Rolex Wimbledon: The Watch, The Partnership, and Why It Still Matters

Federer, Rolex, and the Moment That Defined a Watch

If we’re talking Rolex and Wimbledon, we have to talk about Federer. You just can’t separate the two. Roger’s been with Rolex since 2006, and it’s always felt like a natural fit. Not a sponsorship. A shared identity. Both are built on grace, longevity, and control under pressure. And if there’s one moment that really sticks with me, it’s Wimbledon 2022. Federer wasn’t playing that year. He was watching. Sitting courtside, wearing a tailored suit, with a grey dial Rolex Datejust on his wrist. Not just any Datejust. The one with green Roman numerals. The one collectors now call the “Rolex Wimbledon”.

There wasn’t a press release. No big ad campaign. Just Roger being Roger, in the right place, wearing the right watch. And for those of us who know the brand, that was it. That was the moment the Wimbledon dial became more than just a configuration. It became a part of the Rolex story. Over the years, Roger’s wore everything from the Sky-Dweller to a white gold Daytona. But that grey and green Datejust is the one that felt the most personal. Like it belonged there with him. Like it belonged at Wimbledon. And Federer’s not the only one. Rolex is also on the wrists of legends like Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, and Lindsey Vonn. These aren’t just athletes. They’re icons of their sport. And their connection to Rolex says something deeper about the brand’s role in sport and culture.

Why Rolex and Tennis Just Belong Together

Rolex doesn’t partner with just any sport. That’s not their style. They move with intention, and tennis fits that perfectly. It’s deliberate. Refined. Rooted in tradition, yet played on a global stage. It’s a setting where time doesn’t dominate, it guides. That’s exactly why Rolex has been the official timekeeper of Wimbledon since 1978. The partnership began quietly, without flashy campaigns, just a shared commitment to excellence, precision, and tradition. Over the decades, Rolex has become more than a sponsor. It’s part of the tournament’s identity. From the analog scoreboards to Centre Court’s quiet rhythm, Rolex keeps Wimbledon running, both literally and symbolically. Matches stretch for hours. Momentum shifts by the second. And every movement is tracked with absolute precision. That’s where Rolex fits in. Not just as a timekeeper, but as part of the experience. It’s also worth saying this: Rolex got into tennis long before everyone else jumped on the luxury sponsorship train. They understood early that tennis is more than a game. It’s a performance. A test of character. And it needs a partner that understands both pressure and poise. There’s something aspirational about seeing the world’s best athletes compete in all white under a summer sky, with Rolex quietly ticking in the background. It doesn’t try to impress. It just is. Which, to me, is more powerful than anything you could ever say out loud.

Where to Spot Rolex at Wimbledon

If you’ve walked the grounds of the All England Club, or even just tuned in for the finals, you’ve seen it. The crown on the umpire’s chair. The logo on the scoreboard. The serve clock. All Rolex. But it’s not just decoration. Rolex controls the pace. They time the warm-ups, the set intervals, the rhythm of the game. You won’t find any aggressive branding. Just purposeful, quiet control. It’s what the brand does best. Function, backed by heritage. That’s exactly what the Wimbledon Datejust represents too. The beauty is in the details. It doesn’t yell. It doesn’t chase trends. It just gets it right.

The Rolex Wimbledon: A Nickname That Stuck

The Rolex Wimbledon is not an official model name, it’s a collector’s nickname. One of those beautiful, organic ones that collectors come up with because something just clicks. It’s the Datejust with the slate grey sunburst dial and green Roman numerals. That’s it. The slate grey dial with green Roman numerals first appeared in 2009 on the Datejust II, and collectors soon gave it the nickname “Wimbledon”, a nod to the tournament’s signature green and the elegance of Centre Court. Federer wearing it courtside in 2022 only boosted its visibility, but the name was already well-established long before that.

But something about that color combination made people think of Centre Court. Of the scoreboards. Of Wimbledon’s understated palette. And the nickname just stuck. This kind of thing only happens with Rolex. You’ve got the Hulk. The Pepsi. The Batman. The Root Beer. These aren’t official names. They come from the community. From how these watches are worn, seen, talked about. When a Rolex gets a nickname, it means it’s more than just a reference number. It’s part of the culture. And once it’s in the culture, value tends to follow. Quietly. Steadily. The Wimbledon doesn’t have a flashy bezel or bold color pop. But it has staying power. And if you’re the kind of collector who likes to wear something that not everyone gets right away, this is that watch.

Rolex Wimbledon vs Standard Datejust: What’s the Difference?

Wondering how the Wimbledon differs from a regular Datejust? Here's a quick breakdown.

Federer’s Rolex Moments, On and Off the Court

Federer’s wrist game is as consistent as his backhand. Over the years, he’s worn several key models that have shown up in big moments. In 2012, he wore a Sky-Dweller at the London Olympics. In 2017, after winning his 8th Wimbledon title, he had a white gold Daytona on his wrist. And of course, 2022, that unforgettable courtside shot with the Wimbledon dial. These aren’t product placements. They’re part of his story. They’re part of ours too, because they tell us something about what makes a watch special. It’s not just the specs. It’s when and where you wear it.

What Makes the Rolex Wimbledon Stand Out

The dial is what draws you in. That slate grey sunburst catches the light in different ways throughout the day. The green Roman numerals aren’t just printed on, they’re applied and polished, so they shimmer just slightly with every movement. Some versions even have a subtle violet outline that gives the whole dial depth. It’s not something you notice right away, but when you do, it’s hard to unsee. The color palette isn’t random. Green has long been Rolex’s brand color, often tied to success and prestige. Grey, on the other hand, reflects the understated elegance of Wimbledon itself, from Centre Court’s architecture to its cool, overcast summer skies. Together, they create a dial that feels quietly confident, like the game it was inspired by. The case is pure Datejust. You’ll find the Wimbledon in 36mm and 41mm versions. Both are still in production, though not always easy to find. Pair it with a fluted bezel and a Jubilee bracelet and you’ve got something that feels timeless without being formal. Sporty, but not flashy. The 126334 reference, the newer 41mm model, runs on Rolex’s Caliber 3235. That’s an automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve and incredible accuracy. If you’re more into vintage proportions, the 116334 might be your pick. It wears a bit chunkier, but has its own presence. Both versions wear that Wimbledon dial proudly. The Rolex Wimbledon isn’t built for the dark, its applied Roman numerals don’t feature luminous paint. This is a watch made for daylight hours, not dive conditions. And that’s exactly why it shines in its own lane.

Is the Rolex Wimbledon a good investment?

Yes, and it’s been proving that quietly for years. Prices on the secondary market are strong, especially for models with the Jubilee bracelet and Wimbledon dial. It’s not just about specs, it’s the story, the nickname, and the wearability. And because it flies under the radar more than other flashy Rolex nicknames, its appeal tends to build with time.

Thinking About Pulling the Trigger?

If you’re wondering whether the Rolex Wimbledon holds its value, the short answer is yes. Full set 126334s with the Jubilee bracelet regularly trade above €12.000 on the secondary market. And if you're looking for a watch that wears well and feels even better in five years, this one checks a lot of boxes. Some people ask if they should wait for a new version. As far as I know, there are no redesigns coming. And honestly, this one already feels like it has staying power. It doesn’t need to be updated to remain relevant. Timeless design doesn’t age. Whether you’re eyeing the 36mm for its classic proportions or leaning into the 41mm for a modern statement, you’re not likely to find one sitting in a display case. That’s just not how it works with pieces like this. But that’s where we can help. We’ve sourced Wimbledon dials in both sizes, with both bracelets, in both generations, and yes, we have several in stock right now. All authenticated. All vetted. All ready to ship. No guesswork. No waitlists. No guessing. Just a classic Rolex with one of the best stories in the brand’s modern history. Explore our current Rolex Wimbledon stock now, and find the one that belongs on your wrist.