieces will fly just fine over at the US Open. But this, signore, is the Venice Film Festival.

The world’s biggest names in film – from A-list actors to auteur directors – arrive on the Lido to premiere the films that will shape the rest of the year. What you’ll notice as they lace up their dress shoes or adjust their bow ties, the black tie dress code calls for black tie watches.

If you ever find yourself in the lucky scenario of attending, metal and leather are your bread and butter (notice the absence of rubber straps below?), and avoid anything as garish as precious stones.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the last places left in a celebrity’s calendar where paring it back pays off. And as you’ll see from some of the best dressed men, they operate on a MO of elegance and simplicity.

All prices are listed in AUD.

All the best watches spotted at the Venice Film Festival 2025, so far

Idris Elba – Royal Oak Self-Winding Chronograph

Price: $64,000

Colman Domingo – Omega Aqua Terra 150 m

Price: $11,750

Aaron Taylor-Johnson – Omega Constellation 41 mm

Price: $12,550

The Rock – Chopard Alpine Eagle 41

Price: $104,500

Read more about the watch here.

The Rock – Alpine Eagle 41

Price: $25,600

Read more about the watch here.

Oscar Isaac – Cartier Tank Louis

Price: $22,900

Andrew Garfield attends Venice premiere of After the Hunt – Bvlgari Octo Finissimo

Price: $22,400

Andrew Garfield attends After the Hunt Venice press call – Bvlgari Bvlgari Watch

Price: $27,200

Jacob Elordi attending the Venice premiere of Frankenstein – Cartier Tank Louis

Price: $20,300

Jacob Elordi attends press call in Venice – Cartier Tank Louis

Price: $22,900

Jacob Elordi arriving by gondola in Venice – Cartier Tank Louis

Price: $22,900

George Clooney – Omega De Ville Hour Vision

Price: estimated $13,000