For tennis aficionados around the world, the US Open is a legendary event. One of tennis’ four grand slam tournaments, the US Open takes place in New York City – in Queens, to be exact – at Arthur Ashe Stadium and the surrounding campus. In addition to its status as a must-watch sporting event, it is also a hallmark of fashion, both on and off the court.
Tennis players and spectators alike get decked out in their country club finest to witness this celebration of athleticism, finesse, and speed. The event’s luxe sponsors, which include Rolex, Moët & Chandon, Ralph Lauren, Grey Goose, and American Express set the tone for the nearly three-week tournament, which began on August 19, 2024.
Whether you have the chance to soak up the exciting atmosphere of the US Open while sipping on the iconic “honey deuce” drink from your stadium seat or tune in from your TV at home, tennis is far from the only thing to watch. Every year, celebrities flock to the US Open en masse, and we get to enjoy outfits, accessories, and flair that is unique to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
One of our favorite accessories to look for? You guessed it – luxury wristwatches! Let’s take a look at the best styles on and off the court this year… Plus, discover where to get similar watches to add to your own collection.
Iga Swiatek’s Rolex Lady Datejust
Ranked number 1 by the Women’s Tennis Association, Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek has been dominating the courts so far in this year’s tournament. But her tennis game isn’t the only thing that has her turning heads. Swiatek is notoriously well-dressed, and frequently dons chic Nike apparel. Her reserved personality has attracted numerous luxury brands to court her favor, including the likes of Rolex, Lancome, Porsche, and On shoes. At this year’s US Open, she has been photographed wearing a striking gold Rolex watch.
Swiatek’s Rolex Lady-Datejust is a smaller version of the classic Datejust models, which have cases ranging from 31 mm to 41 mm in size. Her more diminutive watch, however, opts for a smaller 28 mm case, which is perfect for a more delicate wrist. If you want to get your hands on a striking Rolex watch reminiscent of Swiatek’s, don’t hesitate to explore our large selection at Avi & Co. Our New York City showroom is the perfect place to visit while you are in the Big Apple to enjoy the tennis world’s paramount event.
The Rolex Datejust pictured above offers a 28 mm case size – the same as Swiatek’s current favorite Rolex watch – as well as a mother of pearl dial and an 18K rose gold case and bracelet. Additionally, diamond hour markers adorn the face of the watch, making every minute tick away in style. The hues of this watch take it perfectly from summer into fall and even winter, making this Rolex a wardrobe staple that will never go out of style.
Jannik Sinner’s Rolex Submariner Date
Tennis player Janik Sinner has similarly been turning heads on the court with his choice of Rolex watches. Sinner, who hails from Italy, is ranked number 1 in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and is seeded to take the trophy at the US Open. Is it a coincidence that the top seeds on both the men’s and women’s sides of the tournament are wearing Rolexes this year? We think not.
Which Rolex watch has Jannik Sinner been favoring recently? There is no doubt that the Rolex Submariner is currently at the top of his list. He has been photographed in his two-tone watch numerous times throughout the tournament, showing off its striking blue dial and its combination of stainless steel and 18K yellow gold.
Not all Rolex Submariner watches come with the date display, but Jannik Sinner’s favorite model does. And the best news? We have one just like it in stock at Avi & Co. This Rolex Submariner Date (Reference #126613LB) offers a 70-hour power reserve, water resistance up to 300 meters, a unidirectional rotatable dial with a Cerachrom insert, and a solid-link Oyster Steel bracelet. In other words, this is a classic Rolex ready to be passed down for generations.
Michael Che’s Rolex Day-Date
The tennis players themselves are not the only ones turning heads at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The US Open is a hotbed of celebrity sightings, and many of those celebrities are decked out in their finest watches. One such figure? Michael Che, co-host of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” segment. Che has been hosting this skit alongside Colin Jost (husband of Scarlett Johansson) for years. So what was on his wrist at the US Open? None other than the iconic Rolex Day Date.
Michael Che is the master of combining quiet luxury with statement pieces like this Rolex Day-Date watch, which we have in stock at Avi & Co. Che soaked in the best of tennis at the US Open in light-wash jeans, a coral-colored hoodie, and a backward blue baseball cap. But the true star of his outfit was the Rolex Day-Date he wore on his left wrist.
At Avi & Co., you will find a strikingly similar watch. As evidenced by Che’s lowkey styling, this piece can go perfectly with casual summer outfits as well as business casual ensembles and even formalwear. The 18K yellow gold bracelet and case are perfectly complemented by the white dial, featuring roman numerals to tell the time. As the Day-Date name suggests, you will also find a day of the week display and a day of the month display.
Serena Williams’s Audemars Piguet Watch
It might seem like Rolex watches were the ones to beat at this year’s US Open – but they were far from the only luxury watch contender in the ring. Tennis legend Serena Williams has been spotted at the US Open virtually every day, and she has been showing off her collection of Audemars Piguet watches. Williams is a known ambassador of the brand, and she has turned heads throughout Arthur Ashe Stadium this year as she rocks both classic and modern Audemars Piguet models.
Earlier in the tournament, Williams watched her favorite game wearing a denim-on-denim outfit that she accessorized with one of Audemars Piguet’s newest releases, a Code 11.59 watch.
The Code 11.59 watch was released in 2019 and was a stark contrast to previous Audemars Piguet pieces, such as the Royal Oak line. Where Royal Oak watches feature a diving-inspired octagonal bezel, the Code 11.59 line opts for a smoother and sleeker finish with circular faces and fabric or leather straps. While the watch initially received mixed reactions upon its debut, it has now become popular among watch enthusiasts around the world – including Serena Williams. But not to worry, she also showed some Audemars Piguet favorites some love…
Later in the tournament, Serena Williams was seen wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, the sportier younger sibling of the classic Royal Oak line. The Royal Oak Offshore collection typically opts for bigger, bolder faces, giving it a more rugged look. Additionally, the line features some rubber bracelet watches, which adds an athletic flair to what might traditionally be considered a dress watch.
Either way, there is no question that Serena Williams pulls off the oversize Royal Oak Offshore brilliantly. Her tennis-inspired attire throughout the tournament (she has been photographed on multiple days wearing tennis skort-style bottoms in various non-athletic fabrics) melds with the versatile aesthetic of the Royal Oak Offshore perfectly.
Want to channel Serena Williams’ iconic style? Look no further than Avi & Co., where we are proud to showcase an elite selection of Audemars Piguet watches, both pre-owned and never worn. If we don’t have exactly what you are looking for, we will do everything in our power to source it for you.
The Luxe Watches Taking the Tennis World by Storm
These featured pieces are just a few of the many eye-catching watches that we have spotted this year at the US Open. Historically, Rolex watches have stolen the show – but with the partnership between Audemars Piguet and Serena Williams as well as some more recent horological newcomers to the tennis scene, we might be looking at a shakeup in the years ahead. For instance, tennis great Rafael Nadal was seen sporting the iconic tonneau-shaped Richard Mille watches at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
Which watches are you hoping to see at this year’s US Open? With celebrities across the globe flocking to New York to enjoy this event, there are sure to be even more luxury watch sightings coming our way. If you’re looking for the perfect watch to accompany you to Arthur Ashe Stadium, look no further than Avi & Co. After a morning spent in our luxurious Manhattan showroom, you are sure to be the best-dressed spectator in the bleachers.
