Despite the searing warmth of yet another London heatwave, Catherine Princess of Wales looked cool as a cucumber at the 2026 Wimbledon men’s final, clad in a grass-green dress and classic mother-of-pearl Alhambra jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels.
As royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the Princess attends the finals at Wimbledon every year and awards the championship trophies to the victors and runners-up of the competition.
This year, the Princess stepped into the Royal Box for the final day of the Championships wearing a soft green summer dress by British designer Emilia Wickstead and her trusty mother-of-pearl Alhambra earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
She was joined in the Box by her family, including her husband William, Prince of Wales and their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Both children, the Princess revealed to semi-finalist Arthur Fery, are also avid tennis fans.
The Princess’s delicate, clover-motif earrings have had several high-profile outings in the past, including to the BAFTAs in 2020, where the Princess paired them with a matching necklace, a royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022 and then again a year later at a concert to celebrate the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Introduced in the 1960s, Van Cleef & Arpels’ emblematic Alhambra collection was conceived for a new cohort of free-spirited women who were increasingly buying fine jewellery for themselves and wearing it every day. Though clover designs have been a part of the Parisian maker’s repertoire since the early 1900s, the innovative motif as we know it first appeared in 1968 on an opera-length necklace featuring 20 four-leaf clovers.
Its design was inspired by the traditional good luck charm, a favourite of Jacques Arpels (a nephew of one of the maison’s founding families), as well as the exotic quatrefoil motifs that decorate the Moorish Palace in Spain – from which the jewel derives its name.
Chic and endlessly versatile, Alhambra was quickly embraced by tastemakers such as Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor and went on to become a bestseller. Today, the range has expanded to include rings, earrings, bracelets and watches, and it remains one of the most collectible jewels in the world, popular with A-list athletes (Simone Biles, Jack Grealish, LeBron James), musicians (Central Cee, Offset, Cardi B) and even royalty (the Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla) who perhaps embrace the motif for its lucky associations.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka wowed onlookers at Wimbledon this week with a stunning walk-on look inspired by traditional Japanese ceremonial dress, accessorised with pearl jewellery from Mikimoto. Read all about it below.
Every summer, the stylish tennis champions that head to the All England Club in Wimbledon face a sartorial dilemma – what can you possibly wear that’s new, when there’s a strict all-white dress code?
This year, Naomi Osaka – who has become renowned for her fabulous on-court outfits – answered that question with an incredible, snow-white ensemble inspired by a traditional Japanese kimono. The custom look, which was created with the Tokyo-based fashion designer Hana Yagi, featured delicate white-on-white embroidery and showcased national Japanese symbols such as cranes and cherry blossoms, plus a dramatic obi belt, floral hairpiece, and a giant bow that trailed behind her.
Naomi Osaka in a Japanese-inspired look at Wimbledon 2026 adorned with Mikimoto jewels – CREDIT: Getty Images
Her opening match look, Osaka explained, was partly inspired by the kimono worn by Lucy Liu’s character in Kill Bill, O-Ren Ishii, and served as a nod to her Japanese heritage.
“When I think about Wimbledon, it’s obviously the all white. There’s obviously the tradition of it all,” Osaka told the BBC, following her 6-1 7-5 victory over French player Elsa Jacquemot. “In my head, when I think about that, I think about my cultures, my heritage, which is Japanese and Haitian.”
“Then, if I dive deeper into Japanese culture, I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is a kimono. You don’t have to see the colour of a kimono to know that it is a kimono.”
Naomi Osaka claimed her flowing, all-white ensemble was a loving tribute to her national heritage, as well as the character played by Lucy Liu in Kill Bill – CREDIT: Getty Images
“I don’t know, I was thinking about my favourite movies also. I love Kill Bill. I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu’s character.
“She has an all-white kimono, and I remember thinking that was really cool. Then it just kind of went from there. It was like my interpretation of that, while also paying a lot of respect and love to Japan.”
Like Osaka herself, Mikimoto’s eponymous founder Kokichi Mikimoto was an industry trailblazer.
He originally established the company as an oyster farm in 1888, and was the first person to successfully cultivate a semi-spherical pearl in 1893, for which Mikimoto received a patent in 1896.
Close up of Naomi Osaka’s diamond and pearl Mikimoto earrings at Wimbledon. Like Osaka herself, Mikimoto was a trailblazer – CREDIT: Getty Images
This was followed by the arrival of the first spherical cultured pearl in 1905, and the opening of Mikimoto’s debut international boutique in London in 1913. The company’s pearls gained a worldwide reputation for excellence, embellished by appearances at events like the 1926 World Exposition in Philadelphia, and by its dazzling, Art Deco-infused designs (later worn by the likes of Princess Margaret).
Today, the company’s shimmering creations are admired by celebrities such Cynthia Erivo, Rihanna, Harry Styles and A$AP Rocky. Emma Raducanu, who sadly pulled out of this year’s Wimbledon championship, even wore Mikimoto’s pearl pieces for Wimbledon back in 2024.
“I feel like everyone has their own way of showing that they’re into fashion,” Osaka later said, of her runway-ready look. “I’m always really surprised whenever I go to the locker room, I get a lot of questions about it. It seems to be fun for everyone. You just wouldn’t expect it.”
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were both seen wearing Rolex Daytona watches after winning Wimbledon 2025.
Sinner – the Italian tennis player – won his first-ever Wimbledon title on Sunday (July 13), defeating Alcaraz in four sets to capture his fourth Grand Slam trophy.
While raising the gold trophy – which was awarded to him by Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales – a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was seen on his wrist. According to the Rolex website, “This Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18 ct Everose gold, with a Sundust and bright black dial and an Oysterflex bracelet, features a black Cerachrom bezel with tachymetric scale.”
As for Alcaraz, the runner-up also rocked a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126518LN. The stunning timepiece features a bright blue lacquer dial with black subdials and an 18-carat yellow gold case.
It is without a doubt that all of the stars come out dressed to the nines while attending the annual prestigious Wimbledon tennis tournament. Though outfits tend to lean more on the traditional sense with suits and sundresses on deck, the real showstopping moments are what the stars have chosen to accessorise with.
From Rolex, Audemars Piguet and more, here are seven of the best timepieces sported by celebrity guests at this year’s Wimbledon tournament (All prices listed are an estimated market value.)
Jelena Djokovic
Jelena Djokovic attends day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2025. Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage via GETTY
The wife of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic stunned while attending Wimbledon with her $140,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openwork timepiece.
She paired the rose gold watch with a simple yet chic outfit comprised of a white tank top, white linen trousers and a pair of brown tinted oversized aviator style sunglasses.
The timepiece appears to be a variation of the 14mm Black Bay Chrono with a five-link bracelet. The centre of the bracelet’s links is set with diamonds. It also has a black lacquer dial and diamond indices. The watch is a piece unique, meaning the price is unknown and was gifted to him by the watchmaker on his recent 50th birthday.
Alexander Zverev
The German tennis player – who played the first match at Wimbledon 2025 and lost to French tennis player Arthur Rinderknech – wore a $280,000 Jacob & Co. Casino Tourbillon.
According to the Jacob & Co. website, the design was inspired by “the refined state of mind of heyday casinos. It’s a nod to the elegant gamblers and socialites that populated 1960s Monte Carlo, Macao or Las Vegas. Casino Tourbillon is a sophisticated timepiece, and as such, it does not overstate its sophistication: its flying tourbillon is visible only from the caseback.”
Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe at Wimbledon 2025. Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage via GETTY
Actor and singer Russell Crowe was seen at Wimbledon sporting the new $128,000 Rolex Daytona ‘Tiffany’. According to the Rolex website, the timepiece features a “turquoise blue and black dial and an Oysterflex bracelet, features a black Cerachrom bezel with tachymetric scale.”
Roger Federer
The iconic former Swiss tennis player showed up to Wimbledon and snagged a seat in the royal box. He was dressed to the nines in a navy blue suit and white shirt. To accessorise his look, Federer wore a stunning newly released $55,000 Rolex Land-Dweller 40 watch in Oystersteel and White Gold on his wrist.
His wife Mirka also stunned with a $625,000 platinum diamond and merald set Rolex Day-Date 40.
Andrey Rublev
The Russian tennis player took to the court at Wimbledon and played a match while wearing a $180,000 Vanguart Orb Flying Tourbillon watch.
Chris Hemsworth
The Australian actor showed up to watch the Wimbledon match dressed in a navy linen button-up shirt with a pair of white trousers and black tinted aviator-style sunglasses.
To add some flair to his outfit, he sported a $675,000 white-gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Skeleton’ Factory Set With 32 Baguette Cut Swiss Topaz Around The Bezel And 11 Swiss Topaz As Hour Markers.
Wimbledon 2025 is well underway, so you might think the best place to run into the record-holding eight-time champion of tennis’ greatest tournament might be somewhere near SW19. But Roger Federer is holding court of a different sort, perched on a chair in the recently opened Rolex flagship at Watches of Switzerland on London’s Old Bond Street.
Federer is in town to attend Wimbledon, of course, but also to celebrate his long-standing relationship with Rolex – the tennis legend has been an ambassador for the Swiss watchmaker since 2001.
Interviewed by former tennis pro and fellow Rolex testimonee Vijay Amritraj, Federer chatted about his winning career, what he’s been up to since his retirement from the professional circuit in 2022, his own Rolex collection, and who he thinks might just take home the Wimbledon trophy this year.
Read on for more…
Vijay Amritraj: How have you been feeling since your retirement?
Roger Federer: Well rested…[there’s] less stress in my life for sure. My kids are getting older, the diapers are a thing of the past, the nights are more solid and when we travel it’s because we want to travel. With a tour, as you know, you’ve got to keep going and going and going. I think also, honestly, looking towards the end of my career, the stress with my knee as well, the injuries…it feels like there’s always a cloud…a bit of a fog around you, you know you’re not 100%…and two and half years into my retirement I feel great.
Vijay Amritraj: Rolex is definitely all about sports. You’ve been with them now for nearly a quarter century…
Roger Federer: I’ve made friends at the brand, it’s not just an ambassadorship. I feel like it’s much more than that. I’ve seen people come and go at the company…I remember the former chairman, CEOS and everybody, and we’ve got along so well over the years…It’s been wonderful. I hope that I’ve brought Rolex even more into tennis, with my presence of being Swiss and winning Wimbledon and going global as a little Swiss guy. That is something I’m very proud of.
If it’s partially because of me that Rolex believes that actually tennis is a wonderful sport – today they sponsor all the [ATP] Masters 1000s, Grand Slams, the Laver Cup, Davis Cup and World Tour Finals – it’s a wonderful thing. And of course Geneva being in my home country, they have headquarters there. I always pop in to say hi to everybody. It’s a great relationship. I wish everybody could see the headquarters and see the watchmaking because it’s a very unique and special craft, which I truly admire. It’s awesome.
Roger Federer and Vijay Amritraj. Image: Rolex
Vijay Amritraj: How do you define excellence in your day-to-day life now?
Roger Federer: It’s never like it used to be. You know, where it was all very much based on results, like a musician. [The audience] knew if you were good or bad because they cheer for you, or they don’t. But truthfully, for me, nowadays it’s just finding the right balance with my life, with my family, my wife. Just making sure that everything works. I think today that’s my success. Then of course I’ve [also] had my [charitable] foundation for 21 years. I still have partnerships and relationships and sponsorships….It’s fun working now with them together on a plan and a creative idea, whereas before it was more, ‘okay, if you have time…?’ ‘Not really, but yes, let’s try and make something work.’ You’d squeeze out a good event or a good campaign. I feel like now you can go much deeper and more meaningful. I hope I can bring some good ideas, and something excellent is going to come out of it.
“I hope I’ve brought Rolex even more into tennis, with my presence of being Swiss and winning Wimbledon and going global as a little Swiss guy. That’s something I’m very proud of.”
ROGER FEDERER
VJ: When you look at all these amazing watches you have in your collection, does each of them mean something to you? Do you pick one to wear on a regular basis to red carpet events?
RF: No, I don’t actually have a watch which is just for red carpets, because I don’t think that should be the case… For me, truthfully, not every watch holds a special memory. Some I just bought because I loved the watch, so I don’t need a reason to feel attached to it. Then, of course, there’s many [other] watches that either I have had on at centre court when I lifted the trophy at the French Open, or here at Wimbledon. Today, as I was choosing the watch I was going to bring to Wimbledon, I looked at one of the watches I won – I believe it was 2009 against Roddick, my sixth Wimbledon – I thought oh, maybe I could bring that one back, the one with the lavender numbers. I ended up putting it away again, and I brought the new Land-Dweller with me because I fell in love with it and I was on the campaign just recently. I felt that was the watch for Wimbledon this year.
VJ: Looking back all the way to Björn Borg in the ’70s and now to [Carlos] Alcaraz in this time…other than their achievements, what do you admire about players like that?
RF: I’ve always admired when you can stay at the top for long, and you can repeat winning. I remember when I was growing up how hard that was for me, because I could play well for 10 minutes, or I could play well for an hour, or for a week. But it’s different to doing it week after week, year after year. I think there’s something to be admired about that. Borg’s done that. [He] was one of the first to go back-to-back with the French Open and Wimbledon, which I feel was much harder to do than nowadays, because you had slow clay or super quick grass which today is much more uniform.
What I also like is their aura, what they represent for our sport. I love listening to them, especially when they’re young. Björn was super young when he came on tour. So is Alcaraz. Martina Hingis was 16 when she came on tour. I love seeing their interviews, just to hear what they’re going to say. Are they going to make mistakes? How honest are they? How naive are they? I love that about young players coming through, and I hope that they can make mistakes and don’t become too robotic, you know? I love that about Carlos [Alcaraz]. He’s still really vibrant. He’s out there. He says how it is and then, okay, he’ll make some mistakes, and I hope the media will cut him a break. I want him to stay truthful. Obviously, the best [players] have something extraordinary. With Carlos, it’s the power. The finesse was Björn. [His] mentality is second-to-none. It’s great to see past legends. It’s a really nice thing. That’s why I’ve returned to Wimbledon for the past couple of years now.
VJ: What comes to mind when you think about your relationship with Rolex?
RF: It’s a privilege to be able to represent a brand like this, and call them a friend. I feel special at events, because I know it [Rolex] carries weight, like carrying the world number one [has] weight. When I went to Rotterdam – just after winning the Australian Open and becoming world number one, in 2004 – in the pre-tournament press [calls], they asked me all sorts of stuff. I was like, ‘what’s going on? What is this press conference?’ And a guy explained it to me, like, ‘well, you’re world number one, that means you have a responsibility to answer all these other questions.’ I feel it’s a little bit similar when you’re a Rolex ambassador – there is a bit of weight of how you carry yourself, and you have to be comfortable with that. I’ve been doing this for so long, so it’s natural and authentic. I hope that it shows, and I hope that it lasts for a very long time.
VJ: What have you enjoyed about this next chapter, beyond competitive tennis? And what are you most looking forward to?
RF: Honestly, it’s been good to just step away. I felt a great sense of relief, with all the issues I’ve had with my knees, especially with my right one. It was tough at the end. Just being able to cross the line into retirement was a great feeling. I was always a little bit worried that at the end of my career there was going to be loads of suffering, that it was not going to be as uplifting and exciting as it should be. [But] then, it was. I loved everything about it. It was much nicer than I thought it was going to be. So that gave me a great sense of relief.
The first six to nine months, I just had to come to terms with a few things. I still had some things planned, because I didn’t know exactly when I was going to retire that year, in 2022, so there was still some pre-organised stuff. Since then, I’ve really [been] in charge of my schedule. A lot of saying ‘no’ – I’ve been given a great deal of advice about [doing that]. ‘Don’t be too opportunistic, say no to loads of things. Take the time,’ which I did, and I think it’s served me well.
Now, we’re really trying to make incredible fun trips with the family. We’ve gone all around the world, from safari in South Africa to travelling through Japan, and Vietnam, and Thailand. It’s been incredible, and I hope we can do more of it in the coming years. Plus, new projects, as there were always be new oppportunities.
“I was always a little bit worried that at the end of my career there was going to be loads of suffering, that it was not going to be as uplifting and exciting as it should be. [But] then, it was. I loved everything about it. It was much nicer than I thought it was going to be. So that gave me a great sense of relief.”
ROGER FEDERER
VJ: What’s next for Roger Federer? Any more goals? Or have you just decided that you want to be a scratch golfer…? You scored a 79 at Augusta [Masters Golf Tournament], by the way, after just 18 months of golf…?
RF: Yeah I played really well. Since then, not so good. I feel golf is like a construction site for life. But I had a great time and I’m working on it. But now the summer comes and my focus shifts to tennis. I really would like to play some more again, hopefully play some exhibitions next year. Other than that, honestly, I’m looking forward to going to Wimbledon. And also enjoying some plays or musicals in London, seeing friends and the tennis community.
Roger Federer is looking forward to travelling the world with his family…and more Wimbledon 2025 action this week, of course. Image: Rolex
VJ: And a quick prediction [for Wimbledon 2025]? For the mens’ and women’s titles…?
RF: The draw has opened up a lot. I say maybe [Elena] Rybakina or [Aryna] Sabalenka. We’ll see. Once you reach the semis, all of a sudden the better ball strikers become the favourites, not just the better movers. On the mens’ side, Carlos [Alcaraz], Jannick [Sinner] and Novak [Djokovic]. I feel like it’s the three of them, and they all have an equal chance. Maybe Carlos has a slight edge, just because he’s two-time defending champion. Then perhaps Novak. We’ll see.
[Editor’s Note: some answers have been edited for length and clarity]
Football legend David Beckham was spotted at Wimbledon this week wearing a one-of-one Tudor model that was the envy of watch collectors everywhere.
Beckham watched a dramatic 4.5 hour battle between Wimbledon favourite Carlos Alcaraz and opponent Fabio Fogani. Beckham was sat with his mother at the game. Also present watching on Centre Court was former England football manager Gareth Southgate and actor Eddie Redmayne.
The newly knighted Beckham, who has been a Tudor global ambassador since 2017, wore a Tudor Black Bay Chrono, which was given to him by the watchmaker on his recent 50th birthday.
The model Beckham wore appears to be a variation on the 14mm Black Bay Chrono with a five-link bracelet. The centre of the bracelet are centre links set with diamonds. It also has a black lacquer dial and diamond indices.
Alongside him, more stunning watches were on show as Redmayne wore an OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades model in stainless steel (model no: 220.10.38.20.13.003).
The 38mm watch is notable for its terracotta coloured dial, which is lacquered and sun-brushed from the centre.
The new yellow gold model features a vibrant turquoise blue lacquer dial. The bright hue is sharply contrasted by black sub-dials, giving this iconic chronograph a fresh edge without losing its motorsport DNA. The black Cerachrom bezel with the signature tachymeter scale adds technical punch and balances the dial’s pop of colour.
Carlos Alcaraz wore ano Rolex Daytona – Ref Ref. 116500LN– when he won the championship at last year’s Wimbledon. This was a particularly rare watch, a now-discontinued model featuring a black Cerachrom bezel, yellow gold case and meteorite dial.
He also wore another rare Daytona in April for the opening of his new Netflix documentary. This model was A super rare platinum with a unique ice blue dial with a diamond set bezel. Read about it here.
Wimbledon 2026 is soon upon us, and here, we’re celebrating some of the best watches tennis players have worn through history.
Tennis players have always had great style when it comes to watches – be it Rafa Nadal on the court in a super-light Richard Mille, Björn Borg wearing a stunning Cartier or Roger Federer flexing his Rolex off the court – the players have always worn their watches well.
Here are nine of the best.
Björn Borg in Rolex
Five-times Wimbledon winner Bjorn Borg, AKA the ‘ice man’, could often be seen sporting a Rolex – like below in this classic photo with his arch tennis rival, John McEnroe, where he’s seen wearing a Rolex Dadjust on a Jubilee bracelet.
Borg’s relationship with Rolex goes way back. In the second photo here, you can see Borg in 1980 with Rolex CEO, André Heiniger. On the eve of the men’s finals at Wimbledon, Borg was up against McEnroe once more. Here, the CEO can be seen adjusting the watch strap on a fancy new Rolex for Borg, who went on to triumph in the match overall.
Since then, Borg has gone on to become a Rolex testimonee alongside his work as an ambassador for the sport. After his retirement from professional tennis, Borg went on serve as captain of Team Europe in the annual Laver Cup men’s team competition. At the end of his tenure as that, Borg was given another Rolex with his old sparring partner McEnroe, who also retired at the same time as Borg. Borg received a Rolex GMT-Master II with a commemorative engraving on its casebac. To match his captain’s jacket, he was given the GMT-Master II ‘batman’ on an Oyster bracelet.
Speaking about being a Rolex testimonee, Borg has said in the past: “Seeing the Rolex crown when I go to these exceptional events makes me extremely proud. I feel very honoured and happy that I’m part of the Rolex family, and it feels like I’m still part of the tournaments because of this relationship.”
The first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, Andy Murray was a British hero who played with grit, determination and style. Winning Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, his watch sponsor, pioneering Swiss brand Rado, were always by his side.
One of the best of these was the HyperChrome Automatic Chronograph. While there are several versions of this, Murray’s was the classic plain black edition. One of the classiest of the models he wore was the Rado Hypercrhrome XXL after winning Wimbledon in 2013.
Murray became a global ambassador for Rado in 2012. Rado CEO Matthias Breschan commented at the time: “Since 2012, sports fans have taken Andy to their hearts as a new tennis hero. We’re delighted that this cool Rado TVC shows Andy’s fun side as well as his dedication to his training. We are sure Andy’s fans will love it and are convinced it will continue to make Rado synonymous with tennis.”
Rado are known for using a range of ground-breaking materials to create some of the world’s most durable watches. Extremely lightweight, scratch-resistant and comfortable to wear – it’s the perfect brand for any tennis champion.
Two-times Wimbledon winner Rafael Nadal always looked stylish on the court – not least thanks to his love of Richard Mille watches. Picking up a massive 14 wins at the French open at Roland Garros, Nadal often lifted the trophy wearing his favourite watch brand. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their partnership together in 2020, Richard Mille created the RM27-04 Tourbillion Rafael Nadal.
The tonneau case of the watch is constructed from titanium with a black PVD coating in line with Richard Mille’s luxury style. Weighing just 30 grams, the dial of the watch is unique with calibre and hands suspended on a mesh of steel wires to mirror the strings of a tennis racket. The movement is visible on both sides of the watch thanks to some plush sapphire crystals. The watch also set a new record, being able to withstand accelerations of over 12,000g. The watch itself was limited to just 50 pieces. The watch was worth a cool million pounds upon its release – now, on the secondary market, it’s worth double this.
The tennis sensation and twenty-times Grand Slam winner turned heads in spring after he was spotted wearing the new unreleased Rolex Land-Dweller. Federer’s new stainless steel Rolex Land-Dweller was inspired by the clean, sleek design of the vintage Oyster quartz. The watch features a stylish flat Jubilee bracelet, a refined silver dial, and an open case-back, a unique choice for Rolex, known for traditionally closed backs.
The watch has a slimmer, flatter case designed for an integrated bracelet; the bracelet itself combines elements of Rolex’s famous Jubilee with the modern style of the iconic Royal Oak. Notably, it also features a hidden crown clasp, previously only seen on Rolex’s prestigious Presidential bracelets.
Roger Federer wearing the unreleased Rolex Land-Dweller ahead of Watches and Wonders 2025
Serena Williams, Audemars Piguet
One of the most enviable watch collections among tennis players is that by Serena Williams – particularly her collection of Audemars Piguet watches.
The prolific player, who won 23 Grand Slam titles during her professional career, stunned in May 2024 at the Met Gala wearing a unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The model worn by Williams was a variation of the openworked model that featured a flying tourbillon within a skeletonised construction.
The watch was Sand Gold in colour- and i’s unique shades chimed beautifully with Serena’s striking gold outfit on the night.
The renowned French player is an enthusiastic watch collector with, according to Mr Porter, 50 special timepieces to his name – and he’s even a judge at the Le Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève.
Mr Porter note that Monfils has sported some serious timepieces over the years – including a Patek Philippe Flyback Chrono, a Voutilainen GMT-6, a Chronomètre Bleu from F.P.Journe, and a Greubel Forsey GMT Sport. One of the most plush of these is most certainly the Patek Philippe Flyback Chrono. You can check out one of the models here:
The tennis ace – and favourite to win this year’s Wimbledon – recently became the proud owner of a rare new Rolex. Alcaraz showed off the watch most recently at the Madrid premiere of his new Netflix documentary series about his life to date, entitled Carlos Alcaraz: My Way. The watch in question was a Rolex Daytona 116576TBR, made entirely of platinum with a diamond set bezel and a cool, ice-blue dial.
The dial in question also has Arabic numerals. Rolex models with this feature are few and far between, making it an extremely sought after item. Estimates predict that on the secondary market alone, the watches sell for over £200,000. The watch had its first outing a little before the premiere of his new series at the Laureus Sports Awards on April 21, where he also made an appearance alongside the likes of tennis heroes Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Kelly Slater.
The Serbian tennis star is a noted watch lover and stands out for how he’s partnered with multiple watch brands over the years.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was first an ambassador for Audemars Piguet in 2011, before later switching to Seiko in 2014. Next, he partnered with Hublot.
One of the most standout watches of Djokovic’s career was when he wore the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “The Legacy” 26378IO. Limited to just 1500 pieces, Djokovic was spotted wearing the watch in 2015 when he won the tennis Masters title in Shanghai. When he was awarded his trophy, he was seen donning the 48mm piece which was produced in collaboration with action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger, after first being introduced in 2011.
The US tennis legend was one of the most charismatic, passionate and fiery tennis players of all time – but was cool when it came to his watch choices. No stranger to wearing a Rolex, one of the best came out of his work with Artisans de Genéve to create the “John McEnroe Lefty Project”.
Famously left-handed, the three times Wimbledon winner teamed up with the Swiss watchmaker to create a custom Rolex Submariner that wouldn’t get in the way of a left-hand pro player’s way during a match.
Part of the watch’s specification included the crown being repositioned to the left of the face, to make it more usable for a left hand user, as well as a unidirectional steel bezel instead of the usual ceramic offering. The rotor of the watch had a special customisation touch – being engraved with ‘John McEnroe’.
The tennis action has now kicked off at The All England Club, and here at Something About Rocks we just cannot get enough of Wimbledon style. Surely, no jewels get more of a boost from their time on Centre Court than tennis bracelets, which are beloved by everyone from Meghan Markle, Taylor Swift and Hailey Bieber (who likes to stack her classic diamond Tiffany & Co. bracelets) to Lenny Kravitz and Brooklyn Beckham.
Tennis bracelets serve up classic style that’s perfect for Wimbledon. (Image: Sophie Breitmeyer)
Originally called a ‘line’ bracelet, owing to its design which incorporates a delicate row of diamonds, the tennis bracelet has its roots in the 1920s. Back then, the diamond-set jewels were crafted from platinum – a relatively new precious metal beloved for its strength and silvery white sheen – and they quickly became accessory of choice for society hostesses.
But their popularity truly soared during the 1970s, when tennis pro Chris Evert was regularly photographed wearing them to matches, forever linking them to the sport (she famously once stopped play during the US Open in 1978 to retrieve her signature bracelet, which had snapped and fallen off her wrist).
A truly unisex piece today, tennis bracelets come in a multitude of gemstone colours and settings and are enjoying a stylistic revival thanks to the likes of Kate Moss, Meghan Markle, Lenny Kravitz, Pete Davidson and Michael B Jordan. Not to mention Zendaya, who helped put tennis style back in fashion’s spotlight last year with her fabulously themed looks to accompany the press tour of her film Challengers, which caused a 133% surge in online searches for tennis-style jewellery, including necklaces (as modelled above by Hailey Bieber).
Here, we serve up the best new tennis bracelets for you to up your own wrist stack game.
