Film director Martin Scorsese spotted wearing a Rolex

Martin Scorsese, the acclaimed film director behind *Taxi Driver*, *Raging Bull*, and *Goodfellas*, has long favored the Rolex Day-Date as his personal timepiece. This portrait captures Scorsese wearing the white gold Day-Date with its characteristic President bracelet, a pairing that has become as recognizable as his directorial signature. The watch sits prominently on his wrist, reinforcing its role not merely as an accessory but as a statement of craft and discipline.

The Rolex Day-Date Ref. 118239 represents the brand's evolution of its flagship executive watch, introduced in 1956 as the first automatic wristwatch to display both day and date. The 118239, produced from 2000 onward, houses the Caliber 3155—a robust, column-wheel chronograph movement with a 48-hour power reserve and operated at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The case measures 36mm in diameter and 6.5mm thick, machined from 18k white gold with a polished finish. The black dial features Roman numeral hour markers applied in 18k white gold, creating sharp visual contrast. The signature fluted bezel, also in white gold, is a hallmark of Day-Date design. Water resistance extends to 100 meters, sufficient for daily wear but not diving. The President bracelet—three-piece links with semi-hollow center links—is integral to the model's identity and arguably inseparable from the 118239 reference.

Among collectors, the 118239 occupies a unique position: it bridges the classical proportions of vintage Day-Dates and modern manufacturing standards. The black dial variant, particularly on white gold, is less common than silver or champagne alternatives, making it sought after by purists. Production of the 118239 continued until 2015, when Rolex introduced the Day-Date 40 (Ref. 228239) with a larger 40mm case. Vintage examples from the early 2000s command particular attention, as they represent the peak of the reference's refinement before discontinuation.

Scorsese's consistent wear of the Day-Date aligns with his visual philosophy: precision, restraint, and an absence of unnecessary ornamentation. The watch's association with boardrooms and boardwalks—spaces central to Scorsese narratives—deepens the connection. Unlike flashier sports watches, the Day-Date communicates authority through understatement, a principle evident across his cinematography.

Retail price for a new Rolex Day-Date 118239 white gold hovers around $35,000–$38,000 USD depending on configuration. Pre-owned examples trade between $32,000 and $45,000 on grey markets, with condition and dial variant driving variance. The 118239 remains relatively accessible compared to precious-metal sports models, yet its discontinued status and association with figures like Scorsese sustain collector demand.