Basketball player Dawn Staley spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley made a notable appearance at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game wearing a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738/51G-001 in white gold. The watch, photographed on her wrist against the backdrop of the arena crowd, exemplifies the brand's philosophy of elegant simplicity—a fitting choice for one of college basketball's most accomplished coaches.

The 5738/51G-001 represents the modern evolution of Patek Philippe's Golden Ellipse collection, first introduced in 1968. This reference is crafted in 18K white gold and measures 37.5 × 27.75 mm, the classic proportions that define the line. The watch features a black lacquer dial with applied baton-style indices and the iconic Patek Philippe signature positioned at 12 o'clock. Movement-wise, the 5738/51G-001 is powered by the calibre 215, a hand-wound mechanism offering approximately 38 hours of power reserve. Water resistance is rated at 30 metres, appropriate for a dress watch never intended for aquatic use. The case back is secured via a snap-down design, and the watch arrives on a black alligator leather strap with an 18K white gold buckle.

Among collectors, the Golden Ellipse remains one of Patek Philippe's most coveted dress watches, balancing heritage with contemporary appeal. The 5738/51G-001 in white gold is less commonly sighted than its yellow gold counterpart (5738/50G-001), making this reference particularly desirable. The black dial variant offers greater contrast and visual presence than the standard silvered dial, positioning it as a sophisticated alternative for executives and public figures seeking restraint without invisibility.

Staley's choice of the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse aligns with her reputation for refined professionalism. As a coach commanding respect across women's college basketball, her selection of a watch known for understated prestige—rather than sportier chronographs or tonneau-cased sports models—underscores her authority and taste. The watch pairs equally well in high-level institutional settings as it does at courtside.

Retail for the 5738/51G-001 stands at approximately $36,650 USD. On the grey market, white gold examples typically command $38,000–$42,000 depending on condition and service history. Production has been consistent since the reference's introduction, though demand persistently outpaces supply, reflecting the Golden Ellipse's enduring status among dress watch connoisseurs.