A review of what the greatest tennis player prefers to wear both on and off the court. This is Roger Federer's Rolex collection.
Determining the greatest tennis player of all time is almost impossible, just like choosing the best watch brand in the world. But Roger Federer and Rolex go hand in hand, representing the pinnacle of excellence in their fields.
The famous Swiss Grand Slam champion is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. He showcases his wealth and refined taste through a luxurious watch collection.
Roger is a genuine fan of Rolex and a loyal brand ambassador. Yet, he remains a simple and down-to-earth person.
Recently, I watched his documentary "Federer: The Last Twelve Days," which turned out to be very touching. The film tells the story of the last days before his farewell match and his brilliant 24-year career.
1500 matches played - a history of great victories, painful defeats, and injuries that ultimately led to the end of his career. In most of these moments, a reliable Rolex was by his side.
Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic medals, and spent 310 weeks at the top of the world rankings. These achievements testify to his persistence and determination to be and remain the best. Many would agree that he has repeatedly realized his dream.
In this article, we'll explore the inseparable connection between global watchmaking and world tennis. We'll do this by studying Roger Federer's watch collection to understand what motivated him both on and off the court.
Roger Federer's Rolex Collection
The documentary is definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it yet. It provides insight into the champion's home life and emotional farewell to tennis.
During the one and a half hours, you can see some of his favorite Rolex models. These watches have witnessed both the happiest and saddest moments of his career.
In previous interviews, Federer has spoken about his attachment to the Datejust, Day-Date, and Daytona collections.
His Daytona 1981 model holds special sentimental value - a symbol of the year of his birth. These watches were a gift from his wife, who, with Rolex's support, was able to find a rare model.
Federer also confirms that Datejust is his choice for training. He likes the thin ergonomic fit of the watch, and he prefers light steel options to gold ones. Moreover, every Rolex watch in his collection tells its own story.
He explains that when he looks at many of his watches, he sees Wimbledon. He sees himself lifting the trophy with indescribable pride. Given the athlete's successes, it's hard to imagine a watch in his collection that wouldn't evoke such memories.
6 Key Models from Roger Federer's Collection
The partnership between Roger Federer and Rolex is one of the largest sponsorship agreements in sports history. Below are some of his favorite watches and the important events with which they are associated.
Rolex Day-Date (Wimbledon Victory 2012) or Rolex Day-Date II (2012)
In 2012, Federer lifted the Wimbledon trophy wearing a Rolex Day-Date in Everose Gold. Contemporary reports indicated the Day-Date II model, not the later Day-Date 40 ref. 228235.
Rolex Day-Date
A key feature of the Day-Date model is the signature President bracelet. Other distinctive details include the fluted bezel and baguette diamonds marking each hour.
Rolex continues to produce the Day-Date collection as part of the Day-Date 40 line.
Rolex Daytona Ref 116500 (2016)
In the documentary "The Last Twelve Days," Federer wears a Daytona on his wrist. He has several such watches in his collection.
One favorite is the "Holy Grail" - the Platona ref 116506 model with an ice blue dial and chocolate subdials. Federer even trained with this watch.
Another favorite from the series is the Daytona Orange ref 116588SACO. This is perhaps the most striking model in the collection with orange sapphires and a yellow gold case.
However, the most classic Daytona in his collection is considered the "panda" model - ref 116500 with a black ceramic tachymetric scale, which Roger started wearing around 2015 at sporting events.
Rolex GMT-Master II "Batman" Ref 116710BLNR (2017)
Some of Rolex's most popular models are steel. The GMT-Master II "Batman" is one of them. The fourth hand of this model was very useful for an athlete frequently traveling between countries.
The watch is perfect for tracking a second time zone, with the hand showing the time on a 24-hour scale on the bezel. Such GMT models allow athletes like Federer to keep track of time at home while far from family.
The watch's name comes from its recognizable two-tone blue and black bezel, reminiscent of the Dark Knight.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref 326934 (2018)
At the Australian Open 2017, Federer wore a Rolex Sky-Dweller with a blue dial. This is one of Rolex's most technically complex models.
The watch displays a second time zone, date, and has an annual calendar. After winning the Miami Open, Roger wore this model with a sunray blue dial, indicating regular use.
Rolex Day-Date Ref 228235 (2018)
A special charm comes from the combination of a gold case and a green dial. For instance, the Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228235.
This model in Everose Gold pays homage to the famous green color of Wimbledon and features a jubilee dial for the 60th anniversary. Federer wore this watch at the Wimbledon final in 2019, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. He also used them the previous year.
This is one of the most classic and striking color combinations in his collection.
Speaking of green dials, Federer owns other models as well. For example, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Green ref 124300 is another favorite.
Federer displayed this watch at the Wimbledon 2021 press conference. It is perhaps one of the most understated models in his collection, serving as an excellent entry point for novice collectors.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yellow Ref 124300 (2021)
Another moderately priced model is the Oyster Perpetual in a deep green variant. However, finding it at official dealers is difficult due to rising retail prices.
The yellow version of the OP is no longer produced and is priced almost three times higher on the market. The bright mustard-yellow dial is noticeable on the athlete's wrist and highlights his love for classic steel Rolex watches.
My Favorite Watches of Roger Federer
It's worth noting one of the most suitable models for the famous Grand Slam winner - the Rolex Datejust Ref 126331.
Rolex Datejust Ref 126331
This is a 41-millimeter model with a "Wimbledon" dial, released by Rolex in 2009. The rhodium dial is adorned with bright green Roman numerals reminiscent of the green courts.
Federer often wears a steel model with yellow gold, and similar versions are still available.
The model in Oystersteel and Everose Gold ref 126331 continues to be produced today. It can be purchased with an Oystersteel and Everose bracelet.
Recent Additions to the Collection
Since 2024, Roger has been actively expanding his Rolex collection, adding exclusive models: the yellow gold Rolex Daytona "Le Mans" (Ref. 126528LN), white gold Daytona with blue sapphire markers, and GMT-Master II "Bruce Wayne." Recently, he also introduced the Rolex Land-Dweller 40. His wife Mirka Federer, likely also a Rolex enthusiast, was spotted wearing a rare yellow-gold Daytona with a turquoise dial.
Conclusions: Stories That Watches Can Tell
Through victories, defeats, and injuries in Roger's career, many faithful companions were by his side. One of them was undoubtedly Rolex.
Although the tennis champion no longer adds to his list of achievements, his love for tennis and relationship with Rolex continue.
Roger Federer's Rolex collection includes both accessible and exclusive models. From entry-level to gem-adorned and rare pieces - they all hold a special place in his heart. Above all, they remind of the greatest moments in tennis history.
Who will be next to step onto the center court with a Rolex on their wrist?