We’re currently in June, which, in basketball terms, means that we’re knee-deep into the playoffs. Only two challengers remain: the Knicks and the Spurs. Brunson and Wembanyama. David and Goliath. All gloves are off, and the battle between the two franchises is sure to be a spectacle.
But we implore that you to look past the courts for a second and into the tunnels; you might like what you find as well. When it comes to watches, we pulled out our magnifying glass to discern what some of our favourite players are wearing at the 2026 NBA playoffs.
You won't typically find The Alien sporting a watch, but he was seen wearing a Santos de Cartier skeleton watch in round two of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Pretty fitting for the tallest player in the league to wear a skeletonised dial.
Jalen Brunson has been putting in work both on the court and on the wrist. The Knicks point guard was spotted wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut in khaki green, which, like him, does not need to announce itself even with an unassuming appearance.
KAT was spotted in a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Everose gold. At 40mm it sits just right on the Knicks big man, with a warm, pinkish gold case that contrasts beautifully against the black dial.
Jordan Clarkson was seen matching his monochrome outfit with a monochrome timepiece: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in white gold, and a rubber strap, to be exact. Probably the most coherent fit of all the players on the list, but as a regular face dominating the @leaguefits Instagram page, did we expect anything less?
On the court, De'Aaron Fox is known for his speed, so it only make sense for the Spurs guard to wear a chronograph off the court. He was spotted wearing an Omega Speedmaster Anniversary Series—42mm steel case with a coated nylon strap.
The reigning MVP was spotted in an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-winding Perpetual Calendar in ceramic—one of the more technically demanding complications in watchmaking. Its ceramic case gives the Royal Oak's iconic octagonal bezel a matte, almost stealthy finish, dialling down the flash.
Despite its name, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' is actually one of the slimmest watches the Maison makes. The Thunder's defensive maestro keeps it classic with the rose gold against Grande Tapisserie blue dial combination.
It's quite apparent by now that the Oklahoma City Thunder players are quite partial towards Audemars Piguet watches, and this inclination is punctuated by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's gift to his teammates after winning the MVP award—each of them receiving a navy Royal Oak Offshore.
The Cavalier star guard was spotted in a Patek Philippe Aquanaut in full black PVD. A 40mm steel case coated head to toe in matte black, paired with a matching black rubber strap. The all-black treatment on a Patek is a rare thing, which makes this one feel particularly considered.
The Cavalier big man was spotted in an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 41mm. The rose gold case brings the warmth, while the rubber strap keeps it from getting too precious, giving it just enough sporting edge that's fitting for an athlete.
