At the recent Laureus World Sports Awards gala in Madrid, tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz captured attention not only for his athletic prowess but also for the exceptional watch gracing his wrist. Far beyond a mere accessory, Alcaraz wore a rare Rolex Daytona crafted from platinum, featuring a bezel set with baguette diamonds and an exclusive sky-blue dial adorned with Arabic numerals. Valued at nearly 400,000 euros, this timepiece drew as much admiration as the trophies on display.
The 25th edition of the Laureus Awards celebrated the world’s top athletes, with Sweden’s pole vault star Armand Duplantis taking home the Athlete of the Year honor for his successful defense of Olympic gold in Paris. Although Alcaraz did not win this top accolade, his red carpet appearance was unforgettable. Dressed in a sharp Louis Vuitton tuxedo, he paired his look with the distinguished Rolex Daytona Ref. 116576TBR, a watch known for its exclusivity and fine craftsmanship.
More than a fashion statement, Alcaraz’s choice of timepiece underscores his deeper connection to Rolex. As a brand ambassador, he might have opted for a newer model like the Land-Dweller, yet he selected this unique Daytona edition, signaling a genuine appreciation for horological artistry over fleeting trends.
The Rolex Daytona is an iconic model historically associated with legends such as Paul Newman and Michael Jordan. The Arabic numeral versions, like the one Alcaraz wore, are produced only by special order and primarily for select clients in the Persian Gulf region, making them extraordinarily rare. Notable figures including Cristiano Ronaldo and Tom Brady have also been seen sporting this coveted variant.
Alcaraz’s fondness for the Daytona is evident, having been spotted wearing it again just days later at the premiere of his Netflix documentary, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way. His broader collection includes standout pieces such as the sporty Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium, ideal for his active lifestyle, and the elegant Day-Date 40 Ref. 228349RBR in white gold with a green dial, symbolizing timeless sophistication.
Since his breakthrough in 2022, Alcaraz has shown a consistent preference for the Daytona line. He has worn the Ref. 116500LN with a black dial and ceramic bezel, as well as the Ref. 116518LN crafted in yellow gold with a meteorite dial and an Oysterflex rubber strap, a sporty alternative developed by Rolex. Reflecting on the significance of his watch, Alcaraz said, “The Rolex Daytona I wear now is the same one I wore when I won Wimbledon last year. It has been with me through some very important moments and holds many memories of my career.” It is widely believed this was the watch he wore again when lifting the Wimbledon trophy in 2024, highlighting its sentimental value.
The Laureus gala also provided a memorable moment of reunion between Alcaraz and another star athlete, who appeared wearing his signature Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon, underscoring the evening’s blend of sport and luxury.
