Cricketer MS Dhoni spotted wearing a Rolex

MS Dhoni was recently photographed in a relaxed indoor setting wearing what sharp-eyed observers immediately clocked as a Rolex Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel, its white dial and blue ceramic bezel unmistakable even in casual surroundings. The former Indian cricket captain, known for composure under pressure, has long had a well-documented affinity for serious mechanical timepieces, and this sighting adds another chapter to that story.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116680 is a 44mm regatta complication introduced at Baselworld 2007. Powered by the in-house Calibre 4161 — a movement built around a patented mechanical memory ring that stores a programmable countdown between 1 and 10 minutes — it is purpose-engineered for competitive offshore sailing starts. The bidirectional rotating bezel with its Ring Command mechanism physically couples to the movement to set the countdown, a mechanical interaction unique to this model. Oystersteel case, screw-down Triplock crown, sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens, and 100m water resistance complete a genuinely functional specification sheet.

Among collectors, the steel 116680 occupies a nuanced position. It is the most accessible entry into the Yacht-Master II family — Rolex also offers the reference in Everose gold (116655) and two-tone — yet its 44mm diameter and bold architecture mean it polarises opinion. Those who appreciate true horological complications over aesthetic novelty rate it highly. Grey market values have remained stable, reflecting steady demand from both sports watch enthusiasts and Rolex completists.

Dhoni's watch collection is well-catalogued by Indian watch media. He has been spotted in Rolex Daytona, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and Panerai references over the years, demonstrating a preference for robust, legible sport watches over dress pieces. The Yacht-Master II fits that pattern precisely — it is large, mechanical, purposeful, and carries genuine complication credentials rather than just a prestige badge.

At a list price of approximately $29,000 USD, the steel Yacht-Master II ref. 116680 sits at a premium relative to the Submariner and GMT-Master II, justified by the complexity of the Calibre 4161. Grey market pricing has hovered around the $28,000–$31,000 range, reflecting near-parity with retail — a sign of consistent rather than speculative demand. For a working cricketer who understands precision timing, the choice reads as entirely deliberate.