The Wimbledon watch spectacle: A spectacle of style and sophistication
Wimbledon, the iconic tennis tournament, is not just about the thrilling matches and the elegant all-white attire. It's also a showcase of style and sophistication, with players and fans alike donning some of the most outrageous and exquisite watches. From classic timepieces to modern marvels, the watches at Wimbledon are a spectacle in themselves, reflecting the wearers' personalities and tastes.
One of the most notable watches on display was Roger Federer's Rolex Datejust II. Federer, a Rolex ambassador, chose the Datejust II, an upsized version of the brand's famed date-equipped watch, to pair with his slick double-breasted number. The silver dial and Oyster bracelet made it a quintessential 2000s watch, though some might argue that 36mm is still the classic size for a Datejust. Federer, however, wore it with style, as always.
David Beckham, another style icon, rocked a Tudor Black Bay 58. The Black Bay 58, a fan favorite, is a modern version of a classic midcentury Tudor Submariner. Beckham paired it with a dapper grey double-breasted suit, showcasing its versatility and elegance. The watch is water-resistant to 200m, making it a practical and stylish choice.
Serena Williams, a global brand ambassador for Audemars Piguet, chose a new Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph for her return to tennis at Wimbledon. The 37mm titanium watch boasts a steel bezel set with 32 diamonds and a candy-pink Lady Tapisserie dial with a triple-register chronograph display. The rubber strap ensures comfort, even at high speeds.
James Norton, the House of Guinness and House of the Dragon star, opted for a Breitling Top Time B31. The 38mm watch has a solid-color dial, a brushed and polished multi-link bracelet, and an automatic B31 movement. Norton paired it with a grey blazer, making it a sporty-elegant choice for the summer.
Aaron-Taylor Johnson, rumored to be the next James Bond, wore an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M. The 42mm steel watch has a black "wave" dial, a matching unidirectional dive bezel, a helium escape valve, and a black rubber bracelet. It's the perfect piece of kit for a man ready to take on a bunch of henchmen with submachine guns.
Matt Friend, not to be outdone, chose a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. The watch, released in 2025, features a pretty turquoise dial and the iconic Rolex Daytona. It's a trend that has taken the industry by storm.
Aaron Gordon, meanwhile, opted for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a sandy-toned dial. The watch, with its muted colors like sage, lavender, and beige, was a favorite among the press and fanboys at Watches and Wonders last year.
Richard E. Grant, the Swazi-British actor, rocked a white linen suit and two watches. On his left wrist was a steel-and-red-gold Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph, while on his right was a Santos de Cartier in steel and 18k yellow gold. The double-wristing was a spectacle in itself, with Grant keeping the Navitimer on local time and the Cartier on Swaziland time to honor his birthplace.
Andrew Garfield, the celebrity spotted with an unreleased IWC Ingenieur, chose the new Ingenieur Automatic 35 ref. IW324902. The midsize watch, with its blue-green "Pool" color, is the perfect bit of wristwear for summer outings.
Jason Flemyng, the movie-going favorite, opted for a Rolex Milgauss. The watch, with its signature green-tinted crystal, seems like the perfect bit of wristwear for a man who once played Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Milgauss, developed for engineers and those working around magnetic fields, adds a layer of intrigue to Flemyng's dapper turn at Wimbledon.
In conclusion, the Wimbledon watch spectacle is a fascinating blend of style, sophistication, and personal expression. From classic Rolex Datejusts to modern Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks, the watches on display reflect the wearers' personalities and tastes. It's a spectacle that adds a new dimension to the iconic tennis tournament, making it even more captivating for watch enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike.
