The Most Popular Watches That Defined the Summer of Sport (2026)

Updated on  
Serena Williams celebrating at Wimbledon wearing a luxury Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch during the Summer of Sport 2026.

From Centre Court to the Formula 1 paddock, football stadiums to celebrity hospitality suites, the world's biggest sporting moments once again became an unexpected runway for luxury watch enthusiasts.

Here are the watches that defined the summer.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch –
The Evergreen Favourite
 

Prince William wearing the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch at Wimbledon 2026 alongside the iconic luxury chronograph.

No brand balanced versatility quite like OMEGA this season.

The Speedmaster Moonwatch continued to appear on athletes, entertainers and collectors who preferred a more subtly style approach. Originally built for space exploration, its timeless design translated effortlessly from the paddock to post-match celebrations.

It remains one of the few watches equally at home with tailoring, sportswear or casual weekend attire.

For many collectors, it's still one of the safest—and smartest—first luxury watches.

OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M –
Still Dominating all Arenas 

Aaron Taylor-Johnson wearing the OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M at Wimbledon 2026 with the luxury dive watch displayed alongside.

The Seamaster once again proved why it's become one of sport's most recognisable luxury watches.

Seen throughout tennis, motorsport and football circles, its combination of technical capability and contemporary styling makes it an effortless everyday companion.

Unlike more delicate dress pieces, the Seamaster feels perfectly suited to an active lifestyle—whether courtside at Wimbledon or travelling between races.

Its popularity this summer reinforced something collectors have known for years: great design never goes out of style. 

Hublot Big Bang –
The Watch That Cannot To Be Ignored

Kylian Mbappé wearing the Hublot Big Bang Unico White Ceramic during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Very few watches can generate conversation quite like a Hublot.

The Big Bang remained a favourite among footballers, musicians and elite athletes throughout the summer, continuing the brand's tradition of bold materials, skeletonised movements and unmistakable wrist presence.

This year's sporting calendar saw multiple Hublot appearances both on ambassadors and celebrities, proving that the brand's philosophy of "The Art of Fusion" continues to resonate with a younger generation of luxury buyers. (Stuff)

TAG Heuer Monaco –
The Coolest Square Watch In Sport

Max Verstappen wearing the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph at the Monaco Grand Prix 2026.

The Monaco remains one of the few instantly recognisable square watches ever produced, forever linked to Steve McQueen and endurance racing.

Throughout the summer, its unconventional case shape made regular appearances across motorsport events, reminding collectors that true design never follows trends.

Bold without trying too hard, the Monaco continues to stand apart from virtually everything else on the market.

Rolex Cosmograph 'Rainbow' Daytona –
Still The Benchmark

Carlos Alcaraz wearing the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow White Gold Diamond during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

No watch-spotting article would be complete without the Rolex Daytona.

Although Rolex appeared less frequently than OMEGA, Hublot and TAG Heuer across the summer's sporting events, the Daytona remains one of the most sought-after chronographs in the world.

Whether worn by celebrities, athletes or long-time collectors, it continues to represent achievement, precision and timeless desirability.
Sometimes one appearance is all it takes.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore –
Sport Meets Haute Horlogerie

Serena Williams wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph at Wimbledon 2026.

Few luxury sports watches command attention quite like the Royal Oak Offshore.
This summer saw the Offshore once again making appearances on elite athletes and celebrity guests, reinforcing its reputation as one of the industry's most recognisable modern icons.

Its bold proportions, integrated bracelet and unmistakable octagonal bezel remain just as influential today as when the collection first redefined luxury sports watches decades ago.

What This Summer Told Us

Collectors are increasingly choosing watches they can genuinely wear—not simply admire inside a safe.

Versatility has become the defining characteristic of modern luxury.
Chronographs remain stronger than ever.

Integrated sports watches continue to dominate conversations.
And brands with authentic ties to sport continue to resonate far beyond the field of play.

Discover the Icons at Johnson & Co.

Whether you're looking for the everyday versatility of an OMEGA Seamaster, the bold innovation of Hublot, the racing heritage of TAG Heuer, Johnson & Co. offers a carefully curated selection of the world's most celebrated timepieces.

Because while the Summer of Sport may come to an end, great watches never go out of season.

Published on  Updated on