The red carpets of Hollywood may be where designers showcase their most extravagant gowns and tuxedos, but for watch enthusiasts, the true spectacle often unfolds courtside. The US Open has quietly become one of the most exciting arenas for modern watch spotting – a place where actors, musicians, and athletes reveal their horological taste with effortless confidence. Unlike formal events such as the Oscars or the Met Gala, where elegance demands restraint, the US Open encourages individuality. Here, collectors display the boldest and most personal pieces from their collections, from vintage icons to avant-garde creations.
This year’s tournament was no exception. Between serves and volleys, the cameras caught glimpses of everything from timeless Cartiers and grail-worthy replica Rolex Daytonas to futuristic independents. Each wrist told its own story – a reflection of craftsmanship, personality, and prestige.
Jeremy Allen White, best known for his grounded realism on screen, brought a touch of contemporary luxury to the stands with the Louis Vuitton Tambour. Once considered more of a fashion statement than a serious watch, the Tambour has undergone a dramatic transformation. In 2023, Louis Vuitton reimagined the model, refining its proportions and slimming the once-robust case to create a sleek, wearable watch that signals the brand’s genuine commitment to high watchmaking. On White’s wrist, the new Tambour – modern, minimal, and distinctly architectural – felt like the perfect fit for an actor whose understated cool has become his signature.
Another familiar face, Steve Carell, proved that few watches can rival the quiet power of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. His platinum reference 116506 is an icon among icons – its ice-blue dial instantly recognizable to those who know. Introduced in 2013 to mark the Daytona’s 50th anniversary, this model combines technical excellence with subtle luxury: a 40 mm platinum case, a matching Oyster bracelet, and a chocolate-brown Cerachrom bezel with tachymeter scale. Diamond hour markers elevate its shimmer without losing the Daytona’s sporting soul. Reserved yet opulent, it’s a watch that whispers rather than shouts – much like Carell himself.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev made headlines not just for his performance but for his choice of wristwear – the futuristic Vanguart Orb. A newcomer to haute horlogerie, Vanguart was founded by alumni of the legendary Renaud et Papi workshop, known for creating movements for industry giants like Audemars Piguet. The Orb, a flying tourbillon encased in an intricate, sculptural design, represents the brand’s avant-garde spirit. That Rublev could wear such a delicate, six-figure watch while enduring the physical demands of a Grand Slam match speaks volumes about both the watch’s engineering and his confidence.
Stephen Colbert, meanwhile, opted for a design steeped in motorsport heritage – the TAG Heuer Monaco. His version, featuring a black dial within the distinctive square 39 mm stainless steel case, pays homage to the model immortalized by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans. Powered by the Calibre 12 automatic chronograph, the replica watch features a balanced bi-compax layout, a date display at six o’clock, and a modernized crown position for daily practicality. The Monaco’s bold geometry and racing pedigree make it one of the most recognizable chronographs ever produced, and on Colbert’s wrist, it struck a perfect chord between sophistication and nostalgia.
Among the more refined choices was Rami Malek’s Cartier Tank Must, a masterclass in timeless elegance. Seen chatting with Vogue’s Anna Wintour, the actor wore the black-dialled version – a modern interpretation of one of Cartier’s most enduring designs. With its steel case, quartz movement, and black rubber strap, it captures the essence of Cartier’s design language without the opulence of gold or platinum. As a brand ambassador, Malek has access to nearly every Cartier creation, yet his choice of this modest yet impeccably styled Tank reflects a quiet appreciation for design purity over excess.
Similarly, Tyler James Williams wore a matching black-dialled Cartier Tank Must, reinforcing the model’s continued relevance across generations and styles. Originally conceived in the 1970s as a more accessible alternative to the solid-gold Tank Louis, the modern Tank Must maintains that spirit of democratic elegance. Its lacquered dial and minimalist lines demonstrate how restraint can be as powerful as extravagance, a sentiment mirrored in Williams’ understated fashion sensibility.
And then, there was Gunna, whose wristwatch all but stole the show. The rapper appeared courtside with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked Rainbow – a name as extravagant as the watch itself. Crafted from frosted white gold and adorned with a rainbow bezel set with multicolored gemstones, this openworked masterpiece is a visual spectacle. Beyond the shimmer lies serious mechanical ingenuity: the double balance wheel system enhances stability and precision, while the skeletonized movement exposes the intricate mechanics beneath. Against Gunna’s monochromatic outfit, the vibrant gem-set bezel was pure theatre – an unapologetic expression of confidence and craftsmanship.