Watch Paparazzi

Comedian Else Kåss Furuseth spotted wearing Rolex

Norwegian comedian and writer Else Kåss Furuseth was recently photographed at what appears to be a live panel discussion, wearing a Rolex Datejust 36mm on her left wrist — a rare sighting given that she is not typically associated with watch culture. The watch was partially visible, but enough detail was captured to confirm the reference and configuration with reasonable confidence.

The watch displays all the hallmarks of a vintage or transitional-era Rolex Datejust 36 — specifically reference 16234. The black dial features applied rectangular baton hour markers in polished steel, the signature Cyclops date magnifier over the 3 o'clock position, and the classic three-line Rolex crown logo at 12. The fluted bezel, rendered in white gold contrasting the stainless Oyster case, is one of the defining aesthetic signatures of this reference. The bracelet is the iconic five-link Jubilee, first introduced alongside the Datejust in 1945. The ref. 16234 was produced from approximately 1988 through to the mid-2000s and houses the Calibre 3135 — Rolex's flagship self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring, and superlative chronometer certification.

From a collector standpoint, the 16234 with a black dial and fluted bezel on Jubilee occupies a sweet spot: it is old enough to carry vintage gravitas, but recent enough to be highly reliable and service-friendly. The combination of white gold bezel with steel case is sometimes called 'two-tone without the gold bracelet,' appealing to collectors who want the contrast without full Rolesor ostentation.

Furuseth is one of Norway's most recognized comedians, celebrated for her sharp, self-deprecating humor and a public persona that leans deliberately unglamorous. Her choice of a classic, unflashy Rolex — worn at a speaking event rather than a red carpet — aligns perfectly with that sensibility. This is a watch worn for the right reasons.

On the grey market, a clean ref. 16234 with black dial and white gold fluted bezel typically trades between $8,500 and $11,000 depending on condition, box, and papers. The $9,600 valuation noted here sits squarely in range. Retail for new Datejust 36 configurations now far exceeds this, making the vintage 16234 an increasingly attractive entry point for serious collectors.