Golfer Justin Thomas spotted wearing a Rolex

Justin Thomas was photographed wearing a Rolex Daytona Reference 116509 in 18K white gold with a striking blue dial while celebrating his Players Championship victory — arguably golf's most prestigious non-major title, making the wrist choice as headline-worthy as the win itself.

The Rolex Daytona 116509 occupies a distinct position in the Daytona family. Introduced as part of Rolex's precious metal Daytona lineup, the 116509 pairs an 18K white gold 40mm case with a sunburst blue dial — a color option unavailable on stainless steel references and long regarded as one of the more sophisticated dial choices in the range. The applied Rolex coronet and Daytona branding in matching white gold complete an understated but unmistakably luxurious aesthetic. Beneath the case sits the Rolex caliber 4130, a movement Rolex developed entirely in-house and introduced in 2000. The 4130 features a column wheel chronograph mechanism, a vertical clutch for smooth start engagement, and a 72-hour power reserve — widely considered one of the finest integrated chronograph movements in production.

Among collectors, the white gold Daytona 116509 with blue dial occupies a specific niche: less flashy than the yellow gold variant, more prestigious than steel, and considerably rarer on the secondary market. The blue dial interacts differently with light throughout the day, giving the watch a quiet dynamism that rewards long-term ownership. It pairs the everyday wearability of the Daytona format with the material gravitas of a fine jewelry piece.

Justin Thomas, a 15-time PGA Tour winner and former World No. 1, has demonstrated consistently considered taste in watches. His choice of the Daytona 116509 at a moment of major professional achievement feels deliberate — a watch that matches competitive excellence with refined restraint rather than ostentation.

The Rolex Daytona 116509 carries a UK list price of approximately £31,550. On the grey market, demand for white gold Daytona references with precious metal bracelets remains firm, with examples in excellent condition regularly trading between $45,000 and $55,000 USD depending on dial condition, box and papers, and purchase vintage.