Josh O’Connor Is Pulling Off This Forbidden Watch Move

Actor Josh O’Connor was photographed at the Disclosure Day premiere wearing a yellow-gold Cartier Tank Américaine fully over his shirt cuff, a bold styling move most famously associated with Gianni Agnelli.

The over-the-cuff watch style, once popular among Italian aristocrats and style icons like Agnelli, is rarely seen today due to its risk of appearing eccentric or unpolished. O’Connor’s choice, however, was executed with apparent confidence, drawing attention to his distinctive taste. The Cartier Tank Américaine, introduced in 1989, is a curved, elongated reinterpretation of Cartier’s classic Tank line, known for its elegance and historical significance in luxury watch collecting. O’Connor’s version features a yellow gold case, silvered dial, and deep-blue alligator strap, emphasizing old-world refinement. This move underscores a broader trend where modern celebrities and collectors favor shaped dress watches with notable design pedigree, moving away from the dominance of steel sports watches.

Why It Matters

This style choice matters because it signals a shift in menswear and watch culture, where confidence and personality are increasingly valued over conventional rules. O’Connor’s bold move exemplifies a growing appreciation for vintage-inspired, design-forward watches, aligning with Cartier’s rising prominence among collectors. It also demonstrates how celebrities influence menswear trends, blending eccentricity with sophistication, and challenging the notion that certain styling choices are off-limits or outdated.

Background

Over-the-cuff watch styling, popularized by Gianni Agnelli in the mid-20th century, was once a hallmark of Italian aristocratic fashion. In recent years, watch collecting has shifted towards shaped dress watches like Cartier’s Tank family, which have gained renewed popularity among collectors and celebrities. O’Connor’s choice reflects this evolving taste, emphasizing design and personality. The Cartier Tank Américaine, in particular, has seen increased interest, positioning itself as a symbol of understated luxury. This move also coincides with a broader cultural trend where vintage and heritage pieces are celebrated in contemporary fashion.

“The over-the-cuff watch is a daring, vintage-inspired gesture that requires complete confidence to pull off without looking absurd.”

— Fashion historian

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear whether O’Connor’s styling move was a spontaneous choice or part of a deliberate fashion statement. The full context of his wardrobe choices at the event remains to be seen, and whether this signals a broader trend among celebrities is still uncertain.

What’s Next

Observers will watch if more celebrities adopt the over-the-cuff watch style or if O’Connor’s choice influences menswear trends. Future public appearances may reveal whether this is a one-off statement or part of a larger sartorial shift.

Key Questions

What exactly is the over-the-cuff watch style?

The over-the-cuff watch style involves wearing the watch fully over the shirt cuff, rather than beneath it, creating a bold, vintage-inspired look associated with Italian aristocrats like Gianni Agnelli.

Why is this style considered risky today?

Because it can easily appear eccentric or unpolished if not executed with confidence, and it diverges from modern menswear norms which favor discreet, hidden watches.

Does this mean vintage watch styles are making a comeback?

It suggests a growing appreciation for vintage-inspired, design-forward watches among collectors and celebrities, though the over-the-cuff move itself remains rare.

Will other celebrities follow O’Connor’s example?

It is too early to tell, but if the look gains popularity, more figures may experiment with similar bold styling choices.

Source: Google Trends

A Luxury Lifestyle Team