Royal Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim spotted wearing a Rolex

The Crown Prince of Johor, General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim — widely known by his social media handle @hrhcrownprinceofjohor — was spotted wearing one of the most opulent references in the entire Rolex lineup: the GMT-Master II 116758SARU in 18kt yellow gold. The sighting drew immediate attention from watch enthusiasts, and for good reason. This is not a watch you encounter casually, even in royal circles.

The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116758SARU represents the absolute pinnacle of the GMT-Master II family. Built on Calibre 3186 — a self-winding movement with a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, 28,800 vph beat rate, and approximately 50 hours of power reserve — the watch delivers the classic GMT complication with an independently adjustable 24-hour hand for tracking a second time zone. The case and integrated Oyster bracelet are rendered entirely in 18kt yellow gold, measuring 40mm across with a 12mm lug-to-lug height. The defining feature, however, is the bezel: in place of the now-iconic Cerachrom ceramic insert, Rolex's gem-setters have mounted 26 brilliant-cut stones — alternating rubies and sapphires — replicating the red-and-blue 'Pepsi' colour scheme in precious gemstones. The dial itself is set with a full pavé of diamonds.

From a collector standpoint, the 116758SARU occupies a genuinely rarefied position. Rolex produced it in limited numbers as part of their high-jewellery offering, and it rarely appears on the secondary market. Those who acquire it tend to hold it. It does not carry the waiting-list mythology of the steel sports references, but among serious collectors of high-complications and gem-set Rolex pieces, it commands deep respect and consistent demand.

Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim is the Crown Prince and heir apparent of the state of Johor, Malaysia, and currently serves as a senior military officer. He has cultivated a strong public presence and is known for his directness and his passion for luxury goods, sport, and watches. His choice of the GMT-Master II 116758SARU reads less as ostentation and more as considered collecting — this is a reference that rewards knowledge.

The UK list price for the Rolex GMT-Master II 116758SARU sits at approximately £65,000, placing it well above six figures in USD at current exchange rates. On the grey market, demand for this reference remains firm, with authenticated examples regularly trading at a meaningful premium over retail given their scarcity and the strength of the gem-set Rolex segment globally.