Carlos Alcaraz’s crushing victory over Jannik Sinner in the 2025 U.S. Open Men’s Finals made for great TV. But in a sense, Rolex was the real winner, as both players, the top two in the world, are ambassadors, or “testimonees” for the brand, along with numerous other tennis aces who participated in the tournament – which itself is sponsored by Rolex.
Rolex also made headlines simply by hosting President Trump it its suite, possibly an act of diplomacy designed to soften the President’s stance on Swiss tariffs, which could potentially cut into the watchmaker’s profits at some point. Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour certainly played the role of gracious host as he welcomed the President to the event.
Little wonder than that Rolex’s impeccable watches dominate this list. While there were plenty of garish, high-dollar horological oddities and open-worked, bejeweled APs to be seen at Arthur Ashe Stadium, these are the watches we would actually want to wear:
Carlos Alcaraz: Rolex Daytona “Tiffany Blue”
The new World No. 1 and Rolex testimonee once again demonstrated his love for the new yellow-gold Rolex Daytona with a “Tiffany blue” turquoise dial – not officially a Tiffany & Co. tribute – black subdials, and a black ceramic bezel, on a rubber Oysterflex strap, Ref. 126518. A real winner’s watch.
Jannik Sinner: Rolex Daytona “Sundust”
Like World No. 2 and Rolex testimonee Jannik Sinner wore his rose gold Daytona with a “Sundust” dial and black ceramic bezel, Ref. 126515, on a rubber Oysterflex strap, which he also wore at Wimbledon this year. He was also spotted wearing his two-tone GMT-Master “Root Beer” Ref. 126711, which we sported at last year’s Open.
Walter Goggins: Rolex Day-Date “President”
The White Lotus star, who’s having a cultural moment and was recently dubbed a “taste god” by GQ, wore his vintage Rolex 18038 Day-Date “President” in 18k yellow gold with a champagne dial. This watch perfectly suits his persona and we always love to see a vintage Rolex holding court (so to speak) with newer models.
Ciara: Rolex Day-Date “Diamond Rose”
Singer/songwriter/dancer/actress Ciara’s Rolex 228235 Day-Date 40 in rose gold with a diamond pavé dial and baguette diamond markers was one of the biggest Rolex flexes of the tournament. Iga Świątek, Women’s world No. 2 and a Rolex Testimonee, also sported a rose gold Day-Date but without diamonds, and with a white dial.
Coco Gauff: Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Red Grape”
The Women’s World No. 3 and Rolex testimonee wore a discontinued Rolex Oyster Perpetual in the unique “Red Grape” colorway, which some see as an homage to the rainbow hued “Stella” dial Rolex OPs of the 1970s. Of course she could have a newer watch, but this one is obviously a favorite, perhaps even a talisman of sorts.
Steve Carell: Rolex Daytona “Platona”
Carell knocked it out of the park with his Daytona 116506 “Platona”, one of the handsomest modern Daytonas, and one of the priciest non-gem set models. The platinum chronograph’s chocolate brown and ice blue color scheme really sets it apart; and this piece represents a major step up for the comedian.
Rich Paul: Rolex Daytona “Le Mans”
Superstar sports agent Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent and best friend, who founded Klutch Sports Group, rocked the best Rolex Daytona in our opinion with his yellow gold 126528LN. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: the “Le Mans” is the coolest modern Rolex, hands down, and destined to be a future classic.
Rory McIlroy: Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy”
The World No. 2 golfer and Omega brand ambassador was on point with his Speedmaster Ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001. The 50th anniversary timepiece pays tribute to the “Silver Snoopy Award” that OMEGA received from NASA astronauts in 1970, in recognition of the brand’s contributions to space exploration. Not a Rolex, but still pretty sweet.
