Watch Paparazzi

Artist Derek Kaplan spotted wearing Rolex

Artist Derek Kaplan was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Yacht-Master 40 in 18k Everose gold, reference 116655 — a watch that sits at an interesting intersection of serious horology and resort-ready design.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655 was introduced in 2015 and marked a significant moment for the line: it was the first Yacht-Master to feature the Oysterflex bracelet, a high-performance elastomer strap over a titanium and nickel alloy blade, offering flexibility without sacrificing structural rigidity. The 40mm Everose gold case houses a unidirectional rotatable bezel in the same metal, with a matt Everose Cerachrom insert introduced on later production runs. Powering the watch is the Rolex Calibre 3135, a self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring, and Rolex's own Paraflex shock absorbers — a movement widely regarded as one of the most reliable in Swiss watchmaking.

From a collector standpoint, the 116655 occupies a nuanced position. It is not a tool watch in the traditional sense, nor is it purely a dress piece. The Oysterflex bracelet adds genuine sportiness, while the full Everose gold construction keeps it firmly in luxury territory. That tension is precisely what makes it interesting to collectors who find the steel Yacht-Masters too understated and the yellow gold versions too traditional. Grey market demand for the 116655 has remained steady, reflecting its status as a coherent, well-executed reference rather than a speculative flip target.

Derek Kaplan, whose paintings command attention in galleries across the United States and Europe, has built a visual identity around vivid color, emotional depth, and confident craftsmanship — qualities that resonate with the 116655's own aesthetic logic. The warm rose gold tone against dark rubber is a pairing that rewards a second look, much like Kaplan's own work.

At a UK RRP of approximately £15,950, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655 sits at the upper end of the standard Rolex catalogue. On the grey market, Everose gold references have historically traded at or slightly above retail, reflecting the intrinsic precious metal value and consistent demand for rose gold Rolex sports references.