Boxer Canelo Álvarez spotted wearing a Rolex

In early 2016, as Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez was preparing for his anticipated welterweight crossover showdown with Amir Khan, cameras caught the Mexican superstar wearing one of Rolex's most mechanically ambitious sports watches — the Yacht-Master II in 18ct yellow gold, reference 116688. The pairing of a championship boxer with a regatta complication watch is an unlikely one on paper, but on Canelo's wrist it reads as pure horological confidence.

Introduced at Baselworld 2007, the Yacht-Master II represented Rolex's most complex movement development in decades at the time of its launch. The calibre 4161 — entirely designed and manufactured in-house — features a patented programmable mechanical countdown regatta timer with a Ring Command bezel system, allowing the synchronised crown and bezel to interact and set the countdown sequence without disengaging the movement from the timekeeping function. The 44mm Oyster case in 18ct yellow gold (Rolex designation: 'yellow Rolesor' variant uses gold throughout) houses this movement behind a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens over the date at 3 o'clock.

The ref. 116688's dial is immediately recognisable: a clean white lacquered face with bold Arabic numerals in yellow gold, a sub-register at 6 o'clock for the regatta countdown, and that distinctive blue Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel engraved with a 0-to-10 scale in reverse. The integrated Oyster bracelet in 18ct yellow gold with an Oysterlock deployant clasp completes what is one of the heaviest and most substantial sports watches in the Rolex catalogue.

For collectors, the 116688 occupies a niche position. It is not a flip favourite — its large case, sailing-specific complication and yellow-gold execution make it a genuine 'keeper' piece for those who appreciate mechanical complexity over trend. Grey market premiums have historically remained modest relative to other Rolex sports references, making it one of the more accessible complicated Rolex references on the secondary market.

Canelo Álvarez has developed a reputation as a serious watch collector, with his collection spanning Rolex, Patek Philippe and AP. The Yacht-Master II in yellow gold fits squarely within his preference for bold, high-complication pieces that project success without apology — a fitting companion for a fighter of his stature.