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Royal Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim spotted wearing Rolex

Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim of Johor was recently spotted wearing the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116598TBR 'Eye of the Tiger' — one of the most extravagant and technically demanding references in Rolex's modern catalogue. What makes this particular sighting notable is the bracelet: since 2021, Rolex has offered this model on a fully gem-set gold integrated bracelet, departing from the earlier Oysterflex rubber strap configuration that defined earlier production runs of the 116598TBR.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116598TBR is built entirely in 18k yellow gold and represents the apex of the manufacture's high jewellery watchmaking. The bezel is set with 38 baguette-cut diamonds, while the champagne-toned subsidiary dials — running seconds at nine, 30-minute counter at three, and 12-hour counter at six — are interlaced with brilliant-cut diamonds set against a backdrop of black lacquer. The visual contrast between the glittering stones and the deep lacquer directly invokes the aesthetic of the original Paul Newman Daytona dials from the 1960s, a deliberate and sophisticated nod from Geneva.

Powering the 116598TBR is Rolex's in-house Calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement introduced in 2000 that remains a benchmark in the industry. The 4130 runs at 28,800 vph, offers approximately 72 hours of power reserve, and eliminated the vertical clutch's tendency to cause dial jump at the moment of activation — a persistent criticism of the earlier Calibre 4030 based on the Zenith El Primero. The 40mm case maintains Rolex's Oyster water resistance to 100 metres.

For collectors, the 116598TBR occupies a singular position. Production is strictly limited, waitlists at authorised dealers are essentially theoretical, and the reference rarely surfaces at auction. Its combination of high-jewellery execution with a mechanically serious chronograph movement gives it credibility beyond purely decorative gem-set watches.

Tunku Ismail, known for an expansive and discerning watch collection that has included everything from independent watchmakers to Rolex's most complex pieces, wears the 116598TBR as a natural extension of a public profile that straddles modern royalty and global luxury culture. On the grey market, this reference commands a significant premium over its already substantial retail price, with demand consistently outpacing supply.