This week in watches: Djokovic's good luck charm and playoff watch flexes galore
Esquire's guide to the new releases, innovations, and celebrity watch sightings making headlines in the watch world.
EACH WEEK, we’ll be taking a look at the hottest news, developments and rare model sightings in the watch world — what’s ticking, what’s trending and what’s causing jaws in various corners of the watch internet to drop. We’ll highlight new brand releases, celebrity watch spots and general news for all you horologically-minded enthusiasts.
This week feels like a great place to start, as it’s been a busy one for the watch community. If it wasn’t the madness that ensued over the release of a new Rolex Daytona Le Mans edition (aka “Red 100”), it was our favourite Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo hard launching his new flame — along with a $300K watch to mark the occasion. There were some serious watch spots from some serious celebrities at the NBA 2023 playoffs and across the pond at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic made tennis history wearing his favourite Hublot timepiece.
Keep scrolling for more of where that came from.
1
Rolex release a commemorative ‘Le Mans’ Daytona
To mark 100 years of the world’s most famous endurance motor race Le Mans, Rolex sparked a frenzy over the weekend, releasing a special edition Daytona to mark the special centenary. Dubbed the “Red 100”, this special new Daytona is made from white gold and features all the hallmarks of vintage Daytona’s of the Paul Newman era (ref. 6263). This new release further cements the iconic link Rolex has with motorsports, and we’re guessing it will be one of the most sought after watches of 2023. In other Le Mans news, attending the 24 hour race in France last weekend, NBA star Lebron James was spotted waving the starting flag wearing his stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus “Tiffany” dial.
2
Daniel Ricciardo flashes his new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin
In a cute Instagram post that confirmed suspicions held by his eight million followers — that he is indeed in a relationship with Heidi Berger (the daughter of 10-time Grand Prix winner Gerhard Berger) — Daniel Ricciardo also subtly revealed a new wrist-flex: a $300,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin (ref. 16202BA.OO.1240BA.02). Adding this lavish honey-gold watch to an already-impressive luxury watch collection — he owns a bunch of rare Patek Philippe Aquanauts and Nautiluses, as well as Richard Mille and TAG Heuer’s — Dan Ricc is kicking some serious goals off-track this season.
3
Novak Djokovic makes Grand Slam History
Despite how you feel about his sportsmanship, there’s no denying Novak Djokovic is the greatest of all time, after making tennis and sports history this week by winning his 23rd Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. This means the Djoker now holds the record for the most Grand Slams ever won by a men’s player. Post-match, the Hublot ambassador was seen celebrating with, you guessed it, a Hublot blue Big Bang Meca-10 with a skeletonised dial. Not a first for Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star wore this same timepiece when he won Wimbledon last year. Coincidence? Or good luck charm, perhaps?
4
Chopard unveils new Mille Miglia 2023 collection
Much like Le Mans, the 1000 Miglia is one of those historic, iconic car races loved all around the world. Proudly sponsoring the classic open-road racing event that Enzo Ferrari once called the “most beautiful race in the world”, Chopard launched, as it has been doing since 1988, new iterations of its iconic Mille Miglia racing chronograph. New for 2023 is a limited edition GTS Chronograph, as well as a string of new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph watches in different sizes and colours.
5
TISSOT reveals a universally-friendly PRX 35mm
What was arguably one of the most popular reissues of the watch world for 2020, the 1970s-inspired Tissot PRX continues to be a popular timepiece thanks to its unrivalled vintage charm, versatility and overall affordability. Now, it would appear that the upper echelons at Tissot have been listening to public opinion: please, make the PRX smaller! This week, Tissot casually dropped the new PRX 35mm to its collection of quartz and automatic watches. A truly universal size point that will no doubt appease both men and women.
6
MB&F offer a glimpse at the latest automotive-inspired timepieces: HM8 Mark 2
The brilliant watchmaker/artist and designer that is Max Büsser of MB&F this week showcased another insane collection that you just can’t help but want: the HM8 Mark 2. Taking inspiration from the Touring Superleggera, the HM8 Mark 2 is, really, the ultimate driving watch. Designed so its wearer can view the time without having to take his or her hands off the wheel, the HM8 Mark 2 is both practical and insanely impressive from a design (and watchmaking) perspective. Where can we get one?
7
The 2023 NBA playoffs was one big watch flex fest
When it comes to the NBA playoffs — be it court-side or in the tunnel — we know to expect some serious displays of style… and wrist candy. This year’s playoffs was no exception. If it wasn’t Jimmy Butler taking press interviews wearing his iced-out Rolex Daytona, then it was rapper Quavo sitting court-side wearing his frosted white gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chronograph. Or Adele rocking her ever-elegant Bulgari Serpenti. Or even Ray Nicholson — son to the famous actor Jack Nicholson — donning the smallest Cartier Panthère you’re likely to see (all the while, his father Jack plays it humble with a $120 Timex “Easy Reader” watch). Timeless.
Related:
Rolex casually unveiled a new Daytona to mark 100 years of Le Mans
