Carlos Alcaraz clinched his second Wimbledon title this week, in a thrilling victory over Novak Djokovic. The 21-year-old Spaniard accepted his trophy at the All England Club, proudly sporting a stunning Rolex Cosmograph Daytona on his wrist.
Here’s what happened
Alcaraz made headlines by defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets for his second Wimbledon title. As he held the trophy aloft, all eyes were drawn to the stunning watch on his wrist: a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 116518LN-0076. This watch is far from your typical Daytona. With its yellow-gold case and striking gray meteorite dial, it’s a piece that commands attention and respect. Interestingly, this is the second time Alcaraz has worn this particular model while celebrating a Wimbledon victory against Djokovic. Could it be his lucky charm on grass courts?
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona: A Masterpiece
Launched in 2021, this specific Daytona model represents the epitome of Rolex’s expertise in creating sporty yet luxurious chronographs. The watch features a 40mm 18K yellow gold case, known for its robustness and elegance. It is equipped with a screw-down caseback, screw-down pushers, and a screw-down Triplock crown, all contributing to its enhanced water resistance. The black Cerachrom bezel, which is both scratch-resistant and engraved with a yellow gold tachymeter scale, adds to its allure and functionality.
Meteorite Dial: The Star of the Show
The true star of this watch, however, is the gray meteorite dial. This rare material, with its unique patterns and textures, gives the watch an otherworldly appeal. The dial is complemented by black subdials, applied yellow gold indices with Chromalight lume, and matching yellow gold baton hands. Inside, the watch houses the Rolex caliber 4130 automatic movement, offering an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The watch is paired with Rolex’s renowned rubber Oysterflex bracelet, adding a sporty touch to an otherwise luxurious package.
The Discontinuation and Its Impact
At Watches & Wonders Geneva 2023, Rolex made the surprising decision to discontinue the ref. 116518LN-0076, along with other meteorite-dial Daytonas, after just two years in production. This move sent prices on the secondary market soaring, with the watch now fetching between $80,000 and $90,000, well above its original retail price of approximately $40,000. Today, obtaining this space-rock-adorned timepiece requires a significant investment, either through pre-owned watch dealers or by hoping that Rolex reintroduces a similar model in the future.
Rolex and Alcaraz: A Perfect Match
As a brand ambassador, Carlos Alcaraz enjoys access to a variety of Rolex watches. In addition to his meteorite Daytona, he owns and frequently wears other models, such as the black-dial Daytona ref. 116500LN and the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium. He is in excellent company, as many of his peers, including Roger Federer, Jannik Sinner, and Coco Gauff, are also Rolex endorsers, often seen sporting their own impressive collections of Rolex timepieces.
Rolex’s influence in the world of sports extends far beyond tennis. In golf, legends like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth have long been associated with the brand. Woods, for instance, often wears a Rolex Deepsea, a model celebrated for its durability and exceptional water resistance—qualities that are highly valued in professional golf.
In the fast-paced realm of motorsports, Rolex has a strong presence as well. The Cosmograph Daytona, originally designed for racecar drivers, epitomizes speed and precision. Sir Jackie Stewart, a three-time Formula 1 World Champion, is a notable figure who has long championed the Daytona’s legacy. He is frequently seen wearing his vintage Daytona at various racing events, underscoring the watch’s timeless appeal.
Rolex in Sailing and Beyond
Sailing is another sport where Rolex’s commitment to excellence is evident. The brand’s partnerships with major regattas, such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race, highlight its dedication to maritime sports. The Yacht-Master models, known for their durability and functionality, are popular among sailors who navigate challenging waters and require reliable timepieces.
Beyond individual athletes, Rolex’s involvement in prestigious sporting events further cements its status. As the official timekeeper of The Championships, Wimbledon, Rolex ensures that every second of the matches is meticulously recorded. This commitment to precision and performance mirrors the dedication of the athletes who compete at the highest levels.
A Promising Future for Alcaraz and Rolex
At just 21 years old, Carlos Alcaraz’s future in both athletics and horology looks incredibly promising. His choice of Rolex watches not only reflects his refined taste but also aligns him with a tradition of excellence upheld by many of the greatest athletes across different sports. Whether on the tennis court, golf course, racing circuit, or open seas, Rolex continues to be a symbol of achievement, precision, and timeless elegance.
Athletes like Carlos Alcaraz, with their impressive wins and great style, show why Rolex watches are always popular. As Rolex keeps creating new designs and inspiring people, its presence in the sports world remains strong and influential as ever.
