Rapper Eminem spotted wearing a Rolex

Eminem has been spotted wearing a Rolex Datejust reference 1600, one of the foundational vintage references in the Swiss manufacturer's catalogue. The sighting is notable precisely because of its understatement — in a genre where horological flexing is almost obligatory, Marshall Mathers reaching for a 36mm vintage tool-dresser says something deliberate about his relationship with watches.

The Rolex Datejust ref. 1600 entered production around 1959 and ran until approximately 1977, making it one of the most enduring single references Rolex ever issued. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case, the 1600 was typically paired with either a smooth or fluted bezel and offered a wide variety of dial configurations — from matte black and silver to the highly sought-after 'Sigma dial' versions with gold applied indices. Power comes from the caliber 1570, a 26-jewel automatic movement with a 19,800 vph beat rate and approximately 44 hours of power reserve. It is a robust, serviceable caliber that remains well-supported by independent watchmakers today.

Among vintage Rolex collectors, the ref. 1600 occupies a quietly respected position. It lacks the exotic cachet of a ref. 6263 Paul Newman Daytona, but that is precisely the point. Collectors prize the 1600 for honest wearability, dial variety, and direct mechanical lineage to the modern Datejust. Glossy 'gilt' dials from the early production years and tropical-turned examples command meaningful premiums at auction.

Eminem's broader collection is well-documented — he has worn Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks and heavily customized diamond pieces publicly — which makes the ref. 1600 sighting all the more interesting. It suggests a collector comfortable enough to rotate vintage steel alongside five-figure showpieces, which is the hallmark of genuine horological engagement rather than pure status signaling.

On the grey market, clean examples of the Rolex Datejust ref. 1600 in stainless steel trade broadly between $3,500 and $8,000 depending on dial condition, bracelet originality, and documentation. Exceptional early gilt-dial examples with original Jubilee bracelets regularly breach $10,000 at specialist auction. No current retail equivalent exists — the reference is long discontinued — but its value has appreciated steadily as vintage Rolex collecting has matured into a serious global market.