The 15 Best Watches at the 2026 US Open (So Far)

The 2026 season marks a particularly poignant moment for the world’s most famous watch brand, Rolex, as it celebrates the centenary of its most foundational innovation. This historical weight was palpable when Roger Federer, the man whose name is practically synonymous with both tennis excellence and Rolex prestige, stepped onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium for a practice session. Despite his retirement from professional tour play, Federer remains the ultimate ambassador of the sport, and his choice of wristwear for a friendly match against Lorenzo Musetti was a masterclass in "hype" horology. He was spotted wearing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 134300, a 41mm stainless steel model featuring the "Jubilee" dial. This specific dial is a celebratory mosaic of multi-colored tiles that spell out the brand’s name, a playful departure from the usually staid aesthetics of the Oyster Perpetual line. Released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Oyster case—the world’s first waterproof wristwatch housing—the Ref. 134300 has become one of the most elusive and sought-after pieces of the decade. Seeing it on Federer’s wrist during active play was a bold statement; while most players opt for ultra-light carbon composites, Federer’s willingness to swing a racquet with the heft of a steel bracelet speaks to the durability of the Oyster Perpetual’s construction and his own effortless grace.

If Federer represented the modern celebratory spirit of the brand, Jimmy Fallon brought the weight of history to the courtside. The late-night host outshone the field of collectors by wearing what is arguably the most famous chronograph in existence: the Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" Ref. 6239. To the uninitiated, it is a vintage steel watch; to the collector, it is a holy grail. Named after the legendary actor and racer who made the "exotic dial" variants famous in the 1980s, the Paul Newman Daytona is characterized by its art-deco font in the sub-dials and a contrasting outer seconds track. Fallon’s Ref. 6239 is particularly significant as it is the exact reference Newman himself wore—a piece that famously fetched $17.8 million at auction in 2017. By wearing this "starter Newman" to the Open, Fallon bridged the gap between Hollywood royalty and sporting tradition, proving that vintage steel still holds a unique power in a world of modern precious metals.

The Daytona theme continued with a contemporary twist on the wrist of Carlos Alcaraz. The young phenom, who has quickly become the face of tennis’s new generation, wore the Rolex Daytona "Le Mans." This edition was launched to celebrate the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, featuring a unique "100" on the tachymeter scale highlighted in red ceramic. Available in yellow gold and the highly coveted white gold, the "Le Mans" Daytona is a rare bird in the Rolex catalog, produced for a strictly limited window. Alcaraz’s choice reflects his own career trajectory: high-speed, precision-oriented, and steeped in the pursuit of legendary status. The watch’s reverse panda dial, a nod to the vintage Ref. 6263, makes it a connoisseur’s choice that stands out even in the most crowded VIP suites.

While Rolex dominated the volume of sightings, the "independent" sector of watchmaking made a loud, avant-garde impression through Travis Scott and Donna Vekić. Scott, a known aficionado of the extreme, was seen wearing the Richard Mille RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon. This piece is a testament to the brand’s ability to fuse disparate inspirations—in this case, the fluid organic shapes of the ocean and the sharp, mathematical precision of Gothic architecture. The RM 75-01 is a mechanical marvel, utilizing a flying tourbillon to counteract the effects of gravity on the movement’s accuracy, all housed in a case that looks like it was salvaged from a futuristic shipwreck. It is a watch that defies traditional luxury conventions, much like Scott’s own influence on music and fashion.

On the court, Donna Vekić provided one of the most technically interesting sightings of the tournament with her F.P. Journe Élégante. This is not a standard quartz watch; it is an electro-mechanical masterpiece designed to last for decades without a battery change. The Élégante features a motion sensor at 4:30; if the watch remains stationary for 35 minutes, it enters a "sleep mode" to conserve energy, while a microprocessor continues to keep time. The moment the watch is moved—such as when Vekić prepares for a serve—the hands automatically whir into the correct position. It is the perfect marriage of high-performance athletics and high-concept watchmaking, offering the accuracy of quartz with the soul and finishing of an independent master like François-Paul Journe.

The feminine side of horology was represented with equal vigor by Kaia Gerber and Marta Kostyuk. Gerber opted for the "mini" yellow gold Panthère de Cartier, a watch that functions as much as a piece of jewelry as a timekeeper. The Panthère, with its five-link bracelet and square bezel, has been a staple of the "in-crowd" since the 1980s, worn by everyone from Keith Richards to Madonna. Its revival in recent years as a gender-fluid fashion icon was solidified by Gerber’s styling, pairing the gold "mini" with a minimalist black dress. Meanwhile, Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk chose a more robust but equally luxurious Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5067A for her match play. The Aquanaut is Patek’s vision of "sporting chic," and Kostyuk’s version, featuring a diamond-set bezel and a striking blue dial, was paired with a custom fabric strap. Wearing a diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe during a high-intensity Grand Slam match is perhaps the ultimate "flex," signaling a level of confidence and success that transcends the scoreboard.

Not all great watches at the 2026 Open required a six-figure investment, however. Duncan Robinson, the NBA sharpshooter and noted watch enthusiast, earned the title of "man of the people" by wearing the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT. Often referred to as the "Coke" due to its black and burgundy bezel, this watch represents one of the best values in modern horology. At a price point of roughly $5,275, it offers a COSC-certified movement and a vintage-inspired aesthetic that holds its own alongside the more expensive Rolexes in the room. Robinson’s choice highlights a growing trend among younger athletes who appreciate the heritage and "tool watch" credibility of Tudor, the more adventurous sibling of Rolex.

The classic "Presidential" look was upheld by Russell Wilson, who was spotted in a solid yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date Ref. 228238. With its iconic fluted bezel, Roman numeral dial, and the three-link President bracelet, this watch remains the international shorthand for power and achievement. It is a conservative choice, but in the context of the US Open, it acts as an anchor of traditional luxury amidst the more experimental pieces worn by his peers. Similarly, Grant Hill provided a "palate cleanser" with his stainless steel Rolex Daytona Ref. 116520. As the previous generation of the steel Daytona, the 116520 is revered for its steel bezel and in-house caliber 4130 movement. It is a purist’s watch—functional, durable, and devoid of the "bling" that defines many modern sightings.

Rounding out the eclectic mix were Orlando Bloom and Lindsey Vonn. Bloom, a brand ambassador for Porsche Design, showcased the 1975 Limited Edition Chronograph 1. This titanium-cased masterpiece is a tribute to the world’s first black-cased watch, originally designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. Its matte black dial and stark white indices are designed for maximum legibility, echoing the dashboard of a 911. Vonn, on the other hand, went for maximum visibility with the Rolex Daytona "Rainbow" Ref. 116505. Featuring a bezel set with 36 baguette-cut sapphires in a rainbow gradation and mid-case lugs encrusted with diamonds, the "Rainbow" is the peak of Rolex’s gem-setting prowess. It is a watch that demands attention, much like Vonn’s own legendary career in alpine skiing.

As the 2026 US Open progresses into its second week, the diversity of timepieces on display continues to evolve. From the "Smurf" Submariner on Carl Radke’s wrist to the two-tone "yassified" Submariner worn by Queen Latifah, the tournament has become a living museum of horological history. These watches are more than just tools for telling time; they are markers of personal milestones, symbols of cultural belonging, and in many cases, serious financial assets. Whether it is a vintage Paul Newman or a modern "Coke" GMT, the watches of the US Open tell a story of a sport that is as much about the elegance of the lifestyle as it is about the power of the game. Collectors and fans alike should keep their eyes peeled—as the finals approach, the "heavy hitters" of the watch world are undoubtedly still waiting in the wings.