The world of professional sports is a realm of extraordinary talent and immense wealth. With such substantial earnings, it’s no surprise that many athletes gravitate towards luxury items as a symbol of their success. Nowhere is this more evident than on their wrists.
Tennis, a sport synonymous with elegance and precision, has produced some of the most iconic athletes of our time. Carlos Alcaraz, the young prodigy who recently clinched his second Wimbledon title, epitomizes this new generation of sporting royalty. His choice of timepiece for this momentous occasion was a testament to his refined taste: a Rolex Daytona, a watch as legendary as the player himself.
Across the net, Novak Djokovic, a seasoned veteran of the sport, opted for the bold and contemporary Hublot Big Bang as he accepted the runner-up trophy. This choice is indicative of the Swiss watchmaker’s growing influence in the world of sports and luxury.
Football, another global spectacle, also boasts its fair share of watch connoisseurs. Kylian Mbappé, a rising star in the sport, made headlines not only for his record-breaking transfer but also for his choice of wristwear. The young French forward was spotted with a Hublot timepiece, a nod to the brand’s reputation for innovation and prestige.
These examples highlight the symbiotic relationship between luxury watches and elite athletes. As the world of sports continues to evolve, so too does the fashion and lifestyle choices of its stars. And it seems that timepieces have become an indispensable accessory for these modern-day icons.
Carlos Alcaraz once again reigned supreme at Wimbledon, defeating Novak Djokovic in a repeat of last year’s final. The match was a spectacle not only for tennis fans but also for watch enthusiasts. Alcaraz celebrated his victory with the iconic Rolex Cosmograph Daytona adorned with a rare meteorite dial, a model now discontinued by Rolex. This particular timepiece, with its 18-karat yellow gold case and black Cerachrom bezel, has become a highly coveted collector’s item, commanding prices of around $100,000 on the secondary market. Djokovic, meanwhile, remained loyal to his Hublot Big Bang, mirroring his consistent performance as the sport’s perennial contender.
Novak Djokovic‘s Wimbledon woes continued this year as he suffered his second consecutive defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final. The Serbian tennis star was once again spotted wearing his Hublot Big Bang Integrated Green Ceramic timepiece, a watch that hasn’t brought him luck at the All England Club. The limited-edition timepiece, featuring a striking green ceramic case and skeleton dial, is priced at $24,100. While Djokovic previously enjoyed success wearing a different Hublot model, the Big Bang Meca-10 Ceramic Blue, after his French Open victory last year, it seems the green ceramic variant might be jinxed.
Kylian Mbappé‘s high-profile move to Real Madrid was marked by more than just a new football jersey. The French superstar arrived at his new club sporting a luxurious Hublot Square Bang Unico on his wrist. This cutting-edge timepiece, unveiled by Hublot in 2022, boasts a unique square design, a departure from the brand’s iconic Big Bang shape. Mbappé’s version is crafted from 18-karat King Gold and features a striking blue ceramic bezel and skeletonized dial. With a price tag of $41,600, the watch is a fitting accessory for one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
Tiger Woods, the golfing legend, has long been associated with luxury and prestige, and his watch collection is no exception. Two iconic Rolex models have become synonymous with the golfer: the GMT-Master II and the Sea-Dweller Deepsea. The Rolex GMT-Master II, specifically the two-tone yellow gold and steel 116713LN, is a classic choice that perfectly complements Woods’s on-course style. This discontinued model has seen a significant rise in value on the secondary market, currently commanding around $21,700. For those seeking a more robust and adventurous timepiece, Woods often opts for the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 116660. Renowned for its exceptional water resistance and innovative Ringlock system, this watch is a testament to both style and functionality. While not as rare as the GMT-Master II, the Deepsea still holds its value, with prices hovering around $16,000.
Roger Federer, the tennis maestro, made headlines not just for his on-court prowess but also for his impeccable taste. Case in point: the Rolex Daytona ‘Orange’ – a rare 18k yellow gold stunner with orange sapphires – is a collector’s dream with a retail price of $86,750 and an off-catalog status, it’s a rare gem that commands astronomical prices on the secondary market. Rolex’s innovative GMT-Master II ‘Sprite’ boasts a left-handed design and green-black bezel, commanding $33,000. And finally, the iconic Day-Date 40 in 18k rose gold, priced around $63,000, is the epitome of luxury timekeeping.
Canelo Alvarez, boxing champion is known for his prowess in the ring, but his taste for luxury extends beyond the boxing arena. His watch collection is a testament to his success. The Richard Mille 055 ‘Bubba Watson’ is a standout piece. Originally designed for the golfer, this limited-edition timepiece boasts a unique design inspired by the RM 038. With a retail price of $120,000 and a market value soaring to around $400,000, it’s a clear indicator of its exclusivity. Another crown jewel in Canelo’s collection is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph in Rose Gold. This timepiece, with its distinctive black horizontal embossing and 18k rose gold accents, is a coveted piece among watch enthusiasts. Priced at approximately $300,000 on the secondary market, it’s a testament to Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal. To commemorate his victories, Canelo partnered with Roger Dubuis to create the Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon ‘Canelo Victory’. This limited-edition masterpiece, priced at $325,000, is a fitting tribute to the champion’s achievements.
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian football superstar, is renowned for his on-field brilliance and off-field style. His watch collection is a testament to his luxurious taste. The Rolex Daytona ‘Eye of the Tiger’ is a standout piece, featuring a diamond-studded tiger-print dial and a gem-set bezel. This extraordinary timepiece, with its 40mm yellow gold case, commands a staggering market price of around $300,000. Neymar’s love for unique timepieces is evident in his choice of the Rolex Pearlmaster with a Cognac dial. The watch’s bezel, adorned with 48 baguette-cut sapphires in varying shades of orange and yellow, creates a stunning visual effect. The rich cognac dial and diamond hour markers elevate this piece to a level of opulence rarely seen. The Rolex GMT-Master II Diamond bezel and dial is another testament to Neymar’s penchant for luxury. With a diamond, ruby, and sapphire-studded bezel and dial, this rare 40mm timepiece carries a hefty retail price of $185,000.
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s status as a global icon is matched only by his extraordinary taste in luxury timepieces. The Portuguese football superstar boasts a watch collection that is as impressive as his career. The Girard Perregaux Planetarium Tri-Axial is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Ronaldo’s collection. Fully adorned with baguette-cut diamonds, this timepiece commands a staggering market value of approximately $1.7 million. Another standout piece is the Hublot Masterpiece MP09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis in King Gold. Its 49mm case and ornate design perfectly complement Ronaldo’s imposing stature. With a market value of around $1 million, this watch is a testament to the brand’s horological expertise. The Jacob & Co. Grand Baguette Diamond completes this triumvirate of luxury. Featuring five dials and an astounding 761 diamonds, this $1 million timepiece is a bold statement of wealth and style. Ronaldo’s watch collection is a testament to his status as a global icon and a connoisseur of fine horology.
Lionel Messi, the football maestro, is known for his exceptional talent on the field. His impeccable taste extends to his wrist, as evidenced by his impressive watch collection. The Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980R is a cornerstone of Messi’s collection. This iconic timepiece, with its rose gold case and sporty elegance, commands a market price of approximately $130,000. Messi’s love for unique timepieces is evident in the Rolex Submariner Date 116659SABR. The watch’s stunning blue dial, adorned with sapphires and diamonds, is a testament to Rolex’s mastery of luxury. With a retail price of $92,000 and a secondary market value of around $220,000, it’s a highly coveted piece. The Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi is a personalized tribute to the football legend. Inspired by the Argentine flag, this timepiece showcases Jacob & Co.’s expertise in combining artistry and horology. Priced at $150,000, it’s a fitting addition to Messi’s impressive watch collection. These timepieces reflect Messi’s status as a global icon and his discerning taste for luxury.
