Watch Paparazzi

Basketball player James Harden spotted wearing Rolex

James Harden has never been a minimalist — on the court or off it — and his latest wrist sighting confirms that philosophy extends to serious horology. The NBA guard was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Sky-Dweller in 18k Everose Gold, reference 326935, a piece that sits comfortably at the top of Rolex's complication hierarchy and demands genuine collector attention.

The Sky-Dweller ref. 326935 is built around the manufacture Calibre 9001, a self-winding movement Rolex spent years developing before debuting the Sky-Dweller line in 2012. The Cal. 9001 offers a bi-directional perpetual rotor, 72-hour power reserve, and two signature complications: a Saros annual calendar — which displays the month via 12 apertures around the dial — and a dual time zone shown through an off-centre 24-hour disc. Setting all of this is achieved through the Ring Command bezel, a patented system that links the rotating bezel directly to the movement to allow intuitive function selection without external pushers. On ref. 326935 specifically, the 42mm case, fluted bezel, and matching Oyster bracelet are all rendered in Rolex's proprietary Everose gold, an 18k rose gold alloy developed in-house for superior resistance to fading.

Among collectors, the Sky-Dweller occupies a respected but sometimes underappreciated position. Its complexity rivals many complications from independent houses, yet the Rolex name and sporty lineage keep it accessible for enthusiasts who want substance alongside status. The full Everose configuration of the 326935 — case, dial, and bracelet unified in warm rose gold — is considered the most cohesive and desirable expression of the reference.

Harden, whose personal style has long drawn media attention, is a known watch collector with a preference for high-visibility pieces. The Sky-Dweller fits his aesthetic: substantial at 42mm, unmistakably luxurious, but underpinned by genuine mechanical credibility. It reads as a collector's choice rather than a trophy purchase.

At UK list price around £35,000, the Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 326935 in full Everose gold carries a grey-market premium reflecting persistent demand. Expect to pay meaningfully above retail in today's secondary market, where full-gold Sky-Dwellers continue to attract strong interest from both watch collectors and a new generation of sports and entertainment figures.