Watch Paparazzi

Rapper T.I spotted wearing Rolex

T.I, the Atlanta rapper and actor born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Sky-Dweller in 18kt yellow gold, reference 326938 — one of the most technically sophisticated watches in Rolex's current production lineup. The full yellow gold execution leaves no ambiguity: this is a statement piece worn by someone who understands the top of the catalogue.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 326938 is powered by the Calibre 9001, a self-winding movement developed entirely in-house and protected by 12 patents. It offers a dual time zone display via an off-centre disc at 12 o'clock, a Saros annual calendar that distinguishes between 30- and 31-day months — requiring only a single manual correction in February — and a Rolex-patented Ring Command bezel that links the bezel rotation directly to the crown to cycle through the watch's three setting modes. The movement beats at 28,800 vph and offers approximately 72 hours of power reserve.

First introduced in 2012, the Sky-Dweller was the first entirely new Rolex complication in over 25 years at the time of its launch. The reference 326938 specifically denotes the 42mm Oyster case in 18kt yellow gold with a fluted bezel and typically a rich champagne or black dial. It remains one of the few Rolex models that genuinely challenges enthusiasts intellectually, earning respect among collectors who look beyond the brand's sportier steel references.

T.I has long maintained a presence in the serious watch community, favouring large, high-complication pieces that align with his status in the music industry. The choice of a full yellow gold Sky-Dweller rather than a flashier bejewelled variant speaks to a degree of horological awareness — this is a watch chosen as much for its movement architecture as for its undeniable visual weight.

On the market, the Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 326938 carries a UK list price of approximately £30,000. In grey market conditions, demand for full yellow gold Sky-Dweller references has remained firm, with pre-owned examples trading at or above retail depending on condition and provenance — a testament to the model's enduring collector credibility.