Between high-intensity rallies and match-point pressure, Carlos Alcaraz found time for something completely unexpected at the Cincinnati Open — a casual round of lawn bowling. The 21-year-old tennis star traded his racket for a bowl in a light-hearted break that drew amused looks from fans and curious smiles from fellow players. Yet, for keen-eyed watch enthusiasts, the real headline wasn’t the sport on the green, but the gleaming Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126518LN on his wrist.
Released at Watches & Wonders 2025, this yellow-gold Daytona with a striking turquoise-blue lacquer dial is already earning modern classic status. The vivid “Tiffany-style” hue contrasts beautifully with black snailed sub-counters and a black Cerachrom bezel engraved with a tachymetric scale, a nod to the model’s motorsport heritage. Secured to Rolex’s Oysterflex bracelet — a high-performance elastomer strap with a flexible metal core — the watch balances elegance with functionality, perfectly suited to both intense matches and playful bowling rolls.
Inside beats the in-house Calibre 4131, a self-winding chronograph movement boasting a column wheel, vertical clutch, Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, and an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Certified as a Superlative Chronometer, it delivers the precision and durability expected from Rolex, making it the horological equivalent of an ATP world No. 1 — built to perform under pressure while looking flawless.
Retailing at around €37,400 (approximately $39,600 USD) but commanding far more on the secondary market, the Ref. 126518LN combines precious metal, a rare dial colour, and the legendary Daytona name in a way that appeals equally to collectors and athletes. As a Rolex ambassador since 2022, Alcaraz has been seen with a variety of Daytonas, but this one stands out. He wore it proudly after his Roland Garros triumph earlier this year, and now it makes a repeat appearance in an altogether more relaxed setting.
Whether he’s serving for match point or bowling for bragging rights, Alcaraz shows the same blend of precision, confidence, and enjoyment. And for those who appreciate the finer points of both sport and horology, this was the perfect reminder that the Daytona isn’t just a tool for timing — it’s a companion for life’s unexpected games.
More on the Rolex Daytona Ref. 126518LN at the official Rolex page.
