Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Badshah spotted wearing Rolex

Badshah, the Punjabi rapper whose streaming numbers rival Bollywood's biggest names, was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Day-Date 40 in 18k yellow gold on what appears to be the President bracelet — the three-piece link design that has been exclusive to the Day-Date line since 1956. The champagne index dial, fluted bezel, and full yellow-gold case leave little ambiguity about the model's identity.

The Rolex Day-Date 40 reference 228238 debuted at Baselworld 2015, replacing the long-running 118238. The case diameter grew from 36mm to 40mm, and critically, Rolex simultaneously introduced the calibre 3255 — one of the most technically significant movements the brand has produced in decades. The 3255 features 14 patents, a Chronergy lever escapement that improves energy efficiency by 15%, and a 70-hour power reserve — a marked improvement over the previous calibre 3156. The movement is also fitted with Rolex's Parachrom hairspring and carries COSC and Superlative Chronometer certification.

Among collectors, the Day-Date 40 occupies a peculiar position: it is simultaneously considered the most prestigious daily-wear Rolex and, historically, one of the least speculative. Because it is available only in 18k gold or platinum, the buy-in is significant and the grey market premium modest compared to steel sport references. The 228238 with champagne dial and fluted bezel is the configuration most closely associated with the model's traditional aesthetic — minimal, legible, and unmistakably authoritative.

Badshah's watch choices have tracked his commercial ascent closely. This Day-Date 40 joins what appears to be a growing collection that skews toward high-legibility, statement-level pieces rather than complicated haute horlogerie — entirely in keeping with hip-hop's long relationship with Rolex as cultural currency.

At an official retail price of approximately $33,400 USD, the 228238 sits comfortably above most of Rolex's catalogue. On the secondary market, yellow gold Day-Date 40 examples with standard dials trade near or slightly below retail — a relative bargain in the current Rolex grey-market environment dominated by steel Daytona and GMT premiums.