Introduction

The 2026 US Open will be remembered not just for epic rallies and championship points, but also for the luxury timepieces scattered across Arthur Ashe Stadium and the player lounges. From seasoned Grand Slam champions to rising stars, the tournament has become an unofficial runway for horology, where every match pause reveals another coveted watch on the wrist.

What Happened

Opening week set the tone with a wave of high-profile wristwear. Roger Federer's vintage-inspired Rolex Oyster Perpetual Jubilee dial drew immediate attention, while Kaia Gerber added understated elegance in a yellow gold Cartier Panthère mini. Travis Scott turned heads with a Richard Mille RM 75-01 flying tourbillon inspired by oceanic depths and Gothic architecture, and John Mulaney proved style doesn't require a six-figure price tag in a clean Timex Marlin with a green leather strap. Across the stands, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and emerging brands were spotted on everyone from tennis stars to celebrities, turning the tournament into a moving exhibition of contemporary and vintage luxury.

  • Federer's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Jubilee dial commanded the practice courts.
  • Kaia Gerber's Cartier Panthère mini brought refined gold-to-bracelet harmony.
  • Travis Scott's Richard Mille RM 75-01 blended nautical and architectural design cues.
  • John Mulaney's Timex Marlin offered accessible style with a white dial and green strap.

Why This Matters

Tennis tournaments have long served as informal showcases for watch brands, but the 2026 US Open highlighted a broader shift: the blending of sport, celebrity, and horology is now a central narrative. These sightings influence collector interest, drive conversation around new releases, and reinforce how luxury watches function as both personal style statements and cultural markers. For fans and collectors alike, the tournament offers a real-time pulse of what's gaining traction on and off the court.

Key Takeaways

  • Rolex dominated the early and late rounds, with Daytonas, Day-Dates, and Submariners appearing across multiple players and celebrities.
  • Patek Philippe and Cartier continued their strong presence, appealing to both classic and modern aesthetics.
  • Brands like Richard Mille, Jacob & Co., and F.P. Journe featured complex complications for those seeking haute horlogerie on the wrist.
  • Affordable entries, including Timex and G-Shock, proved that tournament style isn't exclusive to six-figure price tags.
  • Women's and men's wear both embraced a mix of sporty and dressy silhouettes, reflecting the event's broad fashion reach.

Conclusion

The 2026 US Open already established itself as a notable date on the watch-world calendar, with more match days and celebrity appearances ahead. Whether you're tracking trends, scouting for inspiration, or simply enjoy the intersection of sport and style, the tournament's wristwear lineup offers plenty to watch—and plenty more to come as the tournament progresses.