Rolex is a crown that never slips, and when the Rollie you wear is reminiscent of your favorite sport, its allure can never be understated.
Such is the impact of Rolex Wimbledon, a watch that is a small reflection of The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s grandeur and the glorious history of this sport.
The Wimbledon—arguably—is revered as the best-looking dress watch in the Rolex lineup and its association with tennis superstars immensely adds to its charm.
But why collectors love the Rolex Wimbledon? Is its build so exclusive that any watch lover feels regal wearing it? Or does this beauty hold immense potential as an investment?
This blog will explain all about this wrist candy so you can see why buy Rolex Wimbledon.
Wimbledon is the temple of lawn tennis, and this sport has seen history being made time and again. Just like the Wimbledon championship’s resilience, Rolex is the crown jewel of watches—built on the strongest foundation of quality and exclusivity. That’s why Rolex and Wimbledon joining hands only made sense because both brands are the giants of their respective fields.
Since 1978, Rolex has been the official timekeeper of Wimbledon. All matches of this championship are timed using Rolex times clocks, and the partnership is still continuing.
Following the Rolex-Wimbledon history, several superstar players—Roger Federer, Garbiñe Muguruza, and Justine Henin, to name a few—have been spotted flexing their rollies.
Despite the shared history, it wasn’t until 2009 that Rolex launched a dial that resembled the Wimbledon tournament. The Wimbledon-themed dial was first launched on Datejust II watches, which had a gray slate dial and green Roman numerals, to reflect a lawn tennis theme.
Later, in 2016, Rolex rolled out the same gray and green dial on a Datejust 41, following the discontinuation of Datejust II. Today, you can get the Rolex Wimbledon dial on a Datejust 41 and 36. However, Rolex didn’t name this classic dial ‘Wimbledon’; it was the watch community’s love for the game that gave this certain model this name.
No Rolex looks bland on your wrist, but some effortlessly stand out because of their aura, just like the Wimbledon.
But beyond the looks, this watch is also a collectors’ favorite, and you’ll hardly find this specific model in Rolex retail stores. Thanks to the Rolex secondary market, you’ll have to really search to get your hands on this gray and green dial—that too at a higher price. But why is it so?
Here are some reasons why collectors love the Rolex Wimbledon:
The Wimbledon watch flaunts some of the most esteemed design elements that make it prestigious and rare.
The fluted bezel on the Rolex Wimbledon is a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and functionality.
Originally designed for practicality, the bezel’s fluting was needed for screwing the bezel onto the case, which increased a watch’s waterproof capabilities. This feature was mirrored on the case back, securing the watch’s interior from water damage with the help of specialized Rolex tools.
As time passed, what began as a purely functional feature evolved into a major aesthetic element. Today, the fluted bezel is recognized as a distinct mark of a Rolex watch, particularly striking in gold on the Datejust 41 model.
Collectors value this feature for its blend of beauty and utility. The fluted bezel proves Rolex’s ability to elevate practical designs into artful signatures that catch the eye and function flawlessly.
It’s these thoughtful details that make the Rolex Wimbledon a piece of history worn on the wrist.
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The sleek watch’s slate dial is a masterpiece of design and function, which is one of the reasons why collectors choose Rolex Wimbledon. It instantly catches the eye with its elegant slate gray background and emerald green Roman numerals.
As one can tell, this exclusive color combination is a deliberate nod to the prestigious tennis grounds it represents.
The choice of sunray finish on the dial adds another layer of sophistication. Through expert brushing techniques that radiate from the center, this finish captures and reflects light to create a dynamic effect that changes with the movement of the wrist.
The appeal of Datejust watches is cemented further by the application of dial color through Physical Vapor Deposition or electroplating. This technique delivers a rich, even tone that’s built to last.
Each element of the Wimbledon’s dial showcases Rolex’s commitment to quality and innovation so it is a standout piece in any collection.
When choosing your Rolex Wimbledon, you’re presented with two distinct bracelet options: the robust Oystersteel or the refined two-toned steel and 18kt gold, known as Rolesor.
The Oystersteel bracelet emphasizes strength and durability, so it is perfect for those who value reliability in their timepieces.
On the other hand, the Rolesor bracelet combines the resilience of steel with the elegance of gold to offer a luxurious and eye-catching appeal.
The Rolex Wimbledon exudes a sporty appeal that resonates deeply with collectors and sports enthusiasts.
Its design cleverly bridges the gap between luxury and athleticism, making it a no-brainer choice for those who appreciate the elegance of a fine timepiece and the dynamic spirit of sports.
The watch reflects the grace and competitive nature of tennis with its clean, robust lines and functional elegance.
Collectors are drawn to the Rolex Wimbledon for its ability to embody the spirit of the game while maintaining the high standards of Rolex craftsmanship. It’s this blend of sportiness and sophistication that makes the watch a tool for timekeeping and a symbol of athletic excellence.
A Rolex is a bank on your wrist, and the Wimbledon model is no less. Here’s a general depiction of how the Rolex Wimbledon will gain value in the secondary market:
A 36mm, stainless steel Datejust watch with an Oyster bracelet and smooth bezel, is generally priced at $8000 at retail. It then sells for over $12000 on the secondary market.
A similar 36mm model featuring a rose gold/steel composition and a Jubilee bracelet with a fluted bezel retails for $14000 and has a secondary market price of $17000.
The 41mm watches, one in stainless steel and another in yellow gold/steel, both with Jubilee bracelets and fluted bezels, are generally priced at $11000 and $15000, respectively.
On the secondary market, these can fetch $15000 and 18000, in that order.
Now, this is a very basic depiction of how an exact Rolex sitting at the retail store will differ from those in the secondary market. Rollies’ value increases with time as they get more provenance and market trends shift in their favor.
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Now the most apparent reason why Rolex Wimbledon is collectors’ favorite: its association with the iconic tennis championship.
This association makes it highly coveted among collectors, as it represents a piece of tennis history.
Wearing this watch is like wearing a part of Wimbledon itself, known for its rich traditions and celebrated sportsmanship.
Why collectors choose Rolex Wimbledon stems from its blend of sporty elegance and historical grandeur.
Unlike mass-produced models, the Rolex Wimbledon is crafted in restricted quantities so each piece is a coveted gem among luxury watches. Such exclusivity of the Rolex Wimbledon elevates it beyond a mere accessory and makes it a symbol of privilege.
Yes, Rolex continues to be a proud sponsor of Wimbledon. They have been the official timekeeper since 1978, a partnership that highlights their commitment to the world of tennis.
The Rolex Wimbledon is famously worn by tennis great Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki, among other elite athletes. Federer, known for his style both on and off the court, perfectly embodies the elegance and excellence of the Rolex brand.
Yes, the Rolex Datejust Wimbledon can be challenging to obtain due to its popularity and limited production. This makes it a highly sought-after model among collectors, which may result in waitlists at many retailers.
The Rolex Wimbledon shows time in style, tick by tick. So whether you get it as an investment or to wear on the regular, this watch will serve the purpose. Donned by icons like Roger Federer, the Wimbledon watch surely delivers the promised Rolex craftsmanship and aura.
And when looked at from the value perspective, the watch is just as brilliant. For those lucky enough to acquire a Rolex Wimbledon, it represents a storied heritage of horological excellence and sporting greatness.
This prestigious watch is bound to turn heads and garner value while sitting in your closet, so go ahead with the purchase. Premium Rolex watches are available at Vlassco for immediate purchase. Grab now.
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