Royal Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim spotted wearing a Rolex

The Crown Prince of Johor, General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116508 in 18K yellow gold, fitted with a mother-of-pearl dial and eight factory-set diamond hour markers. The sighting is a reminder that, even among the world's most privileged watch collectors, the Daytona in gold remains a benchmark of taste rather than a safe default.

The ref. 116508 sits within the seventh-generation Daytona family, introduced in 2013 alongside the transition to the in-house Calibre 4130 movement. That COSC-certified chronograph beats at 28,800 vph, offers a 72-hour power reserve, and features a column-wheel mechanism and vertical clutch — a significant engineering leap over the earlier Zenith-based cal. 4030. The 40mm oyster case in Rolex's proprietary Oystergold alloy is paired with a matching Oyster bracelet, giving the piece its distinctive monochromatic warmth. The mother-of-pearl dial option, enhanced by the subtle iridescence of the shell and punctuated by diamond indices, elevates the reference beyond the realm of purely functional chronograph into something closer to gem-set jewellery watch territory.

For collectors, the 116508 occupies a nuanced position. It was never a simple piece to acquire at retail — Rolex's allocation policies and consistent demand ensured that — and now that it has been superseded by the ref. 126508 (which introduced the updated cal. 7140 with a 72-hour reserve and new lugs), existing examples of the 116508 have hardened considerably in the secondary market. The mother-of-pearl and diamond configuration is among the rarer dial variants, making it especially sought after by completists.

Tunku Ismail, known for his direct public persona and outspoken views, is also a recognised watch enthusiast whose wrist has showcased a number of significant references over the years. His choice of the 116508 reflects an appreciation for technical substance wrapped in unambiguous luxury — precisely the balance that defines the gold Daytona's enduring collector appeal.

With Rolex list prices discontinued on this reference and grey-market values holding firm around $135,000, the 116508 in mother-of-pearl and diamond configuration represents not only a statement piece but a resilient store of value in today's volatile pre-owned watch market.