Whether you’re watching courtside, on a sunny terrace or at home, celebrate this year’s Wimbledon championship with some statement timepieces
Who’s looking forward to a generous serving of Pimms, juicy strawberries and (fingers crossed) sunshine? The world’s most prestigious tennis championship is back on 3rd July, with all eyes on the racket action as well as the stylish apparel chosen by the lucky crowds courtside.
Read on for style inspiration and tips for the perfect Wimbledon wrist wear from Tim Harrison, co-founder of WatchPilot
Clocking in
If you’re planning to attend the British championship this summer, then you should opt for a fashionable watch with a timeless, luxury feel – after all, Wimbledon is much more about the quiet luxury look than about fashion extravaganzas. This season, we’re seeing a lot of classic, square-faced watches elevated with a gold or stainless-steel bracelet (or even a combination of both). Leather strap watches with a striking bezel or a coloured dial are also great options to keep in mind if you want to add a pop of colour to match your outfit. Traditional with a modern twist, these models reflect the spirit of Wimbledon and can certainly be worn again during your next prestigious sporting event.
Serve up some style
Of the four annual Grand Slams, Wimbledon is *the* tennis event you will want to bring your fashion A-game to. The British event is known for its chic crowd, dressed in their finest Polo Ralph Lauren suits and sleek ensembles. While only tennis players are required to abide by the traditional white dress code, you can certainly decide to style your chosen watch with a smart all-white ensemble, such as a crisp, white linen suit with matching trousers and comfortable flats. The great thing about white is that it’s effortlessly chic, and the neutral tone will help highlight the beauty of your watch, especially if it incorporates a striking hue. You can also add a pair of sunglasses to finish off the look, but since we’re talking about the UK here, you might need a watch with a water-resistant design instead!
Match the icons
From Sampras to Agassi, countless iconic watches have gone down in the tennis annals. Of course, you have the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date worn by Swedish tennis megastar Björn Borg. For a Wimbledon legend such as Borg, the 1956 Rolex with its verdant green dial and matching green leather bracelet almost pays homage to the traditional grass courts that have defined the British tournament since 1877. The vintage Rolex remains highly wearable in today’s context, but for those looking for a modern, affordable alternative, the Roamer 981666 48 75 50 Primeline Day Date II Gold Watch for ladies and gents will be a perfect match.
Before Serena Williams, there was Steffi Graf, the German tennis legend who won 22 major single titles throughout her tennis career, including 7 Wimbledon singles titles! Graf and her husband Andre Agassi, another tennis superstar, are both Longines Ambassadors and one model that has stood the test of time is the Longines Conquest VHP (Very High Precision), introduced in 1984. Its sporty look and dedication to precision make it an all-time favourite, with good reason. For a modern alternative to the Longines model, you could easily opt for the Tissot T-My Lady Mother Of Pearl Watch – similar in design but made to be unique with its rose gold details.
Another Rolex made it onto the list, and it had to be Roger Federer’s! An icon of style, the
Swiss maestro is known for his love of luxury watches, and among all the Rolex models in
his collection, one of his favourites appears to be the vintage Datejust II. With its
singular dual tone and concentric Arabic numerals, this fabulous watch was the perfect
accessory for his 2009 Wimbledon victory against the tenacious Pete Sampras. If you’re
looking for a similar model at a lower price point, consider the Raymond Weil Noemia
Two-Tone Watch and its delicate mother-of-pearl dial set.
Ace your game
If you’re thinking of taking your love for tennis to the next level, then a Garmin smartwatch will be your best ally! In tennis, it’s not just about hitting the ball, many factors come into play, so you’ll need to keep track of your heart rate, respiration, fitness and sleep habits to ensure you’re playing to the best of your ability. The Garmin Venu collection keeps track of all of the above and comes in a variety of models, guaranteeing you find the perfect companion to take on and off the tennis court.
