Every September, the US Open becomes more than just a battleground for tennis’ elite. It’s a cultural event, where sport collides with celebrity, style, and luxury. The crowds in Arthur Ashe Stadium are stacked with actors, athletes, musicians, and tastemakers, and while the cameras often linger on their reactions to a thrilling rally, watch enthusiasts keep an eye trained elsewhere: their wrists.
The 2025 edition of the tournament did not disappoint. Alongside the bright blue courts and raucous atmosphere, it became a showcase for some of the most interesting timepieces in modern watch culture. From platinum Daytonas to playful Swatches, here’s a closer look at the watches that stole the show courtside.
Steve Carell has quietly built a reputation as a serious watch guy, and his choice for the US Open underscored it. On his wrist sat the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in platinum, a grail piece within the Rolex universe. With its icy blue dial and brown Cerachrom bezel, the platinum Daytona is both refined and sporty, perfectly fitting Carell’s understated charisma.
The watch’s 40mm case, paired with the iconic Oyster bracelet, strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings. Its chronograph functionality is not just for show - it’s a nod to Daytona’s racing heritage. It’s also a reminder that the Daytona continues to hold its place as the celebrity watch of choice - even in a crowd filled with options, where other luxury timepieces abound.
Tennis pro Lorenzo Musetti paired his on-court talent with serious watch style. He was spotted wearing the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in yellow gold, one of the most elegant sports watches around. At just 8.1mm thick, it features a perpetual calendar movement that won’t need adjusting until 2100.
The yellow gold case and clean dial, showing the day, date, month, and moonphase, make it both sophisticated and wearable without feeling heavy or bulky. It’s the kind of watch that quietly says, “I know what I’m doing.”
For a young player making waves on the tour, it’s a perfect blend of style and ambition, proving that even on the court, Musetti has a keen eye for detail.
Get a similar look here
His Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Chronograph blended sporty elegance with unmistakable design codes. The octagonal bezel, visible screws, and integrated bracelet remain instantly recognisable even from the nosebleeds of Arthur Ashe. Its combination of bold presence and refined finishing makes it a standout on any wrist.
It’s no surprise that many athletes lean toward AP: it wears like jewelry but packs the mechanical chops to satisfy enthusiasts. The chronograph functionality is not just for show - it’s perfectly balanced with the watch’s iconic aesthetic, making it equally at home courtside or at a dinner party.
With the Royal Oak, style and substance truly go hand in hand.
Cartier also had a strong showing this year, with both Tyler James Williams and Jeff Goldblum spotted wearing the Cartier Tank Louis. Two actors, two slightly different references, but one timeless design that has graced the wrists of style icons for more than a century.
The Tank remains the definition of quiet, cool luxury - rectangular, refined, and steeped in history. Its clean lines and slim profile make it as relevant today as when it first appeared in 1917. Whether paired with a tuxedo or worn courtside at Flushing Meadows, it always feels appropriate.
For those who see watch collecting as a form of personal expression rather than status signaling, the Tank is a natural, enduring choice.
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has become a Rolex poster child, and he continued that partnership in style. His Daytona in yellow gold with a turquoise blue dial was as vibrant as his on-court energy. Retailing around £50,000, it was a colourful, youthful take on a classic design.
The watch struck the perfect balance between boldness and tradition, pairing precious metal with a playful dial that stood out even in the sea of celebrity timepieces at the US Open. It also proved that even among Rolex’s deep catalog, the Daytona remains the most versatile canvas for experimentation - able to go from understated platinum to head-turning turquoise with ease.
The 2025 US Open showed that watches remain an important part of the conversation around sport and style.
From Rolex and Cartier to Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin, the pieces spotted courtside reflected both tradition and individuality. Some players leaned into bold, colourful statements, while others chose understated classics with decades of heritage behind them.
Together, they offered a snapshot of how watches can reflect personality just as much as performance. For anyone considering their next watch, looking at what players and celebrities choose can be a useful source of inspiration - and a reminder that the right timepiece can feel at home anywhere, from the court to everyday life.
Looking for a watch that combines performance with style? Our collection brings together some of the most iconic timepieces from brands like Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin. Whether you’re drawn to bold sports models or refined dress pieces, you’ll find watches that suit your taste and lifestyle.
At BQ Watches, exceptional customer service is at the heart of what we do. Our goal is to help you find the perfect pre-owned luxury watch—one you’ll enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re searching for a men’s or women’s model, our extensive collection offers something for every taste. And if you don’t see the exact watch you’re after, simply let us know—we’ll be happy to source it for you.
