The US Open tennis championship consistently attracts attention for its displays of magnificent timepieces, drawing watch enthusiasts and casual observers alike. While the matches themselves are compelling, the event also serves as an unofficial exhibition for some of the world's most sought-after watches. From the high-stakes action on the courts to the stylish grandstands, the tournament offers a prime opportunity to spot exceptional watches from renowned brands. This year's event has already delivered a spectacular array of wristwear, ranging from iconic Rolex models to innovative Richard Mille creations and pieces from Cartier, Patek Philippe, and independent watchmakers. A standout early sighting was Orlando Bloom's titanium Porsche Design Chronograph 1, setting a high bar for horological elegance.
Notable Timepieces and Their Wearers at the 2026 US Open
The 2026 US Open has proven to be a dazzling stage for horology, with numerous celebrities and athletes showcasing remarkable watches. Roger Federer, the renowned tennis icon, was seen wearing a distinctive Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 134300 with a vibrant "Jubilee" dial. Despite its solid stainless steel construction, Federer donned this 41mm timepiece, celebrating 100 years of the Oyster Perpetual, during a practice session against Lorenzo Musetti at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The watch's multi-colored tile pattern, spelling out the brand's name, has made it one of the year's most talked-about releases, also gracing the wrists of figures like Lionel Messi and Ed Sheeran.
Television personality Jimmy Fallon showcased a vintage Rolex Daytona ref. 6239, famously known as the "Paul Newman" variant. Distinguished by its blocky lettering and contrasting outer ring, this chronograph gained legendary status through actor Paul Newman, who popularized it in the 1980s. A similar model owned by Newman himself fetched a staggering $17.8 million at auction in 2017. Fallon's specific reference is considered the "starter Newman," a classic choice among collectors.
Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz sported a highly coveted Rolex Daytona "Le Mans," created to honor the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. This special edition was produced for a single year in stainless steel, yellow gold, and rose gold versions, making it a rare and desirable piece.
Rapper Travis Scott opted for a Richard Mille RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon. This watch uniquely combines influences from the ocean's aesthetics with Gothic architectural elements, resulting in a design that evokes the allure of a treasure from a mythical sunken city.
Comedian John Mulaney demonstrated that elegance doesn't require exorbitant prices with his Timex Marlin. Its refined white dial and green leather strap belie its accessible price point, proving that tasteful choices can be found across the spectrum of watchmaking. Similarly, NBA draft pick AJ Dybantsa sported a G-Shock G-Steel GST-B1000, a robust and stylish option that harks back to the high-tech, multi-complication watches popular in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Model Kaia Gerber exuded classic sophistication with a yellow gold Panthère de Cartier in its "mini" size. This iconic watch, with its panther motif dating back to the 1910s, remains a favored choice among celebrities like Keith Richards, Madonna, and Taylor Swift.
Basketball legend Carmelo Anthony was seen with a Rolex Sky-Dweller. Designed as a luxurious counterpart to the GMT-Master, the Sky-Dweller caters to those who appreciate refined travel experiences.
Actor Anthony Mackie joined the Rolex showcase with a Land-Dweller, a new and somewhat polarizing model that further exemplifies the brand's diverse offerings at the tournament.
Porsche enthusiast Orlando Bloom proudly wore a Porsche Design Chronograph 1 1975 Limited Edition. This titanium-cased, black-dialed watch, powered by the COSC-certified Porsche Design calibre WERK 01.140, is a lightweight, versatile, and stylish driver's watch.
Basketball coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks flaunted a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon with a rich maroon dial. This choice aligns with the brand's growing recognition for its varied Overseas iterations, which cater to different lifestyles from rugged adventurers to lovers of ultra-thin designs.
Reality TV personality Carl Radke showed off a Rolex Submariner "Smurf," an all-blue model that offers a vibrant and playful alternative to the more common green Submariner variants.
Actor Adam Pally's Rolex Daytona ref. 16518 stood out with its leather strap, offering a unique touch amidst the sea of Daytona models at the event.
Croatian tennis player Donna Vekić sported an F.P. Journe Élégante, a quartz watch known for its innovative feature of pausing when removed from the wrist and instantly resetting when worn again, highlighting its unique blend of technology and elegance, even after a rigorous game.
Ski champion Lindsey Vonn made a statement with her dazzling Rolex Daytona ref. 116505 "Rainbow," a visually striking piece that adds a touch of glamour to the already impressive collection of Daytonas at the Open.
Queen Latifah presented a lavish Rolex Submariner ref. 116613LB, a two-tone version combining stainless steel with yellow gold, an opulent rendition of Radke's "Smurf" model.
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk, at just 24, displayed sophisticated taste with her Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5067. This 36.3mm stainless steel watch features a diamond-set bezel, an embossed blue dial, and a quartz movement, worn on a unique fabric strap, showcasing a blend of luxury and personal style.
NBA player Duncan Robinson opted for a Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT, a more accessible luxury watch with a "Coke" bezel (black and red), representing excellent value compared to other high-end watches seen at the venue.
Quarterback Russell Wilson wore a timeless and elegant Rolex Day-Date ref. 228238 in solid yellow gold with Roman numerals and the classic "President" bracelet, epitomizing luxury and traditional watchmaking.
Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill chose a classic stainless steel Rolex Daytona ref. 116520 with a black dial, offering a refined and understated choice among the more exotic timepieces.
NBA player Peyton Watson showcased a luxurious Rolex Day-Date with a mother-of-pearl dial and diamond indices, demonstrating a high level of opulence and personalization.
Basketball player José Alvarado kept it stylish yet understated with a silver-dial, black-sub-dial Rolex Daytona, proving that even a more subtle version of this iconic watch commands attention.
Basketball player Tyler Kolek, along with other Knicks players, brought out a blue-dial Rolex Datejust, ensuring they stood out with classic sophistication.
Finally, basketball player Miles McBride made a distinct choice with a Cartier Santos featuring a black ADLC coating, giving the watch a modern, "murdered-out" aesthetic reminiscent of high-performance vehicles.
The US Open continues to be a captivating event for watch aficionados, highlighting the personal style and discerning tastes of its famous attendees. From classic elegance to modern innovation, the variety of timepieces on display is as impressive as the athletic feats on the court.
