Overlooked: Courtside Watches

Overlooked is your weekly horological treasure hunt, where we dig through the vaults of European Watch Company to spotlight a few quietly brilliant pieces hiding in plain sight. It’s the sleeper hit, the underdog, the “wait, how is this still available?” watch you didn’t know you needed… until now.

The US Open has always been a style study as much as a championship. Between serves, the cameras find actors, musicians, founders, and athletes; their style, both on the wrist and off, always tells a story. This year’s mix ran from stone-cold icons to indie darlings and a couple of headline-making grails. If a look caught your eye, we’ve pulled close cousins from our cases that are currently in stock for anyone who likes their game with a little courtside polish.

Spike Lee: From Moonswatch to Moonwatch

Photo of Spike Lee courtesy of Getty.

Film director Spike Lee, never one to shy away from a color statement, showed up courtside with a pop of orange; the wildly popular Swatch x Omega Moonswatch “Lava” A playful, affordable and extremely popular remix on the Speedmaster, it certainly fit the mood of a summer night session. While European Watch Company doesn’t stock the Moonswatch (although we did give one away on our Horological Happy Hour!), we do have the real deal with extra swagger: the Omega Speedmaster 1957 Trilogy SS Black Dial LIMITED. With its 38.6mm steel case, straight lugs, and manual-wind chronograph, it distills the Speedy to its purest form.

Russell Wilson: The Royal Oak Standard

Photo of Russell Wilson courtesy of Getty.

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson wore an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, a modern spin on Genta’s iron-clad icon. In the EWC vault, the Audemars Piguet 26240ST Royal Oak Chronograph Blue Dial brings that same “all-court” balance of sport and polish. The integrated bracelet drapes like a perfect volley, the tapisserie dial catches stadium light, and the brushed steel case needs no introduction. Few chronographs move so easily from baseline to box seats.

Jeff Goldblum & Rami Malek: Cartier Keeps Its Cool

Photos of Rami Malek and Jeff Goldblum courtesy of Getty.

Actors Jeff Goldblum and Rami Malek both chose the Cartier Tank, proving—again—that cool can be measured in rectangles. Malek went sleek with a black onyx dial, Goldblum kept the Roman numerals classic, and together they reminded everyone why the Tank never leaves the style conversation. For a bolder wink, EWC’s Cartier Tank Louis 18K Yellow Gold with Burgundy Dial features gold hands over deep burgundy (instead of the traditional Roman numerals and blued hands). It is unmistakably Cartier with just enough drama for when the sun sets and the lights turn on.

Lorenzo Musetti: Vacheron at the Net

Photo of Lorenzo Musetti courtesy of US Open.

On court, Lorenzo Musetti wore the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in gold. Collectors can find a steel version of the model at EWC. At just 8.1mm, it tracks months, leap years, and moonphases without breaking a sweat, then slips under a cuff (or sweat band) like it was born there. High complication, real-world wear and precision that feels as composed as a clean backhand.

Tommy Paul: Independents Make the Stage

Photo of Tommy Paul courtesy of Getty.

American pro Tommy Paul flashed a De Bethune DB28, one of independent watchmaking’s purest power moves. At EWC, the De Bethune DBS Moonphase in Platinum delivers the futuristic casework and that signature blued-titanium moon, while the De Bethune DB27TIS8V2PS Titan Hawk V2 in Titanium brings the house aesthetic into daily-wear territory. Both explain why De Bethune wins fans who want the conversation piece that also tells a story.

Donovan Mitchell: Nautilus with a Twist

Photo of Donovan Mitchell courtesy of US Open.

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell made quite the statement in a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R, already one of the most chased references around. Let us make a bolder one. We’ve got the same model, but the match point winner. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R with Tiffany Dial. Rose gold meets a Tiffany-signed face; simply, yes.

Stephen Colbert: Monaco’s Bold Personality

Photo of Stephen Colbert courtesy of Getty.

Late night host Stephen Colbert went TAG Heuer Monaco, the square-jawed star forever linked to Steve McQueen and motorsport’s golden age. At EWC, you will find a duo of bold modern interpretations; the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Automatic with Purple Dial. The left-hand crown and square case keep the icon intact, while the color turns the volume up just enough, like that perfect ace.

From playful Swatches to feather-thin perpetual calendars, the US Open crowd proved that wristwear still shares the spotlight with the tennis. If a courtside look caught your eye, European Watch Company has the pieces to match the moment. Think of it as the best part of people-watching: you get to take the highlight home.