Royal Crown Prince and Regent of Johor spotted wearing a Rolex

The Crown Prince and Regent of Johor made a striking appearance at the 2026 Johor Super Crown Polo Tournament wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126599TSA in 18k white gold—a gem-set variant that rarely enters the collector market. The 'Blue Sapphire' edition, visible on the wrist, showcased the hallmarks of Rolex's most exclusive chronograph: a deep obsidian dial paired with a sapphire-studded bezel and matching hour markers.

The Daytona 126599TSA houses the Rolex Calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement finished to exacting standards and chronometer-certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). The 40mm white gold case maintains Rolex's sports chronograph proportions while the 18k precious metal elevates it beyond the stainless steel Daytona 116500LN. The bezel's 36 individually set baguette-cut blue sapphires represent weeks of master setting work; the obsidian dial—sourced from natural volcanic glass—adds depth and rarity. Water resistance reaches 100 meters, standard for the Daytona line. This reference remains out-of-catalogue, produced in strictly limited quantities for select clientele.

Among Daytona collectors, the 126599TSA 'Blue Sapphire' occupies a rarefied tier. Rolex's gem-set Daytonas command premiums that dwarf standard references; the combination of white gold, obsidian dial, and sapphire setting creates a trifecta of exclusivity. Production numbers remain undisclosed, but market availability suggests fewer than 100 pieces globally. Variants with different gemstone bezels and dial colors exist within this family, yet the blue sapphire pairing remains among the most sought.

The Crown Prince's choice reflects both horological connoisseurship and the cultural significance of haute joaillerie timepieces within royal circles. A Rolex Daytona, chronograph or not, signals serious collector standing; the 126599TSA elevates that statement to museum-quality territory. This watch transcends functional chronography—it is wearable jewelry calibrated to 0.007 seconds per day.

Retail pricing for the Daytona Ref. 126599TSA stands officially at $438,000 USD, yet secondary market valuations now approach $1.15 million for examples in near-new condition. Grey-market waiting lists remain non-existent; acquisition typically occurs through specialized dealers or auction houses specializing in rare Rolex sports models. The gap between retail and market price underscores the gem-set Daytona's status as a blue-chip collectible asset, on par with precious timepieces from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.