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Entrepreneur Tommy Hilfiger spotted wearing Rolex

Tommy Hilfiger was recently spotted wearing the Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116681, the bi-metal variant of Rolex's dedicated regatta-complication watch. The sighting aligns naturally with Hilfiger's long-cultivated nautical brand identity, reinforcing that his watch choices tend to echo the preppy, seafaring codes built into his design DNA.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 was introduced as part of the second-generation Yacht-Master II lineup, distinguishing itself from the all-steel 116680 and the full Everose 116681 through its two-tone construction. The 44mm Oyster case is crafted in Oystersteel, while the bidirectional rotatable bezel and winding crown are rendered in Rolex's proprietary 18k Everose gold alloy — an in-house formulation engineered to resist fading. The white dial carries bold, lacquered hour markers and a prominent red seconds hand, designed for legibility under racing conditions.

At the heart of the ref. 116681 sits calibre 4161, one of Rolex's most complex in-house movements. It incorporates a mechanical memory system that allows the countdown timer — programmable between 1 and 10 minutes — to be synchronized with a race committee's starting sequence via the bezel ring command. A patented instantaneous jumping minute hand resets mechanically at the top of each countdown cycle. The movement beats at 28,800 vph and carries a 72-hour power reserve.

Among collectors, the Yacht-Master II occupies a niche but respected position. It is frequently overlooked in favour of the sports icon status of the Daytona or Submariner, yet those who appreciate genuine mechanical complexity regard the 4161 calibre with considerable esteem. The bi-metal 116681 sits between the full gold and steel references in terms of desirability, offering wearability without the full precious-metal premium.

At UK list price the ref. 116681 was positioned around £18,500, placing it firmly in the upper tier of the Rolex sports catalogue. On the grey market, bi-metal Yacht-Master II examples have traded at or near retail — modest premiums compared to the brand's more demand-pressured references — making it an accessible entry point for serious Rolex collectors. Hilfiger's choice signals a connoisseur's appreciation for functional horology wrapped in considered aesthetics.