Watch Paparazzi

Mixed martial artist Paddy The Baddy Pimblett spotted wearing Rolex

Paddy Pimblett's post-fight appearances have become as anticipated as the bouts themselves, and his latest victory at UFC London came accompanied by a wrist shot worth examining closely. The Merseyside fan favourite was seen sporting the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in 18K white gold, reference 226659, worn on Rolex's proprietary OysterFlex bracelet — a pairing that sits at the intersection of haute horlogerie and everyday wearability.

The Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 was introduced as the largest and most assertive expression of the Yacht-Master line. Measuring 42mm in diameter, the case, bezel, and dial are all executed in 18K white gold, with the characteristic bidirectional rotatable bezel featuring a matte cerachrom insert — in this configuration rendered in black — contrasted by raised, polished numerals and markings. Inside runs the Rolex Calibre 3235, a manufacture movement featuring the Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The OysterFlex bracelet replaces traditional metal links with a high-performance elastomer strap over a flexible metal blade, delivering comfort and resilience uncommon in a full precious-metal watch.

Among collectors, the 226659 occupies a distinctive niche. Full white gold sports watches from Rolex are produced in far lower volumes than their steel counterparts, and the combination of the 42mm case with the OysterFlex — rather than the oyster bracelet — gives this reference a more athletic, modern profile. It is not an easy watch to source at retail, and the grey market consistently prices it above list as a result.

Pimblett's taste runs unapologetically large and loud, which makes the 226659 a coherent choice. The 42mm white gold case reads boldly under the lights of a post-fight press conference or a Liverpool pub, which is entirely in keeping with a fighter who has built as large a social media following as any active UFC athlete in Europe.

At a UK list price of £23,700 (approximately $31,290), the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 trades on the grey market closer to £29,500 — around $38,950 — reflecting persistent demand and constrained authorised dealer supply. For collectors tracking this reference, Pimblett's visibility only reinforces its cultural currency.