Watch Paparazzi

Basketball player Luka Dončić spotted wearing Rolex

Luka Dončić was photographed wearing a Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN in 18k yellow gold shortly after leading the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals — a moment of personal triumph that came paired with one of the most covetable references in Rolex's current catalog. The choice of watch was anything but accidental: the all-black 126618LN is the kind of piece that reads as a quiet flex, recognizable to collectors while remaining restrained enough to wear courtside or at a press conference.

Rolex unveiled the Submariner Date 126618LN in 2020 as part of a comprehensive generational update to the Submariner family. The case grew from 40mm to 41mm, the lugs were refined, and the crown guards were subtly reshaped for improved ergonomics. At its heart sits the Calibre 3235, Rolex's proprietary movement featuring a Chronergy escapement, a Paraflex shock absorber, and a 70-hour power reserve — a significant upgrade over the Calibre 3135 it replaced. The bidirectional Triplock crown and Oysterlock clasp maintain the watch's 300-meter water resistance rating.

The 126618LN distinguishes itself within the Submariner lineup through its monochromatic execution. The 18k yellow gold case and integrated Oyster bracelet are paired with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert and a matte black dial with applied gold hour markers and Mercedes hands. The result is a watch that feels heavier and warmer in tone than its steel counterparts — a deliberate statement of material hierarchy within the Submariner family.

Among collectors, the 126618LN occupies a particular sweet spot: it is less flashy than the two-tone Rolesor references yet more assertive than any steel Submariner. Gold Submariners have historically attracted athletes, musicians, and executives who want the functional credibility of a dive watch without conceding on precious metal. Dončić, at 25, represents a younger generation of NBA stars who have developed a genuine interest in horology beyond brand recognition alone.

At an official retail price of $38,950, the Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN is already a significant investment. On the grey market, however, demand continues to push values toward the $50,000 mark — a premium that reflects both constrained Rolex supply chains and sustained appetite for yellow gold sport watches across global markets.