Footballer Presnel Kimpembe spotted wearing a Rolex

Presnel Kimpembe, central defender for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, was photographed on what appears to be a Maldives getaway sporting one of Rolex's most polarising — and coveted — sports-luxury references: the Submariner Date in 18-ct yellow gold with a black ceramic bezel and black dial, reference 126618LN.

The 126618LN, launched as part of Rolex's sweeping 2020 Submariner overhaul, represents the definitive evolution of the yellow gold Sub lineage that stretches back to the ref. 16808 of 1980. The case grew fractionally to 41 mm from the long-standing 40 mm standard, while the uni-directional rotating bezel now features a thicker, more legible Cerachrom insert in black ceramic — virtually unscratchable and UV-stable. Most significantly under the caseback, Rolex replaced the Cal. 3135 with the new Cal. 3235: a self-winding movement offering 70 hours of power reserve (up from 48), Chronergy escapement for improved efficiency, and a Paraflex shock absorber. Water resistance remains a certified 300 metres.

From a collector standpoint, the yellow gold Submariner occupies a curious position. Purists debate whether precious-metal dive watches undermine the tool-watch ethos, yet the market consistently disagrees. The 126618LN commands significant grey-market premiums because Rolex's authorised dealer allocation for precious-metal sports references remains extremely tight. Its black dial and black bezel combination — as opposed to the blue-dialled 126618LB — is generally considered the more understated, slightly more wearable choice despite the 18-ct yellow gold case and Oyster bracelet, which together weigh considerably more than their steel counterparts.

Kimpembe, 28, has cultivated a reputation as one of football's more style-conscious players, regularly photographed in high-end streetwear and luxury accessories. A yellow gold Rolex Submariner is precisely the kind of statement piece that reads as confident without being ostentatious — serious horology dressed in vacation clothes, much like Kimpembe himself in the image.

At an official Rolex retail price of approximately $39,650 USD, the 126618LN is already a significant acquisition. On the secondary market, however, authenticated examples regularly trade between $48,000 and $55,000 USD, reflecting continued demand that outpaces supply at authorised dealers globally.