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14 Best Watches From the Red Carpet Emmy Awards 2025

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The 77th Emmy Awards were full of big wins and unforgettable moments. From Tramell Tillman’s historic achievement as the first Black man to win Best Supporting Actor in a Drama, to Adolescence star Owen Cooper making history as the youngest male Emmy winner ever at just 15, the evening was full of milestones. Meanwhile, The White Lotus, despite its buzz and 23 nominations, only took home a single award—setting the stage for what fans hope will be a stronger comeback in season 4.

But beyond the trophies, the red carpet once again became a showcase for horology. The stars displayed some of the finest timepieces in the world, proving that the right watch is just as important as the tuxedo. Vacheron Constantin stole the spotlight with three appearances, while Audemars Piguet found its moment on the wrists of Benny Blanco and Tillman. Elsewhere, Colman Domingo’s Omega and Noah Wyle’s Cartier Tank demonstrated why the classics never go out of style. In short, the Emmy red carpet wasn’t just about fashion — it was about watches that told stories as memorable as the wins themselves.

Here are the 14 best watches from the Emmy Awards 2025.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

1. Walton Goggins’s Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin
  • Model: Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
  • Reference: 4300V/220R-H144
  • Diameter: 41.5 mm
  • Thickness: 8.1 mm
  • Material: 18K pink gold
  • Dial Colour: Golden-lacquered dial, sunburst satin-finished base & velvet-finished minutes track.
  • Calibre: 1120 QP/1
  • Power Reserve: 40 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: CHF ₣115,000 – USD $143,000

Walton Goggins may not have taken home a trophy on Emmys night, but he definitely looked like a champion with what was on his wrist. The actor wore the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin (Ref. 4300V/220R-H144), a stunning piece in 18K pink gold. At 41.5 mm, the watch strikes a perfect balance between elegance and presence, featuring a golden-lacquered dial that catches the light beautifully. It also includes advanced complications — such as a perpetual calendar and a moon phase set against a starry backdrop — all contained within a case just 8.1 mm thick. The price? About $143,000, making it one of the night’s most impressive (and costly) accessories.

IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Complete Calendar Ref. IW359001| Image: Supplied

2. James Marsden IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Complete Calendar

  • Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
  • Model: Portofino Complete Calendar
  • Reference: IW359001
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 11.7 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Silver Plated Dial
  • Calibre: 32150
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $10,700

On the Emmys red carpet, amidst a mix of bold statement pieces and six-figure complications, one watch distinguished itself through its understated elegance: the IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Complete Calendar. Worn by James Marsden, this 41 mm stainless steel watch features a simple, silver-plated dial with well-proportioned subdials for the date, day, month, and moon phase. It exudes a subtle sophistication rather than an obvious flash, making it ideal for Marsden’s polished appearance. Priced at around $10,700 USD, it strikes a balance—proving that timeless style can be accessible without reaching into the six-figure range.

Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26494BC.OO.D350KB.01 | Image: Supplied

3. Tramell Tillman’s Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar

  • Brand: Audemars Piguet
  • Model: Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar
  • Reference: 26494BC.OO.D350KB.01
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 10.6 mm
  • Material: 18-Carat White Gold
  • Dial Colour: Smoked Blue Embossed Dial
  • Calibre: 7138
  • Power Reserve: 55 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $114,800

It was already a historic night for Tramell Tillman, who became the first Black actor to win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his compelling performance as Mr. Milchik in Severance. But he didn’t stop there — his wrist-wear also drew attention. Tillman wore the Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 26494BC.OO.D350KB.01), a stunning 41 mm timepiece in 18K white gold with an aventurine-blue dial that immediately echoes the sterile glow of Lumon’s office halls. Unveiled for the brand’s 150th anniversary, this model is a technical marvel, capable of being fully adjusted with a single crown while elegantly displaying day, date, month, leap year, and moon phases. Price? Around USD $114,800 — which means Tillman’s Emmy wasn’t the only thing shining bright that night.

Breguet Classique Souscription Ref.2025BH/28/9W6 | Image: Supplied

4. Nate Bargatze’s Breguet Classique Souscription 2025BH/28/9W6

  • Brand: Breguet
  • Model: Classique Souscription
  • Reference: 2025BH/28/9W6
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 10.8 mm
  • Material: Rose Gold
  • Dial Colour: White Dial
  • Calibre: VS00
  • Power Reserve: 96 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: Price On Request

Nate Bargatze may have spent the night cracking jokes as host of the 77th Emmy Awards, but his wrist game was pure business. Pairing his Canali tux with the Breguet Classique Souscription (Ref. 2025BH/28/9W6), he went full old-school refinement. The rose gold case (40 mm x 10.8 mm) housed a crisp white guilloché dial with those unmistakable Breguet hands — timeless details that quietly flex heritage without trying too hard. Underneath, the Calibre VS00 movement packs a serious 96-hour power reserve, meaning it keeps going long after the punchlines stop. Price? Let’s just say it’s “on request,” which is Breguet’s way of saying, if you have to ask, you’re probably not hosting the Emmys.

Omega Speedmaster Ref. 310.20.42.50.02.001 | Image: Supplied

5. Colman Domingo’s OMEGA Speedmaster

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster
  • Reference: Ref. 310.20.42.50.02.001
  • Diameter: 42 mm
  • Thickness: 13.18 mm
  • Material: Moonshine™ gold On Steel
  • Dial Colour: Silver Dial
  • Calibre: Omega 3861
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $20,400

Colman Domingo might have been one of the most talked-about men on the red carpet, but it wasn’t just his Valentino look that had fashion and watch fans going crazy over at — it was what he had on his wrist. And really, if there’s anyone out there who knows how to rock an OMEGA, it’s Colman Domingo. He sported the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, an updated take on the classic timepiece that famously accompanied astronauts to the moon. The 42 mm wrist candy looked out of this world on Domingo, too, featuring a bi-colour design in stainless steel and 18-karat Moonshine gold, complete with small seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour subdials. Adding this cosmic piece to your own collection? That’ll set you back around USD $20,000.

6. Benny Blanco’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold

  • Brand: Audemars Piguet
  • Model: Royal Oak Frosted Gold
  • Reference: 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01
  • Diameter: 34 mm
  • Thickness: 8.8 mm
  • Material: 18-Carat Yellow Gold
  • Dial Colour: Yellow Gold-Plated Crystal Sand Finished Dial
  • Calibre: 5800
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $68,500

Benny Blanco didn’t just walk onto the Emmys red carpet — he sauntered in like a man whose year couldn’t possibly get any bigger. Fresh off making headlines for his marriage to Selena Gomez, the producer-turned-style icon kept his wrist game just as buzzworthy. On his wrist? The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold (Ref. 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01) — crafted in 18-carat yellow gold with a yellow gold–plated crystal sand finished dial. The glittering frosted finish catches the light like stardust, while the iconic octagonal bezel cements its legendary status. Priced at USD$68,500, this isn’t merely a watch; it’s a statement piece. With a trophy wife and a trophy watch, Benny Blanco has effortlessly made his mark on the red carpet.

OMEGA De Ville Prestige Ref. 434.53.41.20.03.001 | Image: Supplied

7. Tayme Thapthimthong’s OMEGA De Ville Prestige

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: De Ville Prestige
  • Reference: 434.53.41.20.03.001
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 10.77 mm
  • Material:  Sedna™ gold
  • Dial Colour: Blue Dial
  • Calibre: OMEGA 8802
  • Power Reserve: 55 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $15,500

Tayme Thapthimthong, one of the rising stars from The White Lotus, added his own touch of elegance to the 2025 Emmys red carpet with an OMEGA De Ville Prestige (Ref. 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01)—a collection that has embodied timeless Swiss sophistication since the 1960s. His model, a 41 mm timepiece in Sedna™ gold with a deep blue dial, struck the perfect balance between heritage and modernity. Priced at USD $15,500, it’s a watch that doesn’t shout for attention but instead radiates quiet confidence, much like Tayme himself. That evening, it felt less like an accessory and more like a continuation of the De Ville’s enduring legacy of understated luxury.

Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet Ref. 6654 3640 55B | Image: Supplied

8. Jesse Williams’s Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet

  • Brand: Blancpain
  • Model: Villeret Quantième Complet
  • Reference: 6654 3640 55B
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 10.90 mm
  • Material: Red Gold
  • Dial Colour: Sunburst Blue
  • Calibre: 6654.4 
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $35,200

Jesse Williams may have been on stage as a presenter, but his wrist did plenty of the talking at the 2025 Emmys. The Grey’s Anatomy star wore a Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (Ref. 6654 3640 55B), a piece that radiates refined elegance. Its 18-carat red-gold case frames a striking blue dial, complete with a moon phase complication and full calendar that blend classic horology with poetic detail. Powered by Blancpain’s 6654.4 self-winding calibre and finished with a sapphire crystal back for a glimpse at its inner workings, this watch is as much art as it is engineering. With a price tag of USD $35,200, it’s a reminder that Williams’ style sense extends far beyond the operating room.

IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic Ref. IW356517 | Image: Supplied

9. Hiroyuki Sanada’s IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic

  • Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
  • Model: Portofino Automatic
  • Reference: IW356517
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 13.94 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Silver Dial
  • Calibre: 35111
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $4,950

Hiroyuki Sanada, no stranger to Emmy glory after winning in 2024 for Shōgun, returned to the red carpet this year with his trademark sophistication still intact. Clean, elegant, and undeniably luxurious, the IWC Portofino Automatic (Ref. IW356517) was worn on his wrist — one of our favourite watches of the night here at Many Men Magazine. With its 40 mm stainless-steel case and timeless silver dial, the watch exudes understated class that perfectly matches Sanada’s refined presence. Powered by the caliber 35111 movement with a 50-hour power reserve, this USD $4,950 timepiece shows that true sophistication isn’t about flash, but about quiet, confident excellence.

Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium Ref. 565.NX.1470.RX | Image: Supplied

10. Brett Goldstein’s Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium 

  • Brand: Hublot
  • Model: Classic Fusion Titanium
  • Reference: 565.NX.1470.RX
  • Diameter: 38 mm
  • Thickness: 9 mm
  • Material: Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Satin-Finished Black Sunray
  • Calibre: HUB1110 Self-winding Movement
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $7,900

Fresh off the success of Shrinking on Apple TV+, which earned seven Emmy nominations, Brett Goldstein still managed to steal the spotlight — this time with a watch on his wrist. Wearing the Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium (Ref. 565.NX.1470.RX0), the English actor demonstrated that sleek minimalism can make as bold a statement as a flashy timepiece. With a 38 mm satin-finished and polished titanium case and a black sunray dial, this watch is elegant, modern, and effortlessly cool. Inside, the brand’s HUB1110 self-winding movement ensures the piece is as sharp in function as it is in appearance. Priced at USD $7,900, it’s a watch that combines elegance with edge — much like Goldstein himself.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Ref. 82035/000R-9359 | Image: Supplied

11. Sam Rockwell’s Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin
  • Model: Historiques American 1921
  • Reference: 82035/000R-9359
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 8.06 mm
  • Material: 18K Pink Gold
  • Dial Colour: Grained Silver-Toned Dial
  • Calibre: Valjoux 7750 (Automatic Chronograph)
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: CHF ₣39,200 – USD $48,750

Sam Rockwell may not have left the Emmys with a trophy in hand — The White Lotus only managed one win on the night — but his wrist was definitely a winner. The actor arrived in style wearing the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 (Ref. 82035/000R-9359), a 40 mm pink gold masterpiece inspired by the brand’s 1921 model. With a diagonal dial, bold numerals, and a crown nestled between 1 and 2 o’clock, it’s the kind of watch that stands out while remaining effortlessly sophisticated. Interestingly, White Lotus co-star Walton Goggins also chose a Vacheron on the same night — the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin — showcasing two actors with impeccable taste in the same brand but a very different approach to style. This watch costs USD $48,750.

Cartier Tank Américaine Large Model – Silver Dial | Image: Supplied

12. Noah Wyle’s Cartier Tank Américaine

  • Brand: Baume & Mercier
  • Model: Tank Américaine
  • Diameter: 44.4 mm x 24.4 mm
  • Thickness: 8.6 mm
  • Material: Steel Case
  • Dial Colour: Silvered Satin-Brushed Dial
  • Calibre: 1899
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $6,850

Noah Wyle secured the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama for his role in The Pitt last night, and he wore a sophisticated watch fitting for the occasion: the Cartier Tank Américaine. With its 44 mm case, faceted synthetic blue spinel, silvered dial, and classic blue sword-shaped hands, the watch exemplifies timeless elegance: the navy-blue alligator strap adds depth and refinement to the already iconic design. A piece long linked with quiet luxury and heritage, it couldn’t have been a more appropriate choice for a night when Wyle proudly celebrated both his craft and the moment, with a price tag of USD $6,850.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph REF. Q389256J | Image: Supplied

13. Brian Tyree Henry’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph

  • Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Model: Reverso Tribute Chronograph
  • Reference: Q389256J
  • Diameter: 49.4 x 29.9 mm 
  • Thickness: 11.14 mm
  • Material: Pink Gold 
  • Dial Colour: Recto Dial Golden 5n/Verso Dial Rhodium grey
  • Calibre: Calibre 860
  • Power Reserve: 52 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: Price On Request

Nominated for his role in Dope Thief, Brian Tyree Henry brought some serious horological heat to the Emmys red carpet, pairing his neutral-hued jacket with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph (Ref. Q389256J) in 18-karat pink gold. The actor chose one of the most versatile watches out there, a timepiece with two faces and two personalities. On one side, you have the golden dial with its refined railroad minute track—a nod to the timeless Reverso design. Flip it over, and you’re greeted with an open-worked view of the Calibre 860 and retrograde chronograph, complete with a 52-hour power reserve that makes it both practical and stunning. Sitting on a sleek black alligator strap, it was the perfect mix of elegance and edge, showing that Henry knows how to make a statement without saying a word. Prices for the model are available upon request.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Ref.4300V/220R-B642 | Image: Supplied

14. Justin Hartley’s Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton

  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin
  • Model: Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
  • Reference: 4300V/220R-B642
  • Diameter: 41.5 mm
  • Thickness: 8.1 mm
  • Material: Pink Gold
  • Dial Colour: Sapphire dial with a blue velvet-finished minutes track—18K gold moons with a starry sky.
  • Calibre: 1120 QP/1
  • Power Reserve: 40 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: Price On Request

Justin Hartley finished the night in refined style, hopping on the Vacheron Constantin train with an Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton (Ref. 4300V/220R-B642). Crafted in 18-karat pink gold with striking blue accents, this fully skeletonized masterpiece offers a clear view of its inner workings, powered by the Calibre 1120/3 QPSQ/1. The watch features a moon phase complication decorated with stars and twin moons, set within a 41.5 mm case that balances elegance with technical brilliance. Add in the beautifully finished bracelet, and you have a timepiece that’s as much a work of art as it is a watch. Price? Available upon request—because, truly, if you have to ask, it might not be in your cart just yet.

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Trypophobia: Everything You Need to Know — Is It Real or Just Hype?

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Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.

Ever scrolled past a photo of a lotus seed pod or a honeycomb and suddenly felt your skin crawl? That uneasy shiver down your spine, or even a rush to look away, could be linked to something called trypophobia — a fear or discomfort prompted by clusters of small holes or bumps. It’s a term that’s been gaining attention online for years, sparking debates on whether it’s a genuine phobia or just another internet‑born buzzword.

But here’s the thing: trypophobia isn’t officially recognised as a medical condition, even though many people claim to experience it. Some describe it as a mild unease, while others say it causes intense anxiety, nausea, or even panic. With so many different experiences, the question becomes: is trypophobia a legitimate phobia, or are we just more connected than ever to images that overload our brains?

What Exactly Is Trypophobia?

Now that we’ve introduced the topic, what exactly is trypophobia? According to Healthline, the condition “is a fear or disgust of closely packed holes”. This unusual reaction can vary greatly — for some, it is a brief feeling of unease or a quick shiver, while for others, it can lead to sweating, nausea, or even a full panic attack.

What makes trypophobia so intriguing is how ordinary its triggers can be. We’re not talking about frightening horror-movie images — instead, it’s commonplace textures like the seeds on a strawberry, the pores of a lotus pod, the surface of coral, or the bubbly patterns in a pancake. To most people, these are harmless details of nature. But for someone with trypophobia, they can be utterly unbearable to look at.

Although the condition isn’t officially recognised as a medical phobia in the DSM‑5, it’s hard to ignore how widespread it seems to be. Browse social media, and you’ll see countless posts from people claiming to feel physically uncomfortable just from coming across a photo of a honeycomb. And if you’re starting to feel a bit uneasy just reading this, don’t worry — you’re definitely not alone.

Researchers believe the reaction may be more linked to disgust than fear, as our brains are wired to react strongly to certain high-contrast patterns. Some theories even propose it could be an evolutionary remnant, warning us about dangerous things like disease or poisonous animals that often display similar clustered textures.

So yes, you might think you’re just creeped out by a picture of a sponge, but your brain could be sending warning signals that stem from survival instincts. And if you’re currently side‑eyeing that strawberry in your fruit bowl — our apologies. Maybe save it for after the next section.

What Sets Trypophobia Off?

So, what exactly triggers trypophobia into overdrive? The short answer: clusters. These tightly packed patterns of holes or bumps can appear completely harmless to some, yet for others, they instantly evoke feelings of unease, disgust, or even panic. From natural textures to everyday objects, the triggers can occur almost anywhere — often when you least expect them.

Here are some of the most common triggers people mention:

  • Lotus seed pods
  • Honeycombs
  • Coral
  • Strawberries
  • Sponges
  • Aerated chocolate
  • Pancakes with bubbles
  • Certain fabrics or patterned surfaces

What’s fascinating is how common many of these triggers seem to be. Across different cultures and age groups, people report remarkably similar reactions to the same patterns. It’s as if our brains are wired to notice these shapes — and in some cases, recoil from them. That prompts an important question: why do these clusters bother so many of us?

Symptoms of Trypophobia

If you’ve ever come across a photo of a lotus pod or a bubbly pancake and suddenly felt your skin crawl, you’re not imagining things — that uncomfortable reaction might be related to trypophobia. The symptoms can appear differently for everyone, but one thing remains the same: they often happen quickly, before you’ve even had a chance to process what you’re seeing.

For many people, the initial reaction is a wave of disgust or revulsion, often accompanied by physical signs like goosebumps, sweating, or a crawling sensation across the skin. Some describe it as an itch they can’t quite scratch, while others compare it to the feeling of something moving just beneath their skin. It’s not exactly pleasant, and it’s definitely not easy to ignore once it begins.

In more severe cases, trypophobia can cause nausea, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, or even difficulty breathing. Some individuals also report shaking or trembling, and for a small percentage, the experience can escalate into a full-blown panic attack. That’s why, for those who are sensitive, even casually scrolling through social media can become an unexpectedly stressful experience if the wrong image appears.

Common Symptoms:

  • Disgust or intense revulsion
  • Goosebumps or chills
  • Sweating
  • Itchiness or crawling sensation on the skin
  • Nausea or queasiness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anxiety or panic attacks

It’s worth noting that not everyone who experiences trypophobia feels it to the same extent. For some, it’s just a quick, fleeting “ew” that passes rapidly. For others, it’s so overpowering that they actively avoid certain foods, images, or even objects in real life. Although the medical community hasn’t officially recognised it as a phobia, the severity of these symptoms demonstrates that the discomfort is very real.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself slamming your phone face‑down after seeing a cluster of holes, you’re not alone — and your reaction is more common than you might think.

Why Doctors Don’t Classify Trypophobia As A Real Phobia

Although many people report feeling uneasy, nauseous, or even panicked when they see clustered holes, trypophobia isn’t officially recognised as a phobia. You won’t find it in the DSM‑5, the manual used by mental health professionals, mainly because most sufferers don’t describe their reaction as fear. Instead, it’s often disgust or intense discomfort — and in psychology, that doesn’t always meet the criteria for a true phobia.

Experts suggest the reaction might be more about how our brains interpret certain patterns rather than fear itself. Clusters of holes or bumps can subconsciously remind us of things we’ve evolved to avoid, such as skin infections or poisonous animals, triggering a visceral response even when we know the object is harmless. So, while doctors might not classify it as a “real” phobia, the very real reactions people experience are difficult to deny.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you’ve reached this point in the article without feeling queasy, itchy, or like you need to slam your phone shut — good news, you probably don’t have trypophobia. Congratulations, you’ve passed the unofficial test. For those who aren’t as lucky, though, here comes the part you’ve been waiting for: treatment.

Since trypophobia isn’t officially recognised as a phobia, there’s no formal medical diagnosis. However, that doesn’t mean you’re forced to suffer in silence. A doctor or therapist can help assess how strong your reaction is, often by asking questions or showing images to observe your response. Treatment usually begins with exposure therapy — a gradual (and sometimes uncomfortable) process of confronting your triggers until they begin to lose their power.

If that feels overwhelming, there’s also cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), where you’ll learn techniques to manage the anxiety associated with those unsettling visuals. Think deep breathing, mindfulness, and reframing how your brain reacts when it sees those dreaded hole-filled patterns. Over time, these methods can help you feel more in control.

Certainly, if you prefer to skip therapy sessions, there’s always the simple option: look away. Sometimes the easiest way to manage trypophobia is just to avoid the triggers — no shame in protecting your peace.

General FAQ’s

Is trypophobia a real medical condition?

Not officially. Trypophobia isn’t listed in the DSM‑5, which means it’s not recognized as a formal phobia by doctors. That said, the reactions people report — from nausea to panic — are very real, and the medical community acknowledges that the discomfort is genuine.

What usually triggers trypophobia?

Common triggers include items like lotus seed pods, honeycombs, sponges, strawberries, coral, or even bubbly pancakes. Essentially, they are clusters of small holes or bumps that your brain finds unsettling.

Can trypophobia go away on its own?

For some, it’s a passing discomfort that doesn’t significantly interfere with daily life. But if it’s strong enough to impact your routine, therapies like exposure therapy or CBT can help lessen the intensity of your reaction. Avoiding triggers is also a perfectly valid short‑term strategy.

Mental Health
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