The Watches That Caught My Eye at the 2026 US Open

The US Open gives watch spotting an unusually good stage. Players, former champions, actors and musicians share the same setting, bringing very different ideas of what belongs on the wrist. The result is a much broader selection than a single red carpet or brand event.

Our latest feature pulls together nine sightings. Some are instantly recognizable, while others reward a closer look. These are identifications from the selected photographs, not claims about what anyone paid or whether each watch is owned, borrowed or supplied through a brand relationship.

Alexander Zverev — Jacob & Co.

The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon is the Jacob & Co. selected for Zverev’s slide, reference DT200.40.AA.AA.A. Its elaborate dial makes it one of the more visually involved watches in the group.

A watch like this draws attention through the display itself. There is a lot to take in, making it a strong opening to a selection that moves between very different approaches to watchmaking.

Marta Kostyuk — Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce

Kostyuk’s featured watch is an Aquanaut Luce, identified in the carousel as reference 5067-014. The combination of a recognizable sports-watch case and a more decorative treatment is what gives the Luce its character.

In a tennis setting, that balance makes sense visually. It feels sporty enough for the environment while still offering the kind of detail that stands out in a close photograph.

Roger Federer — Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Federer’s Oyster Perpetual brings the focus back to the dial. The Jubilee motif gives this example a distinctive face without adding the visual machinery of a chronograph or calendar complication.

The reference in the feature is 134300-0010. Among the more elaborate watches here, the straightforward layout is a welcome change of pace. A strong dial treatment can be enough to make a familiar model worth a second look.

Elena Rybakina — Vanguart Orb

The Vanguart Orb associated with Material Good is one of the less expected names in this group. Its sculptural case and flying-tourbillon concept give the selection a different visual vocabulary from the better-known sports-watch designs.

This is the sort of sighting that makes a broad roundup worthwhile. Even without recognizing the brand immediately, the unusual shape encourages a closer look.

Ben Shelton — Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite”

The green-and-black GMT-Master II, reference 126720VTNR, is shown on an Oyster bracelet in Shelton’s feature. The bezel color gives it immediate recognition, while the dial stays relatively clean.

This is one of the easiest watches in the roundup to picture as a daily companion. Its appeal is direct: a strong color accent, a familiar bracelet, and a travel-watch identity.

Rami Malek — Cartier Privé Tortue

The platinum Cartier Privé Tortue provides another change in shape. The featured reference is WGTO0008, a limited edition of 200. Its curved outline gives it a different presence from the round cases and angular sports watches around it.

The Tortue is the kind of watch that rewards paying attention to proportion. It does not need an especially loud color or a crowded display to look distinctive.

Carlos Alcaraz — Rolex Daytona “Le Mans”

Alcaraz’s selected watch is the yellow-gold Daytona “Le Mans,” reference 126528LN-0001. The contrast between the gold case and dark bezel makes this one of the most immediately recognizable wrist shots in the feature.

The Daytona has an especially clear visual identity even in a wider photograph. Here, the precious-metal treatment gives that familiar racing-chronograph layout additional presence.

Travis Scott — Richard Mille RM 75-01

Scott’s selected watch is the RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire. The transparent case makes it visually distinct from the more opaque titanium and gold pieces elsewhere in the roundup.

It also connects this story with our separate Travis Scott collection feature, which looks at a wider range of his watch choices, including vintage Seiko, Cartier and Rolex alongside Richard Mille.

Jalen Brunson — Patek Philippe Aquanaut

The white-gold Aquanaut 5168G-010 rounds out the selection. Its green color scheme gives a familiar sports-watch design a softer, more casual appearance than the metal bracelets seen elsewhere here.

That variety is the best part of the US Open as a watch-spotting setting. There is room for an understated dial, an unusual case shape, a complicated display and a brightly colored sports watch in the same conversation. The interesting question is which one you would actually want to wear.