Ryan Murphy's 'Love Story: JFK Jnr & Carolyn Bessette' Showcases Iconic Watches

From Jackie Kennedy's Cartier Tank to Calvin Klein's Rolex Datejust, the show's costume department pays tribute to the couple's impeccable style.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Only three episodes of Ryan Murphy's latest true-life drama, 'Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette', have been released, but it's already one of the most stylish shows in recent memory. Expensive watches play a key role, with appearances from Jackie Kennedy's Cartier Tank, Calvin Klein's Rolex Datejust, and Kelly Klein's Longines Royal Oak Octagon Vintage. While JFK Jnr.'s Cartier Tank Louis may not be historically accurate, the show's costume department has clearly done its homework to capture the couple's fashion sense during their relationship in the late '90s.

Why it matters

The tragic relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette captivated the public in the late 1990s, and this new series from Ryan Murphy aims to explore their lives and style in intimate detail. The inclusion of these iconic watch models not only adds authenticity to the show's period setting, but also highlights the couple's appreciation for luxury fashion and accessories.

The details

In the show, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, played by Naomi Watts, is seen wearing a Cartier Tank that is meant to reference the watch given to her by her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw 'Stas' Radziwill, in 1963. Calvin Klein, played by Alessandro Nivola, is shown wearing a Rolex Datejust, which the designer is known to wear in real life. Kelly Klein, Calvin's ex-wife, is seen sporting a Longines Royal Oak Octagon Vintage, a unique eight-edged design from the 1980s. While JFK Jnr.'s Cartier Tank Louis may not be historically accurate, it still suits the Kennedy household narrative.

  • The original Cartier Tank watch given to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was engraved with the inscription 'Stas to Jackie, 23 Feb. 1963. 2.05am to 9.35pm' and sold at auction for $379,500 in 2017 at Christie's New York.
  • The Rolex Datejust, worn by Calvin Klein in the show, was launched in 1945 and was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a window displaying the date at 3 o'clock on the dial.

The players

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

The former First Lady, played by Naomi Watts in the show, is known for her signature pencil skirt suits and head scarves, and is seen wearing a Cartier Tank watch that references a timepiece given to her by her brother-in-law in 1963.

Calvin Klein

The fashion designer, played by Alessandro Nivola in the show, is known to wear a Rolex Datejust in real life, and the show's costume department has included this iconic watch model in his on-screen wardrobe.

Kelly Klein

The photographer and ex-wife of Calvin Klein, is seen wearing a Longines Royal Oak Octagon Vintage, a unique eight-edged design from the 1980s, in the show.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

While the show does not accurately depict JFK Jr. wearing a Cartier Tank Louis, the inclusion of this watch model still suits the Kennedy household narrative.

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The takeaway

The inclusion of these iconic watch models in 'Love Story: JFK Jnr & Carolyn Bessette' not only adds authenticity to the show's period setting, but also highlights the couple's appreciation for luxury fashion and accessories, cementing their status as style icons of the late 1990s.