Footballer Micah Richards spotted wearing a Rolex

During BBC Sport's coverage of the FIFA World Cup, former professional footballer Micah Richards appeared on air wearing a stainless-steel Rolex Yacht-Master II, capturing the attention of watch enthusiasts online. Richards, now a television presenter, paired the steel sports chronograph with a cream-coloured double-breasted blazer, showcasing the watch's versatility across formal broadcast settings.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116680 combines a 44mm stainless-steel case with a white dial and rotating blue bezel, powered by the Rolex Calibre 7751 automatic chronograph movement. This self-winding mechanism delivers a 72-hour power reserve and precise timing down to one-tenth of a second. The white dial features applied hour markers and a 24-hour GMT hand, complemented by red and white sub-dials. Water resistance reaches 100 meters, sufficient for recreational water sports. The Oyster bracelet, featuring the Glidelock extension system, ensures secure wrist wear across varying conditions. The blue bezel rotates in both directions and bears countdown markings specific to yacht racing protocols.

Among collectors, the Yacht-Master II has carved a distinct position as a tool watch bridging professional maritime use and refined sports-watch collecting. The ref. 116680, in steel, remains more accessible than its platinum variants while retaining the full chronograph functionality and GMT complications demanded by serious sailors. Production spanned the 2000s through early 2010s, making pre-owned examples relatively available compared to vintage Rolex sports models. The pairing of white dial and blue bezel—mimicking maritime color schemes—has sustained strong collector preference, particularly among those seeking alternatives to dive watches.

Richards' choice reflects growing crossover between sports-watch collecting and mainstream celebrity style. His broadcast role and athletic background align naturally with the Yacht-Master II's positioning as both technical instrument and status symbol. The watch's presence on BBC's global platform underscores Rolex's dominance in high-visibility broadcast environments.

Retail prices for the steel Yacht-Master II typically range from $14,000 to $16,000 depending on condition and age. Pre-owned examples trade between $12,000 and $15,000 on the secondary market, with white-dial variants commanding premiums over rarer configurations. Grey-market availability remains steady, though demand from collectors and broadcasters keeps inventory competitive.