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Mixed martial artist Jon Jones spotted wearing Rolex

Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, was photographed holding a young child in what appears to be a relaxed, off-duty setting — and sharp-eyed watch enthusiasts will immediately notice the flash of gold and blue ceramic on his wrist. The watch in question is a Rolex Yacht-Master II in 18k yellow gold, reference 116688, a piece that occupies a unique and technically demanding corner of the Rolex lineup.

Introduced in 2007 at Baselworld, the Yacht-Master II represented Rolex's most ambitious movement development in decades. The reference 116688 pairs the 44mm Oystersteel-sized yellow gold Oyster case with a blue monobloc Cerachrom bezel — scratch-resistant, fade-proof ceramic engraved with gold-filled numerals running from 1 to 10, twice over. The white lacquer dial carries a regatta countdown subdial at six o'clock, blue and red hands, and the signature red triangle at twelve. The calibre 4161 inside is a mechanical marvel: a column-wheel chronograph movement with a programmable mechanical memory, allowing a skipper to synchronise the countdown to the starting gun without any electronics. Power reserve sits at approximately 72 hours.

From a collector standpoint, the 116688 occupies an interesting position. It is not the most sought-after Yacht-Master II variant among purists — that honour typically goes to the two-tone Rolesor ref. 116621 — but the all-gold execution commands respect for its uncompromising opulence and the sheer engineering credibility of the Cal. 4161. Very few brands build a true mechanical regatta timer of this complexity.

Jones, a multiple-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and the promotion's all-time pound-for-pound great by many metrics, has never been shy about luxury accessories. His wrist choice here aligns with the profile of a high-earning combat sports athlete who gravitates toward statement pieces with genuine mechanical substance behind the gold exterior.

On the grey market, the 116688 trades firmly above retail, reflecting sustained demand for yellow gold Rolex sports references. Current secondary market values place it comfortably in the $38,000–$45,000 range depending on condition and box-and-papers status, against a retail list that has climbed steadily over successive price adjustments.