Rapper Drake spotted wearing a Rolex

Drake was spotted celebrating his 40th birthday festivities in a vintage Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Leopard' Ref. 116598SACO, a rare and extravagant gem-set chronograph gifted to the rapper by longtime friend and collaborator Future. The appearance marks a rare public sighting of one of Rolex's most unconventional sports watch creations, distinguishing Drake's milestone celebration with a timepiece that commands immediate attention on the wrist.

The Rolex Daytona 'Leopard' Ref. 116598SACO debuted in 2004 as a bold exploration of the Daytona's potential beyond traditional steel or precious-metal sport aesthetics. The 40mm case is crafted in 18K yellow gold, a material choice that amplifies the warmth of the dial. The distinctive leopard-print dial combines deep brown and gold tones in an animal-skin pattern rare in haute horlogerie. Hour markers are set with full-cut diamonds, while the unidirectional bezel is adorned with 36 baguette-cut cognac sapphires alternating with 48 brilliant-cut diamonds, with an additional 48 diamonds decorating the inner lugs. The watch houses Rolex's proven Calibre 4130 automatic movement—the in-house chronograph calibre developed for the modern Daytona—rated for 100 metres of water resistance.

Among Daytona collectors, the 'Leopard' reference remains one of the most polarizing and sought-after gem-set variants. Unlike traditional diamond-set Daytonas that favour symmetrical geometric settings, the leopard dial introduced an overtly decorative, statement-focused aesthetic that anticipated Rolex's later collaboration with Bamford and more experimental limited editions. Production was limited, and examples remain scarce on the secondary market, particularly in pristine condition.

Drake's association with high-horology luxury continues a pattern of sophisticated watch choices; the rapper has previously been documented wearing equally rare and valuable timepieces. The Daytona 'Leopard' aligns with his preference for bold, instantly recognizable pieces that serve as conversational focal points and cultural statements rather than understated instruments.

Current grey-market pricing for the Rolex Daytona 'Leopard' Ref. 116598SACO hovers around $120,000, reflecting strong demand and limited availability. Examples rarely appear at auction, and waitlist access through authorized Rolex dealers remains virtually non-existent, cementing the 'Leopard' as a tertiary-market collectible.