Watch Paparazzi

Golfer Rickie Fowler spotted wearing Rolex

Rickie Fowler has never been shy about color and personal expression — from his signature orange Sunday outfits to his watch choices — so spotting the Californian golfer wearing an 18ct white gold Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 on an Oysterflex bracelet feels entirely consistent. The sighting puts one of the most refined sport watches in Rolex's current lineup firmly in the spotlight.

Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 at Baselworld 2019, completing a size range that now spans 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm — making the Yacht-Master the only sport model in the Geneva manufacture's portfolio offered across three distinct case dimensions. The 42mm case in 18ct white gold houses the calibre 3235, Rolex's in-house movement featuring a Chronergy escapement, a Parachrom hairspring, and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The bidirectional rotatable bezel is set in Rolesium — a combination of platinum and Oystersteel — on steel variants, but on the 226659 the entire case, crown, and bezel are rendered in white gold. Water resistance stands at 100 metres.

The Oysterflex bracelet deserves particular attention. Developed by Rolex and introduced in 2015, it consists of a high-performance black elastomer moulded over a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade. The result is a strap that combines the robustness of a metal bracelet with the comfort of rubber — a genuinely sporting proposition that suits Fowler's active lifestyle on the course and beyond.

For collectors, the ref. 226659 occupies an interesting niche. It is not the understated professional's tool watch, nor is it an overtly dressy piece. The white gold case catches light in a cool, almost icy way that yellow or Everose gold cannot replicate, and the dark blue dial with its embossed wave pattern adds depth without ostentation. The Oysterflex keeps it grounded in sport watch territory.

On the grey market, the 226659 typically trades above its already substantial retail price, reflecting sustained demand for Rolex precious-metal sport references. For a professional athlete of Fowler's calibre — nine PGA Tour victories and multiple Ryder Cup appearances — a watch at this price point is a natural choice, and the Yacht-Master 42's nautical heritage translates effortlessly to the fairway.