Sometimes, I empathize with Roger Federer: He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes in history, yet he can’t simply attend a tennis match after retirement in jeans and a polo shirt. No, wherever he goes, Federer resembles an MI6 agent on a mission, right down to his choice of wristwatch.
That’s why we can always expect Federer to showcase impeccable taste in watches, and Wimbledon 2024 was no exception. Alongside his elegant grey suit, he sported a Rolex Datejust 36 featuring a “Wimbledon” dial. Introduced in 2009, these Datejust models come in various bezel, metal, and bracelet combinations, but all share a distinct design: a sunray-finished dark grey rhodium dial achieved through PVD or electroplating, adorned with black Roman numeral indices highlighted by green Chromalight, a Rolex coronet at 12 o’clock, and a white rectangular index at 9 o’clock. The outer edge of the dial features a white minute track with 5-minute markers, complemented by the Datejust’s signature date window at 3 o’clock.
Why is it called a “Wimbledon” dial? The touch of green in the numerals is a nod to Wimbledon’s green tennis courts, where Rolex has been the Official Timekeeper since 1978. (And where the grass must be precisely 8mm tall, lest a small English child be sacrificed to appease John McEnroe’s legendary fury and restore universal order.)
While the Submariner and Daytona might seem like Rolex’s top sellers, the surprising truth is it’s the Datejust. Born in 1945, it was revolutionary for its date window that changed at midnight, always remaining “just” right. Though commonly associated with a fluted bezel, the Datejust also comes in smooth or diamond-set versions. Federer’s “Wimbledon” Datejust, in Rolesor (two-tone gold and steel), features a domed dial, proving that a Datejust remains a Datejust, even if some snobbish watch connoisseurs might quietly grumble.
Compared to other watches in his collection, Federer’s “Wimbledon” Datejust might not elicit the same “wow” from jaded watch enthusiasts on Instagram. Yet, it’s hard to think of a more fitting watch for the GOAT to wear at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events – especially from someone who likely has a “Le Mans” Daytona tucked away somewhere. (Bring that one back out, Rog!)
