Saquon Barkley steals the spotlight at the Met Gala, but it's his $82K watch that gets all the attention

When sports stars step onto the red carpet at the Met Gala , all eyes are on them. But when Saquon Barkley showed up at the 2025 event wearing an $82,000 watch, the focus quickly shifted from fashion to controversy. The Philadelphia Eagles running back, one of the NFL’s biggest names, was dressed to impress but his extravagant choice sparked plenty of debate. In a time when athletes are under the microscope for flaunting their wealth, Barkley ’s bold accessory had people talking long after the event.



Barkley’s whopping $82,000 watch takes over the Met Gala

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Wearing a sleek Thom Browne suit with a traditional black tie, Barkley exuded elegance. But it wasn’t his tailored threads that had social media buzzing, it was the jaw-dropping H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack adorning his wrist. Retailing for a staggering $82,000, the ultra-exclusive watch features an alligator leather strap, a black Vantablack dial, and a sophisticated HMC 805 calibre movement. It’s luxury in every tick.


For some, Barkley’s look was the embodiment of power and style. Others, however, saw it as a tone-deaf flex amid ongoing conversations about athlete wealth and community responsibility. While H. Moser & Cie’s president called Barkley “a gem of a human” and future Hall of Famer, not everyone echoed the sentiment.



Fans reactions to Barkley’s Met Gala look


Fans on Instagram called the look “That watch crazy,” and “bro got the swag and style,” but critics weren’t far behind. The duality of reactions underscores a growing divide in how NFL stars are viewed outside the stadium.

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Barkley wasn’t alone. Fellow Eagles star Jalen Hurts made waves in a sparkly suit and a bold Navitimer watch, while Lewis Hamilton and Savannah James commanded attention in their own designer statements. The theme of the evening, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was meant to spotlight Black excellence in fashion. But for some, the night’s biggest takeaway became the elite price tags.


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Barkley’s Met Gala moment was unforgettable, but it leaves us wondering if it was a celebration of Black style and success or just an over-the-top display. What athletes wear today says a lot about who they are and what they stand for.