We’ve been on the lookout for the outstanding timepieces that invariably turn up in the stands during each US Open as the tennis world’s fourth and final Grand Slam of 2023 has begun in Queens. And I’ll tell you, the hunt wasn’t particularly difficult. Rolex was obviously everywhere—the company had been the Open’s title sponsor since 2018—but other brands also made an appearance, such as the enormously well-known Audemars Piguet and the upscale independent maker De Béthune. (Believe it or not, the latter’s, ahem, not cheap pieces, were worn by two distinct players who really engaged in competition on the court.) Here are some of our favorites from the tournament thus far, without further ado.
Jimmy Butler’s Patek Philippe Nautilus
Jimmy Butler, a member of the Miami Heat, was spotted in the crowd sporting what appears to be one of the world’s hottest timepieces: the formerly available Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 5711. (For those who are counting, it seems to be a 5711/1A-010 with a blue dial.) Butler undoubtedly has the 5711, making that the most likely candidate. However, the watch might be the new 5811, the Nautilus with a navy blue dial in white gold.
The Patek 5711 retailed for about $35,000, however since its discontinuation in late 2021, this watch has appreciated to a value of between $100,000 and $120,000. Butler’s carries a wide selection of top-notch timepieces, including coveted Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Jacob & Co. pieces, but favors this exceptional Patek.
Butler’s work was not yet done. The following day, he sported yet another high-end grail outfit that forgoes the Nautilus’ traditional looks in favor of extravagant luxury: He matched his all-white Alo outfit with a Rolex Daytona Rainbow.
Queen Latifah’s Rolex Day-Date
In the audience, Queen Latifah donned a Rolex Day-Date along with a fantastic Jimi Hendrix T-shirt, combining it with gold jewelry equal to a small country’s GDP. Latifah is familiar with the Crown because she has previously been seen wearing Day-Dates as well as a two-tone 40mm Submariner reference 16613. The “President,” of course, is a great choice for the multi-hyphenate, award-winning native New Jerseyan; it is only available in precious metal and has long been a favorite among collectors, dignitaries, and celebrities since its introduction in 1956.
J Balvin’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
J Balvin, a famous singer from Colombia, was photographed wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. On the second day of the Open, Balvin wore one of the most famous watches in the world with a flamboyant all-green ensemble that included a knit polo, pleated pants, and big sunglasses while sitting at Arthur Ashe next to fiancée Valentina Ferrer. He is a well-known collector and has been seen wearing everything from Rolex to Richard Mille to Jacob & Co.
President Barack Obama’s Apple Watch
On August 28, while watching the men’s singles match at Arthur Ashe, the former president was seen sporting an Apple Watch. Obama, who does not consider himself to be a “watch guy,” has been seen wearing a Rolex Cellini (which, come on, Mr. President, would have been appropriate at the Open), a TAG Heuer 1500 Series Professional 200M (back when he was a senator, to be fair), a Jorg Gray 6500 Series with a Secret Service dial, and a unique collaboration watch from Active Black and Teleport Watches designed to promote Black-owned businesses.
Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul’s De Bethunes
It was a big week for De Bethune, a high-end independent Swiss watchmaker.: During their first-round matches, American stars Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul both rocked the brand’s DB28xs Starry Seas in titanium with a gorgeous guilloché dial. Measuring 38.7mm and 7.4mm tall, this is a wildly cool, totally futuristic-looking watch—and at $90,000 retail, not something one expects to see on the court. (Or, at least it wouldn’t have been until a certain someone began wearing Richard Mille while swinging his racket.)
Taylor Zakhar Perez’s Tag Heuer Carrera “Glassbox”
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What do the Glassbox and Zakhar Perez have in common? They are both current celebrities. One of the hottest pieces of the year is the Carrera Glassbox, which Zakhar Perez and the sizzling new film Red, White, and Royal Blue both feature. This attractive contemporary version of the Carrera was created by Tag Heuer by reimagining a vintage model with a domed crystal. At Arthur Ashe Stadium, another instant classic timepiece.