US Open Watches 2026: Rolex, Player Partnerships & How to Identify a Watch

Why Rolex Appears at the US Open

Rolex’s official US Open page dates its timekeeping partnership to 2018. That establishes the tournament relationship; it does not mean every player wears a Rolex or that a particular watch is required on court.

For a collector, this distinction matters when reading a “watches at the US Open” roundup. A photograph from a trophy ceremony may show a different watch from a practice session or a previous year. Check the event, date and original caption before treating an image as a 2026 sighting.

The Rolex Grand Slam Timeline

The Roland-Garros date is 2019, not 2006. Its addition completed the four-tournament line-up after the US Open partnership began.

Novak Djokovic: Hublot, Not a New Seiko Partnership

Hublot’s January 19, 2026 GOAT Edition announcement identifies Novak Djokovic as a Hublot ambassador and introduces a Big Bang Tourbillon collection bearing his name. His own website records the earlier Seiko partnership in January 2014. The historical Seiko relationship should not be presented as a new move away from Hublot in 2026.

An ambassador’s named collection is a useful starting point for researching their watch connection. It is not proof that they wore that exact reference at a particular US Open match. This guide does not assign Djokovic a specific 2026 match-worn watch without a dated primary photograph or announcement.

Rolex Players and Match-Worn References

Rolex’s US Open coverage features Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner. That supports discussing their Rolex association. It does not establish that Alcaraz wore a particular Daytona or that Sinner wore a specific GMT-Master II on a particular day.

To narrow down a model in a photograph, record the case metal, dial colour, bezel and bracelet. A chronograph with three subdials calls for a different shortlist from a GMT with an extra hand. Even then, a low-resolution image may not distinguish generations or special editions. Leave the reference unresolved when those details are hidden.

How to Check a Tennis Watch Sighting

Start with an original tournament, player or manufacturer post. Save its date and caption, and confirm that it refers to the match or ceremony you are researching. Reposted photographs can be years old even when the surrounding article is new.

Next, compare the visible watch with manufacturer model photographs. Look for multiple matching features rather than one colour: lighting can change the apparent dial or metal. An automated identification can suggest a starting model, but it does not turn an ambiguous image into a confirmed reference.

Finally, separate identification from valuation. A current retail listing, an active dealer asking price and a documented sale have different meanings. A player-owned watch may also have provenance that an ordinary example lacks. Do not transfer an auction price for a celebrity-owned piece to a standard production watch.

Buying a Similar Watch

Choose the size, function and budget that fit your own use. The appeal of a tennis connection may be the design rather than the exact precious-metal or limited-edition reference. Compare bracelet fit, case thickness and the cost of future servicing before focusing on a famous wrist.

If buying pre-owned, inspect the exact watch and confirm return, warranty and authentication arrangements before payment. A genuine model pictured on a player says nothing about the authenticity of a separate seller’s example. Our authentication guide explains the checks to arrange.

We have not verified individual sponsorship payments or compiled a complete match-by-match 2026 sightings database. Unpublished contract values and unsupported player-price charts have therefore been removed from this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

• Rolex Daytona Buying Guide
• Rolex GMT-Master II Guide
• How to Arrange Watch Authentication