Tennis player Mirka Federer spotted wearing a Rolex

Mirka Federer is rarely the subject of watch conversation — that spotlight has historically belonged to her husband. But a recent sighting of the former Slovak-born WTA professional wearing a white gold Rolex Datejust 'Zebra' ref. 116189BBR shifts the focus squarely onto her wrist, and for very good reason.

The Rolex Datejust 116189BBR is one of the most jewellery-intensive references the Geneva manufacture has ever released under the Datejust family name. Built on the calibre 3135 automatic movement — a robust, COSC-adjacent workhorse offering approximately 48 hours of power reserve — the 36mm white gold case is entirely secondary to the ornamentation layered onto it. The bezel alone carries 60 baguette-cut diamonds in a channel setting, while brilliant-cut diamonds are set directly into the case sides, a detail virtually unique in the Rolex catalogue. The dial presents a full pavé zebra-stripe motif in alternating black and white diamonds, with additional diamond hour indices completing the effect. The bracelet — or rather the strap — is where the reference truly separates itself: a black rubber band set with 10 large diamonds, combining sporting wearability with haute joaillerie in a way that few watches from any brand have attempted.

Production figures for the 116189BBR are estimated at around 100 pieces globally, placing it firmly in the territory of Rolex's most collectible jewellery watches. Unlike the brand's more widely traded gem-set references, the 'Zebra' seldom appears at auction, and when it does, it commands significant premiums over any theoretical list price. Collectors of high-jewellery Rolex — a niche but extremely well-funded segment — treat the reference as a grail piece.

Mirka Vavrinec Federer competed professionally on the WTA Tour until 2002, reaching a career-high singles ranking of 76 in the world. Since retiring, she has remained a constant presence in professional tennis circles through her husband Roger's career and their shared charitable foundation. Her choice of the Datejust 'Zebra' suggests a collector's sensibility rather than a stylist's decision — this is not a watch that appears in brand campaigns or on loan from a PR office.

On the grey market, the 116189BBR trades infrequently and at substantial premiums. Given the rarity of the reference and the near-total absence of secondary market listings, confirmed transaction prices remain difficult to pin down, but the watch's combination of precious metal, stone count, and scarcity places it well above six figures whenever it does change hands.