Watch Paparazzi

Comedian Thomas Giertsen spotted wearing Rolex

Norwegian comedian and television personality Thomas Giertsen was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Datejust 36mm on what appears to be a casual outing, the watch peeking out from beneath the cuff of a brown knit sweater. The sighting confirms Giertsen is a genuine Rolex collector — this is reportedly one of several Rolex pieces in his rotation, and the Datejust is arguably the most sensible anchor for any serious collection.

The watch in question appears to be the Rolex Datejust 36 ref. 116234, produced from 2006 through 2016 before being succeeded by the current 126234. Key identifiers are the white lacquer dial with applied Roman numeral hour markers, the 18ct white gold fluted bezel contrasting against the Oystersteel case, and the classic five-link Jubilee bracelet fitted with Rolex's Crownclasp. The case measures 36mm — a size that reads elegantly on most wrists without veering into dress-watch territory. Power comes from the calibre 3135, a self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, parachrom hairspring, and COSC chronometer certification. It remains one of the most reliable and well-finished movements in Rolex's modern catalogue.

The Datejust 36 with fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet occupies a particularly significant position among collectors. It is the archetypal Rolex — the configuration that defined the brand's identity for decades and the reference point against which nearly every other sport or dress Rolex is judged. The white Roman dial variant is among the cleanest executions of the design, legible and understated without sacrificing character.

Thomas Giertsen is best known in Norway for his stand-up work and long-running television career, but he has also cultivated a reputation as a savvy entrepreneur. That combination of creative credibility and business acumen maps naturally onto the Datejust's own identity — a watch equally at home in a boardroom or a comedy green room.

On the secondary market, the ref. 116234 in steel with white Roman dial trades comfortably in the $8,000–$10,500 range depending on condition, box, and papers. Its discontinued status has only strengthened demand, making it a more compelling buy today than when it was in production.