Watch Paparazzi

Singer Nicky Jam spotted wearing Rolex

Nicky Jam was recently spotted on the wrist with one of Rolex's most coveted and least-discussed references: the Day-Date 40 in platinum, reference 228206, dressed with an ice blue dial and bold Arabic numerals. It is the kind of watch that rewards those who look closely.

The Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228206 is built entirely in 950 platinum — a rarer and denser metal than white gold, and the only material in the Rolex lineup that produces the Day-Date's characteristic ice blue dial. That colour is unique to platinum cases and is achieved through a specific lacquering process; you simply cannot order it any other way. The case measures 40mm, an upgrade from the classic 36mm President that defined the line for decades, and sits on Rolex's integrated President bracelet in matching platinum. Inside beats the Calibre 3255, a manufacture movement featuring the Chronergy escapement, a 70-hour power reserve, and a precision rating of ±2 seconds per day — well beyond COSC chronometer standards.

The Day-Date lineage stretches back to 1956, when Rolex debuted the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week spelled out in full and the date. From the outset it was positioned as the watch for heads of state, industry titans, and cultural leaders — a reputation it has maintained across seven decades. The platinum configuration has always sat at the absolute apex of that hierarchy.

Nicky Jam's taste in timepieces has been consistently elevated, and the 228206 fits naturally within the profile of an artist who has moved from underground freestyle roots to Latin Grammy recognition. The Arabic numeral dial adds a degree of legibility and visual weight that distinguishes this piece from the cleaner baton-indexed variants — a personal, deliberate choice.

On the market, the Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228206 carries a retail list price of approximately $73,500, but platinum Day-Date examples trade significantly above retail on the secondary market. Current grey-market valuations place this reference at around $170,000, reflecting both the scarcity of platinum supply and sustained global demand for Rolex's flagship dress watch.