Watch Paparazzi

Actor Mark Wahlberg spotted wearing Rolex

Mark Wahlberg was recently photographed wearing one of Rolex's most extravagant catalogue references — the Submariner Date 116659SABR — a white gold dive watch that pushes well beyond the boundaries of what most collectors associate with the Submariner line. While the model retains all the technical DNA of the professional sports watch, this particular configuration transforms it into something closer to haute joaillerie.

The Rolex Submariner Date 116659SABR is built on a 40mm 18kt white gold Oyster case, water-resistant to 300 metres, and powered by the Calibre 3135 — Rolex's workhorse self-winding movement featuring a Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The bezel is set with baguette-cut blue sapphires and round brilliant diamonds in an alternating configuration, a signature of the SABR suffix references. The deep blue dial carries applied hour markers and Mercedes hands, all executed in white gold and luminescent material. It is a Submariner that can genuinely dive, though few owners ever will.

The 116659SABR occupies a curious and coveted position in the Rolex collector ecosystem. Introduced as part of Rolex's precious metals and gem-set Submariner family, it represents the pinnacle of the reference 116610 generation before the transition to the current 126619LB architecture. Production numbers are deliberately limited, and availability through authorised dealers has always been restricted — making grey market appearances both common and costly. Collectors prize it as a crossover piece: a certified professional instrument dressed in jewellery-grade materials.

Mark Wahlberg has long been documented as a serious watch collector with a taste for the unapologetically extravagant. His collection reportedly spans Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and multiple Rolex references, consistent with his profile as a high-net-worth celebrity entrepreneur in both film and the fitness industry. Wearing the 116659SABR reads less as casual flex and more as considered collecting — this is a watch for someone who knows exactly what they have on their wrist.

On the current market, the Rolex Submariner 116659SABR commands a significant premium over its already substantial retail price. With a UK list price of approximately £85,600, grey market values in USD have historically tracked between $120,000 and $145,000 depending on condition, box, papers, and current demand cycles. It remains one of the most liquid ultra-premium Rolex references in secondary market trading.