How This Legendary Watchmaking Brand Defined the 2026 Met Gala
Luxury watchmaking took center stage as OMEGA’s guests celebrated the opening of the “Costume Art” exhibition with iconic Constellation timepieces
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- Nicole Kidman and Colman Domingo led a distinguished group of actors, including Tom Francis, Dónal Finn, and Connor Storrie, at the 2026 Met Gala.
- The Brand Ambassadors wore vintage 1982 “Manhattan” models, highlighting the collection’s hallmark case facets and signature four-claw design.
- Their choice of timepieces directly complemented the Costume Institute’s “Fashion is Art” dress code.
- Emerging stars debuted new Constellation Observatory models in a range of materials, including Moonshine™ gold, Canopus Gold™, and O-MEGASTEEL.
- The event further reinforced OMEGA’s position as a leading force within the Swatch Group.
On May 4, 2026, the Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed into a sanctuary of high fashion and fine art for the annual Met Gala.
This year’s theme, “Fashion is Art,” provided the perfect backdrop for OMEGA to demonstrate the enduring aesthetic value of its most celebrated designs.
By pairing legendary Brand Ambassadors with rising cinematic talent, the watchmaker bridged heritage and contemporary style, outfitting every guest in selections from the renowned Constellation collection.
The legacy of the Manhattan Design
The evening’s most significant horological statements came from Nicole Kidman and Colman Domingo, both of whom turned to the OMEGA archives to select vintage “Manhattan” models from 1982.
These pieces remain celebrated for their revolutionary design, defined by half-moon facets at each end of the case and by the signature four claws that secure the sapphire crystal.
Nicole’s choice was a striking 23 mm model crafted from a mix of 18K white and yellow gold. The timepiece exemplified jewelry-watch craftsmanship, featuring 34 diamonds on the bezel, 12 diamond hour markers, and 178 diamonds set into the bracelet.
Colman opted for a 33 mm vintage Manhattan model, pairing stainless steel and 18K yellow gold with a sleek black dial.
Modern interpretations of the Constellation
While the Ambassadors looked to the past, the younger generation of actors showcased the line’s future through the Constellation Observatory series. These 39.4 mm models represent the pinnacle of OMEGA’s modern precision watchmaking.
Connor Storrie wore a radiant version in 18K Moonshine™ gold. Tom Francis selected an 18K Canopus Gold™ model paired with a blue leather strap, while Dónal Finn wore an O-MEGASTEEL edition featuring a green dial and matching leather strap.
By styling diverse talent in both archival and contemporary timepieces, OMEGA demonstrated how exceptional design can transcend fashion cycles. As a cornerstone of the Swatch Group, the brand used the Met Gala stage to position craftsmanship as a genuine art form.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dress code was “Fashion is Art,” created to celebrate the opening of the “Costume Art” exhibition.
Both Nicole Kidman and Colman Domingo wore vintage OMEGA Constellation “Manhattan” watches from 1982.
Her watch featured a total of 224 diamonds: 34 on the bezel, 178 on the bracelet, and 12 serving as hour markers.
The collection featured exclusive materials, including 18K Moonshine™ gold, 18K Canopus Gold™, and O-MEGASTEEL.
The Manhattan design is recognized for its half-moon facets at each end of the case and its four signature claws securing the sapphire crystal.
