Watch Paparazzi

Actor Jamie Foxx spotted wearing Rolex

Jamie Foxx has been photographed wearing one of the most assertive configurations Rolex produces — the Day-Date II reference 218238 in 18k yellow gold, fitted with a ruby dial. It is not a subtle choice, and that is precisely the point.

The Rolex Day-Date II ref. 218238 was introduced in 2008, offering a 41mm case — four millimetres larger than the classic Day-Date — still crafted exclusively in precious metals, in keeping with the model's founding philosophy dating back to 1956. The case and the signature President bracelet are both rendered here in 18k yellow gold, producing a total weight and presence that makes itself known on the wrist. Powering the watch is the Rolex Calibre 3156, a self-winding movement with a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The movement is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, meaning it meets Rolex's own in-house standard of ±2 seconds per day after casing.

The ruby dial elevates the 218238 into genuinely rare territory. Rolex offers a range of precious stone and exotic dials across the Day-Date line, but a full ruby dial — whether set with baguette or round stones, or crafted from the actual mineral — represents one of the most costly and least commonly seen configurations. These dials are ordered at significant premium and seldom appear on the secondary market, which compounds their collector appeal considerably.

For a watch of this specification, the Day-Date II ref. 218238 sits at the intersection of institutional prestige and personal statement. Rolex has long positioned the Day-Date as the watch of presidents and industry leaders — a reputation built deliberately over seven decades. Foxx, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Ray in 2005 and has sustained a career across film, television, and music, occupies exactly the cultural position this watch was designed for.

At UK list pricing of approximately £32,500 — translating to roughly $41,000 USD at prevailing rates — the base 218238 in yellow gold is already a significant purchase. Factor in the ruby dial configuration and grey-market values climb materially above retail, reflecting both scarcity and sustained demand for precious-metal Day-Date references among collectors worldwide.