Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Imran Khan spotted wearing Rolex

Punjabi rap heavyweight Imran Khan was recently spotted at what appears to be an industry event, holding a Louis Vuitton Damier clutch and wearing a full 18k yellow gold Rolex Day-Date 40 on his wrist. The watch — nicknamed 'The President' after its bracelet design — caught the light unmistakably, confirming an all-gold configuration that leaves no subtlety on the table.

The Rolex Day-Date 40, reference 228238, was introduced in 2015 as the successor to the 118238, enlarging the case from 36mm to 40mm while retaining the model's defining characteristics. Powered by the in-house calibre 3255 — one of Rolex's most advanced movements — it delivers a 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, and a Parachrom hairspring. The champagne-toned dial with applied baton indices is one of the most recognisable configurations in the Day-Date catalogue, giving the watch an understated richness that reads well at any scale.

From a collector standpoint, the yellow gold Day-Date 40 on the President bracelet occupies a curious space: it is both a mainstream status symbol and a technically serious watch. The 3255 movement is among the most refined Swiss lever escapements in production, and the 18k Everose or yellow gold case is manufactured entirely in-house at Rolex's foundry in Geneva. The fluted bezel — itself machined from solid gold — is a calling card of the reference.

Imran Khan, known for Punjabi-inflected tracks that blend South Asian folk elements with contemporary hip-hop production, has cultivated a global fanbase across the diaspora. The Day-Date is a logical choice for an artist operating at that level of cultural reach — it has long been the watch of choice for heads of state, label executives, and artists who understand that the 'President' communicates authority without requiring explanation.

On the grey market, the 228238 in yellow gold with a champagne dial commands a notable premium over its already substantial retail price, reflecting consistent demand and Rolex's controlled supply chain. For buyers unable to source one through an authorised dealer, the secondary market remains the primary avenue — at a meaningful cost.