Two is a coincidence, but three is a trend, at least that's what they say.
Calling this a raging epidemic that you should angrily write to your local government about would be funny, but after three recent cases of this watch faux pas, I would like to address all celebrities with a public service announcement. PLEASE STOP WEARING YOUR WATCHES UPSIDE DOWN.
This topic came to the forefront this week when we caught, for lack of a better term, social media boxer Jake Paul wearing his Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise 41mm, also known as the Tiffany OP, upside down during a press conference for a fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson on July 20 on Netflix. After our note, Nick Gould wrote to me, noting that the watch was worn correctly. Upon closer inspection, we both realized he was indeed wearing it upside down, and at some point during the press conference, he noticed and corrected its orientation on his wrist in subsequent photos.
Last week, a similar watch moment was captured during the Met Gala 2024. Actor Sebastian Stan was dressed in a Cartier Crash watch but wore it upside down. This is particularly amusing because, in the context of the Met Gala, every inch of the guests' wardrobe is curated, selected, and designed. I highly doubt that the watch's orientation was an intentional commentary on the state of the world or any other symbolic gesture. With the best intentions, the Crash does not have a typical case shape, which might cause confusion for Stan. But it's also not rocket science. The fact is, with a whole team of stylists and managers, nobody stopped to say, 'Hey, buddy, your watch is upside down?'
The third case, marking a trend, and shortly before the two aforementioned, was Idris Elba wearing his Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite upside down, posing on the red carpet last month. This can be explained by the disorienting nature of left-handed watches with the crown on the opposite side. The crown of any typically oriented watch should face the hand when worn on the left wrist. So, perhaps that's the reason. Nonetheless, if you know you're going to be photographed by paparazzi, it might be worth paying attention to make sure your watch and wardrobe are in full order.
I'm not really declaring an epidemic or a trend. We're just having a bit of fun, but despite it not being a very common occurrence, upside-down watches happen more often than you think. And considering how often brands hire celebrities to wear their watches, watch brands should undoubtedly ensure that those they hire know a little about the watches they wear and how to wear them correctly.