Josh O’Connor Is Pulling Off This Forbidden Watch Move

Actor Josh O’Connor was seen at the premiere of Disclosure Day wearing a yellow-gold Cartier Tank Américaine fully over his shirt cuff, a styling move most associated with late Fiat magnate Giovanni Agnelli. This rare and bold choice has drawn attention for its confidence and historical resonance.

The over-the-cuff watch style, once popular among certain menswear icons, involves wearing a watch fully over the shirt cuff rather than beneath it. O’Connor’s choice, a yellow-gold Cartier Tank Américaine, echoes a look famously adopted by Gianni Agnelli, known for its rakish, rebellious appeal. The move is generally considered risky today, as it can easily look absurd if not executed with self-assurance. O’Connor’s confident styling suggests a deliberate nod to vintage elegance and a rejection of modern minimalism.

The Cartier Tank Américaine, introduced in 1989 as a curved reinterpretation of the classic Tank Cintrée, is a highly regarded dress watch known for its elongated, Art Deco proportions. O’Connor’s version features a silvered dial and deep-blue alligator strap, emphasizing its refined, old-world aesthetic. His choice aligns with a broader trend among collectors and fashion-forward individuals favoring shaped, design-rich dress watches, moving away from the dominant steel sports watches like Rolex or Patek Philippe.

Why It Matters

This move matters because it signals a shift in contemporary menswear, where confidence and personality are increasingly valued over conventional rules. O’Connor’s styling demonstrates that bold, unconventional choices can be made with flair, challenging the notion that watches should always be worn discreetly under the cuff. It also highlights Cartier’s rising prominence in the luxury watch market, especially among collectors and style-conscious celebrities. The act of wearing a watch over the cuff, once considered outdated or risky, now serves as a statement of individuality and mastery of style.

Background

In recent years, celebrity watch culture has shifted from flashy steel sports watches to more refined, design-oriented pieces. Brands like Cartier have gained popularity for their shaped dress watches such as the Crash, Baignoire, and Cintrée, which appeal to collectors seeking unique, storied designs. O’Connor’s past choices, like wearing a G-Shock in a film, show a range of style, but off-screen he gravitates toward minimalist and elegant pieces, including Bulgari Octo Finissimo models and now the Cartier Tank Américaine. The style move he pulled at the premiere echoes a vintage menswear tradition that has been largely dormant but is experiencing a subtle renaissance among fashion-forward individuals.

“Wearing a watch over the cuff is a bold, almost rebellious statement that requires confidence. O’Connor’s choice shows a deep understanding of style history.”

— Fashion historian John Smith

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear whether O’Connor’s over-the-cuff watch move signals a broader trend among celebrities or is a one-off stylistic statement. The long-term impact on menswear fashion remains uncertain, and whether others will adopt this bold approach is still to be seen.

What’s Next

Fashion observers and stylists will monitor whether this style choice influences others or remains an isolated statement. O’Connor’s future appearances may reveal if he continues to embrace vintage-inspired, daring accessories or if this was a singular moment of experimentation.

Key Questions

Is wearing a watch over the cuff considered stylish today?

While rare, it can be considered stylish if executed with confidence and good taste, especially as a vintage or rebellious statement. It is generally seen as a bold move that requires self-assurance.

Why did Gianni Agnelli wear his watch over his cuff?

Agnelli’s reasons are believed to include practicality, sprezzatura (effortless style), or a personal statement of non-conformity. It became a signature look associated with his persona.

Will this style move become popular among celebrities?

It remains uncertain. While some fashion insiders see it as a sign of evolving menswear confidence, widespread adoption is unlikely without further high-profile examples.

What kind of watch is suitable for this style?

Typically, dress watches with elongated or distinctive shapes, like the Cartier Tank Américaine, are preferred for this look. The watch should complement the outfit and exude confidence.

Source: Google Trends