Roger Federer’s New Rolex May Be The Ultimate Modern Grail Daytona

Tennis’s Laver Cup had some surprises over the weekend, with perhaps the biggest being American Taylor Fritz’s dismantling of world number one Carlos Alcaraz en route to Team World’s stunning victory over Team Europe.

But ranking right next to Fritz’s victory in terms of surprise factor at the tournament was the appearance of tennis G.O.A.T., Roger Federer.

Now, Federer showing up at the event wasn’t shocking in itself — it’s not like the retired legend played in the tournament. But what was shocking was what he had on his wrist at the Laver Cup’s opening night gala.

Legends only

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Fed is probably the most visible of Rolex’s many ambassadors, which the brand calls “Testimonees,” and perhaps its most perfect: He’s arguably the greatest player in the history of his sport, he’s scandal-free and universally beloved, and he’s even a Swiss national to boot.

As part of his official Testimonee duties, Federer routinely wears Rolex watches in public, and he’s mostly been sporting the brand’s hot new Land-Dweller since just before the watch’s debut this spring — including during his other appearances at the Laver Cup.

But at the opening-night gala, Federer, dressed in black tie, busted out something extra-special for the occasion: the Cosmograph Daytona “Blue Sapphire.”

Rolex

Quietly launched during Watches and Wonders this year alongside the much louder debut of the Land-Dweller, the Daytona ref. 126599TSA features a 40mm case and Oyster bracelet made of 18K white gold, a dial crafted from natural silver obsidian and a ton of gemstones.

54 brilliant-cut diamonds flank the midcase and cover the lugs, while 36 baguette-cut blue sapphires coat the bezel. 11 of the 12 hour indices are also blue sapphires, hammering home the watch’s nickname of “Blue Sapphire.”

It’s such a stunner and is so rare — Federer is the first Rolex ambassador publicly seen wearing one — that a candid viral video taken at the event shows the eight-time Wimbledon champ taking off the watch to show it off to fellow Testimonee Alcaraz, who appears giddy at even getting the chance to hold it.

Carlitos, it should be noted, isn’t exactly a slouch in the watch department: He wore the yellow gold, turquoise-dialed Daytona ref. 126518LN to the gala.

Also debuting at Watches and Wonders this year, the model has come to be associated with the tennis star after he previously wore it to celebrate his victories at this year’s French Open and U.S. Open, plus his runner-up finish at Wimbledon.

Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear Patrol

But Federer’s “Blue Sapphire” is decidedly more special. It’s an “off-catalog” Rolex, which means the brand doesn’t technically acknowledge its existence to normal plebs like you and me. You have to be the most “V” of VIPs to even sniff one, and while the SRP for the watch is unconfirmed, the current market price is an astounding $1.5 million. That’s just a hair more than the $37,400 SRP of Alcaraz’s already very special gold Daytona.

In other words, most of us have zero chance of ever getting a Daytona “Blue Sapphire,” or even seeing one in public. The watch’s ultrarare, almost mythical status, combined with its tastefully executed luxury touches that actually look good — blue sapphires and a volcanic stone dial? What? — mean Fed’s new piece just may take the crown, so to speak, as the ultimate modern grail Daytona.

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