Rapper Drake spotted wearing a Rolex

Drake, the Toronto-born rapper and OVO Sound label head, was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in 18kt yellow gold, Reference 116528 — one of the most recognizable iterations of the legendary chronograph line. The sighting adds yet another chapter to Drake's well-documented relationship with high-end horology, a collection that spans Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and multiple Rolex references.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 116528 measures 40mm in diameter and is constructed entirely in 18kt yellow gold, including the Oyster bracelet. Inside runs the Calibre 4130, Rolex's proprietary column-wheel chronograph movement introduced in 2000, featuring a vertical clutch for cleaner chronograph engagement and a 72-hour power reserve. The movement represented a decisive break from the Zenith El Primero ebauche used in the earlier Ref. 16528, and collectors regard it as technically superior. Dial variants include champagne, black, and meteorite configurations, with the yellow-gold case lending each a distinctly classical, dressy character.

Within the collector community, the 116528 occupies a nuanced position. It lacks the cult scarcity of the stainless-steel Daytona — the watch that commands four-figure waiting lists and substantial grey-market premiums — but its solid-gold construction means it trades on intrinsic material value as much as market speculation. Serious collectors appreciate the 116528 as the most wearable entry into Rolex's own-manufacture chronograph ecosystem, particularly in the yellow-gold configuration that echoes Paul Newman-era references.

Drake's affinity for yellow gold is consistent across his public appearances and music videos. The 116528 fits precisely within his aesthetic vocabulary: instantly legible as luxury without requiring explanation, yet technically credible enough to satisfy informed eyes. For an artist who has built a brand around confident understatement, a solid-gold Daytona is a logical cornerstone piece.

At UK retail the Ref. 116528 carries an RRP of approximately £24,000, translating to roughly $30,000 USD at list. On the secondary market, grey-market pricing typically runs modestly above retail given the precious-metal floor, though well below the extraordinary premiums commanded by steel Daytona references. Availability at authorized dealers remains limited but is considerably more attainable than its steel counterpart.