Tennis player Martina Navratilova spotted wearing a Rolex

Martina Navratilova, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and 20-time Wimbledon title holder, appeared at the All England Club wearing a striking Rolex Datejust that bears the distinctive hallmark of Chrome Hearts customization. The watch, photographed on her wrist during a public appearance, showcases the rare synergy between Swiss watchmaking heritage and American luxury metalcraft that has become a collecting phenomenon in recent years.

The Rolex Datejust reference 1600 is a cornerstone vintage model, produced from 1960 through the mid-1980s. This particular example features a dial rendered in Roman numerals—a stylistic choice that dominated Datejust production throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The case measures 36 mm in diameter, constructed from stainless steel, with a 50-meter water resistance rating typical of the era. The movement inside is the automatic Caliber 1570 or 1575, a workhorse calibre with 26 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve, refined enough to achieve -4/+6 seconds per day accuracy. The Datejust's oyster case sports the iconic fluted bezel in white gold or steel, and the cyclops magnification lens over the date window at 3 o'clock remains a signature identifier of the reference.

What distinguishes Navratilova's watch is its bespoke Chrome Hearts bracelet—a custom replacement for the original oyster or jubilee bracelet. Chrome Hearts, the Los Angeles-based luxury metalsmith collective founded in 1988, has built a formidable reputation for creating bespoke watch bracelets and customizations that appeal to serious collectors. Unlike typical aftermarket modifications that diminish resale value, Chrome Hearts work often commands premiums among connoisseurs, as the craftsmanship and exclusivity of each piece elevate the entire watch. The ornamental silver links visible in the photograph suggest intricate hand-finishing work characteristic of the brand's aesthetic.

Navratilova's association with fine timepieces reflects her status as a sports icon whose personal style carries weight among collectors. The pairing of a vintage Datejust—one of watchmaking's most enduring designs—with contemporary bespoke metalwork encapsulates a collecting philosophy that marries timeless mechanics with individualized expression. This approach has gained currency among high-net-worth collectors who view watches as wearable art rather than merely functional instruments.

On the secondary market, unmodified Rolex Datejust 1600 examples in good condition typically range from $4,500 to $7,000 USD, depending on dial variant and provenance. A specimen with Chrome Hearts customization commands considerably more—often $9,000 to $15,000 or beyond—reflecting the added desirability and craftsmanship involved. Waitlists for new Chrome Hearts watch commissions extend many months, and collaboration pieces are seldom released through official channels, making pieces like Navratilova's a coveted rarity among collectors worldwide.