Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Stormzy spotted wearing Rolex

At the GRM Gala, Stormzy arrived wearing one of Rolex's most rarefied production references — the Daytona 116588TBR in 18kt yellow gold, its bezel set with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds by Rolex's own gem-setting department. The sighting was a reminder that the South London rapper's watch taste extends well beyond status-symbol basics into genuinely complex, factory-finished horology.

The Rolex Daytona 116588TBR sits at the apex of the Daytona family's precious-metal offerings. Beneath the dial runs the Calibre 4130, Rolex's in-house automatic chronograph movement featuring a column wheel, vertical clutch, and a 72-hour power reserve — one of the most respected chronograph ebauches in Swiss manufacturing. The case measures the standard 40mm and is crafted entirely in 18kt yellow gold, paired here with Rolex's Oysterflex strap: a high-tech elastomer bracelet reinforced by a longitudinal metal blade that prevents stretching while maintaining wrist flexibility. It is an engineering solution that also happens to suit a heavy gold case exceptionally well.

What distinguishes the 116588TBR from other gem-set Daytonas is the trapeze cut of the diamonds themselves. Unlike round brilliants or baguettes, trapeze-cut stones demand precise angled faceting and exacting channel setting to sit flush and uniform around the bezel. Rolex sources and sets these stones internally, meaning the reference carries both a manufacture movement and a manufacture gem-set credential — a combination that collectors recognize as genuinely rare. The reference is produced in very limited numbers, appearing sporadically in authorized dealer allocations.

Stormzy has built a watch collection that reflects considered taste rather than impulse buying. From iced-out Pateks to clean-dialed sports references, his wrist game is documented and deliberate. Wearing the 116588TBR to the GRM Gala — an event central to UK grime and rap culture — places a serious horological statement in exactly the right cultural context.

On the market, the Rolex Daytona 116588TBR carries a retail list price of approximately $120,000, though grey-market demand has pushed realized values closer to $170,000. Factory gem-set Rolex references consistently outperform their list prices in secondary trading, and the 116588TBR is no exception — its combination of precious metal, in-house movement, and manufacturer-certified diamond work ensures it remains a target for serious collectors rather than casual buyers.