Wimbledon’s Best Watches Federer Rolex and Serena AP

There is no sporting event quite like Wimbledon. The pristine grass courts of SW19, the strict all-white dress code for players, the strawberries and cream, and the undeniable sense of historic prestige make it a highlight of the summer social and athletic calendar. But for style enthusiasts and horological obsessives, the real action often happens just off the court. Wimbledon has quietly evolved into the unofficial World Cup of watch spotting.

At the 2026 tournament, the stakes were higher than ever. With royalty, Hollywood A-listers, and tennis legends filling the stands, the wrist game on display was nothing short of spectacular. While there were plenty of incredible timepieces making appearances, two names stood head and shoulders above the rest, representing the absolute pinnacle of luxury watch culture: Roger Federer and his legendary partnership with Rolex, and Serena Williams showcasing the bold, avant-garde elegance of Audemars Piguet.

Let’s take a closer look at the stunning timepieces that stole the show at Wimbledon this year, starting with the undisputed king of style himself.

Roger Federer and Rolex: The Timeless Partnership at Center Court

When Roger Federer retired from professional tennis, fans feared they might see less of the Swiss maestro. Thankfully, his annual pilgrimage to the Wimbledon Royal Box remains a guaranteed highlight. Federer has long been the gold standard for sartorial elegance in sports, and his relationship with Rolex is arguably the most successful partnership in watch history. In 2026, Roger did not disappoint, treating watch enthusiasts to a masterclass in horological curation.

This year, Federer was spotted wearing a stunning, highly exclusive Rolex Day-Date 40 in 18-karat everose gold, featuring a mesmerizing slate-grey dial. The combination of the warm pink gold tones with the rich, deep grey dial perfectly complemented his impeccably tailored cream summer suit. It was a choice that whispered luxury rather than shouting it—a hallmark of Federer’s personal style.

But that wasn’t the only crown-stamped masterpiece Roger brought to London. Earlier in the tournament, he was seen wearing a rare, off-catalog Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. This particular model featured a gem-set bezel with gradient sapphires that caught the rare British sunshine beautifully. Here is why Federer’s Rolex collection remains unmatched at Wimbledon:

• Sartorial Harmony: Unlike active players who must wear sports models, Roger can pair high-complication, precious-metal dress watches with his bespoke tailored suits.
• Historical Continuity: Rolex has been the official timekeeper of Wimbledon since 1978. As the brand’s premier ambassador, Federer represents the perfect bridge between the heritage of the tournament and the future of the brand.
• Versatility: Whether opting for a classic Oyster Perpetual with a vibrant dial or a highly complex Sky-Dweller, Federer knows exactly how to match his timepiece to the vibe of the day.

Federer’s watch choices are a reminder that while trends come and go, classic style is permanent. His 2026 lineup proved once again why he remains the ultimate king of the Royal Box.

Serena Williams and Audemars Piguet: Bold Elegance on and off the Grass

If Roger Federer represents the classical, traditional side of watch collecting, Serena Williams represents the bold, barrier-breaking, and fashion-forward side. Serena’s partnership with the historic Holy Trinity manufacturer Audemars Piguet (AP) has always been a match made in heaven. During her playing days, she famously wore her AP Royal Oak on the court—a testament to the durability of the brand’s haute horlogerie.

At Wimbledon 2026, Serena sat courtside looking radiant, wearing a timepiece that turned heads across the entire stadium: an 18-karat yellow gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding featuring a striking turquoise dial. The vibrant blue-green of the natural turquoise stone offered a breathtaking contrast against the rich yellow gold of the iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet.

This choice was brilliant for several reasons. Turquoise dials have become highly coveted in the watch world, and AP’s execution on the Royal Oak is a masterclass in materials science and aesthetic design. The watch perfectly matched Serena’s vibrant, colorful outfit, proving that high watchmaking doesn’t have to be stuffy or conservative.

Serena’s love affair with Audemars Piguet is defined by a few key elements that make her watch spotting incredibly exciting:

First, she embraces unisex styling. Serena has never been one to stick to traditional “ladies’ watches.” She frequently opts for 37mm, 39mm, and even 41mm Royal Oaks, proving that style and presence know no gender boundaries. Second, she values mechanical art. Her watches are not just jewelry pieces; they are mechanical marvels featuring intricate automatic movements and high-end finishes. Finally, she possesses unmatched confidence. Wearing a heavy, solid-gold AP to a casual afternoon tennis match is a power move that only a 23-time Grand Slam champion can pull off with such effortless grace.

Other Horological Highlights: What Else Caught Our Eye at Wimbledon 2026

While Federer and Serena dominated the headlines, the court and stands of Wimbledon 2026 were absolutely swimming with other jaw-dropping timepieces. The modern tennis world is deeply intertwined with luxury watchmaking, and the current generation of stars brought their best wrist game to the tournament.

The young Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, also a prominent Rolex ambassador, was spotted lifting the trophy while wearing a gorgeous Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with a meteorite dial. The raw, cosmic texture of the dial served as a fitting metaphor for Alcaraz’s out-of-this-world talent and explosive style of play.

Meanwhile, on the active court, we saw several players sporting high-performance timepieces designed to withstand the immense G-forces of a 130 mph serve. Richard Mille made a strong showing, with several athletes wearing the brand’s ultra-lightweight, shock-resistant titanium and carbon TPT models. These watches, weighing barely more than a sheet of paper, are engineered specifically for high-impact sports and look like miniature racing machines on the wrist.

Even the spectators contributed to the horological spectacle. From classic Cartier Tanks worn by British acting royalty to vintage Patek Philippe chronographs spotted in the exclusive VIP lounges, Wimbledon 2026 proved that the appreciation for fine watchmaking is stronger than ever among the global elite.

Conclusion

Wimbledon has always been about more than just tennis; it is a celebration of culture, style, tradition, and excellence. The 2026 tournament perfectly captured this spirit, serving as a dazzling stage for some of the world’s finest timepieces.

Roger Federer’s curated selection of classic, elegant Rolexes showed us that sophistication never goes out of style, maintaining his status as the ultimate ambassador of tennis elegance. On the other hand, Serena Williams’ bold, vibrant Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reminded us that luxury can be fun, expressive, and incredibly powerful.

As the sun sets on another historic tournament at SW19, one thing is abundantly clear: whether you are looking at the scoreboard or the wrists of the legends in the stands, keeping time at Wimbledon is an art form all its own. We already can’t wait to see what treasures will emerge from the watch boxes for next year’s tournament!