– Logan Baker
Matthew Ebden has spent most of his life measuring time in points, sets, and matches.
But when the Australian doubles specialist, Olympic gold medalist, and Grand Slam champion steps off the court, his relationship with time takes on a different shape, one marked by curiosity and a genuine love for watches.
“I’ve loved watches since I was young,” Matt says. “But my interest really took off when I started traveling internationally for tennis at 17. I was fascinated by the watch industry and eager to learn.” His first watch, a Swatch, came from his dad. Later, his sister gave him a two-tone Pulsar chronograph for his 18th birthday. That gift sparked a curiosity that became a lifelong passion.
“Meeting and becoming friends with people in the industry has been one of my favorite things,” he says. “You’ll probably see me connecting with a lot of people all over the world because I really love the industry, and it’s the people that make it special. I've learnt so much, and will always be learning more. ”
Matt doesn’t treat watches as something that sits in a box at home. He lives with them. He wears them while training, competing, and spending time with his young son. The Norqain Wild One Skeleton 42mm Turquoise is his go-to for days that blur the line between practice and life. “It doesn’t scratch, it’s light on the wrist, and it fits snug,” he says. “It’s rated to withstand forces up to 5,000g, perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle.”
Sometimes, he forgets it’s on his wrist until late at night, when it’s time for bed. The watch doesn’t get in the way, and that’s what he likes about it. “Since I started wearing the Wild One, it’s been a game changer,” he says.
Matt doesn’t think of watches as trophies to be displayed. For him, they are a way to mark moments. He’s added pieces to his collection that remind him of places where he has competed and countries that have become part of his story. “I think first about the design and aesthetic,” he says. “Then, I think about its utility and what role it will have in my collection.”
His collection keeps growing, but it’s not about quantity. It’s about finding something that feels right. He gravitates toward modern watches that still hold classic touches, designs that match the pace of travel and the demands of life on tour. The Norqain Freedom 60 Chronograph 40mm in Sky Blue has become another favorite, with its mix of colors and a case that feels balanced on the wrist.
“I love beautiful, traditional chronographs and dress watches, but I’ve discovered an amazing passion for super light, true sports watches,” Matt says. "I'm also partial to certain gold perpetual chronographs."
He has a few new watches on the way, pieces that will join him in the next chapters of his life. One will celebrate a summer spent with family and the feeling of fun that comes with warmer weather. Another will bring diamonds into the mix, a design choice Matt once felt hesitant about but now feels ready to embrace. “There’s something about unique gemstones that gets me,” he says. “And I like the crossover with the jewelry factor.”
One upcoming watch acquisition carries special weight for him. After winning the doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year, Matt decided the moment deserved its own tribute. He’s designing a custom gold Norqain Wild One, a one-of-one piece that will remind him of that day whenever he looks at his wrist. “It’s something I’ll never forget,” he says.
For Matt, watches and tennis share a distinct connection. Tennis players live by time, but it’s not only about the countdown between points or the hours spent training. Constant travel demands that they understand time zones, track flights, and adjust to new schedules almost weekly. Matt sees this rhythm reflected in his watch collection, in the way he chooses pieces that fit the shifting pace of his days.
“Tennis players are exposed to watch culture all over the world,” he says. “Watch collecting among players and ex-players has grown a lot over the last 15 or 20 years.” It’s a conversation that happens in locker rooms and around tournaments, often with Matt as the person players approach when they want to learn more.
Matt doesn’t see watches as separate from his life. They are part of it, as present on the court as they are on a quiet evenings with his family. They mark achievements, travels, and memories that stretch beyond scores and rankings.
"The awesome thing about watches for me is that it's such a massive industry," he says. "And with that, the options and styles are basically endless. I find so many different watch styles that suit my tastes in different ways. There are so many options, and the fun is really in the chase, and of course, in the acquisition and being able to wear them and enjoy them."
You can learn more about Matthew Ebden on his Instagram.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
About Logan Baker
Logan has spent the past ten years covering the watch industry from every angle. He joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo in early 2023 as Senior Editorial Manager, after previous roles at Hodinkee and WatchTime. Originally from Texas, he spent a decade in New York and now calls Geneva home.
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