Luxury watches have become the ultimate status symbol among celebrity athletes, blending precision engineering with impeccable style. From F1 tracks to football fields, many elite sports personalities showcase their exquisite taste in timepieces. But this year, they have been particularly featured in tennis.
Whether tennis stars are wearing them during games or walking the red carpet, the allure of these celebrity watches lies in their craftsmanship and exclusivity, making them highly coveted fashion accessories.
Celebrity watches are crafted for performance
Luxury watch brands have long been intertwined with the world of sports with brands like Omega and Rolex serving as official timekeepers for prestigious events. Since 1932, Omega has served as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, providing precise timing and reliability for a range of Olympic sports. In other sports, Rolex and Tag Heuer have been official timekeepers for the likes of Wimbledon and Formula 1.
It’s no wonder Rolex has been chosen for such sports, as its many models have been specifically designed for sports precision. Some of the most iconic Rolex models include the Rolex Submariner, Daytona, and Sea-Dweller.
These models combine durability with sophisticated design, making them the perfect accessory for athletes in and out of the arena. These timepieces help enhance performance but also stylish adornments on the wrists of celebrity athletes.
Tennis star watches spotted this year
- Rafael Nadal
Brand: Richard Mille
Model: RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon
Value: $1.2 million
Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’s greatest champions, started working with Richard Mille in 2008 after initially being reluctant to wear a wristwatch during his matches. Known for their avant-garde designs and technical prowess, Richard Mille watches perfectly complement Nadal’s dynamic on-court presence. Quoting Richard Mille, the pair have a ‘life-long commitment’ that is more than just watchmaking.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Nadal was spotted wearing the new RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon, a masterpiece worth $1.2 million, designed to withstand the rigours of professional tennis. With only 80 pieces made, the watch feels like a ‘second’ skin to Rafa and is a comfortable timepiece to wear that doesn’t interfere with his matches.
- Carlos Alcaraz
Brand: Rolex
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
Value: $100,000
Rolex ambassador and rising tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz took the spotlight in this year’s Roland Garros. After defeating Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz lifted his trophy when their match ended. But it wasn’t just the trophy that captured the audience’s attention.
Lifting the trophy, Alcaraz’s stunning 18-carat yellow gold Rolex truly caught everyone’s eye. The model seems to be a favourite for the player as he’s worn it on several occasions, most notably for his tennis victories. With a ‘meteorite grey’ dial featuring three black chronographs, this timepiece looks smart both on and off the court.
- Roger Federer
Brand: Rolex
Model: Datejust 36
Former tennis player, Roger Federer, recently captivated audiences at Wimbledon this year by wearing a stunning Rolex Datejust 36. A legend in the tennis world, Federer attended Wimbledon this year as a spectator but still wore a memorable timepiece to pair with his suit.
This elegant timepiece summed up Federer’s time on the courts there as it featured a ‘Wimbledon’ dial, one of the most unique and rare Rolex dials, thought to relate to the green pitches of the courts. Featuring green Roman numerals and a slate grey face, this stunning wristwatch perfectly complements Federer’s timeless style and grace.
As a global ambassador for Rolex, Federer’s choice of the Datejust showcases his affinity for sophistication and precision, reinforcing the brand’s prestigious image.
A timeless fashion trend in the world of sports
For years now luxury watches have become an integral part of athletes’ style and fashion, symbolising both prestige and performance. These celebrity watches enhance their image and highlight the exquisite craftsmanship of brands like Rolex and Richard Mille. The seamless blend of sports and luxury watches continues to captivate audiences and inspire watch collectors and sports fans alike.
