When Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams were seen together at a café in North London, their casual appearance caused quite a stir among onlookers. The excitement only intensified when the couple appeared on the BAFTA red carpet, with Abrams supporting Mescal, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his emotional performance in Hamnet. Social media quickly filled with photos of the pair, further fueling public fascination with both their relationship and Mescal’s style choices.
Paul Mescal’s Growing Reputation Among Watch Enthusiasts
Beyond fan admiration for his acting and relationship, Paul Mescal has become a notable figure in the watch community, especially due to his affiliation with Cartier. Over time, watch lovers have fixated on Mescal’s wristwear during public appearances, often dissecting his selections with close attention. His choices consistently impress aficionados, each new appearance seemingly outshining the last in terms of horological significance.
The Unique Appeal of the Cartier Tank Basculante on the Red Carpet
At the latest BAFTA ceremony, Mescal showcased a Cartier Tank Basculante that caught the attention of watch experts and fans alike. This particular model stands out for its clever “party trick,” which Mescal demonstrated directly on the red carpet. The Tank Basculante is known for its distinctive ability to flip its watch face vertically, concealing its identity in a refined manner that invites curiosity and conversation among watch collectors.

Expert Insight on the Cartier Basculante’s Significance
Tim Vaux, a watch expert with a passion for Cartier and an age similar to Mescal’s, explained the importance of the Basculante.
“While everyone has been rightly obsessed with Cartier as of late, the Basculante is such an IYKYK wrist check here. On the surface it delivers the trademark super dressy Cartier look, but its hidden flipping party trick makes it perfect for any red carpet small talk moment,”
Vaux said. He added,
“If I see someone wearing a Basculante I know straight away they know their watches. Crucially though, this late ’90s neo vintage mechanical example hasn’t hit the mainstream yet like we’ve seen with pieces like the Crash – Mescal clearly knows wassup.”
Details of Paul Mescal’s Limited Edition Tank Basculante
The version of the Tank Basculante worn by Mescal is a large-scale limited edition from 1999, crafted in steel and paired with a black strap. Its design is enhanced by an oval-shaped spinel cabochon that adds a subtle touch of elegance. Inside, the watch contains a refined round movement that remains hidden beneath the caseback. The flipping mechanism, which allows the watch face to be turned and concealed vertically, distinguishes the Basculante from similar models like Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reversible designs.
The Broader Impact of Mescal’s Watch Choice at the BAFTAs
Paul Mescal’s decision to wear the Cartier Tank Basculante at a major event such as the BAFTAs reflects not only his taste for sophisticated timepieces but also his understanding of watch culture. This stunt piqued the curiosity of collectors and fans, elevating the Basculante’s profile and reinforcing Mescal’s image as a style icon with a deep appreciation for exclusivity and craftsmanship. His wristwatch choices suggest that he is shaping his public persona thoughtfully, blending passion for horology with his rising star power.
