Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Andres Iniesta spotted wearing Rolex

Andres Iniesta, the architect of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning goal and one of the most decorated midfielders in football history, was recently spotted during his time with Japanese J1 League club Vissel Kobe wearing the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in 18K Everose gold, reference 126655. The sighting places one of the sport's most quietly elegant figures alongside one of Rolex's most quietly luxurious sport watches.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 126655 runs on the calibre 3235, Rolex's in-house workhorse movement introduced in 2015 and widely regarded as one of the most refined self-winding movements in production. It beats at 28,800 vph, offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve, and features the brand's Chronergy escapement alongside a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. The 42mm case and bidirectional rotatable bezel — with its distinctive raised numerals and matte lacquer finish — are machined entirely from 18K Everose gold, the same alloy Rolex developed in-house and has used exclusively since the early 2000s. Water resistance is rated to 100 metres.

The reference 126655 replaced the 116655 in 2019, bringing with it the updated calibre 3235 and subtle case refinements. Among collectors, it occupies a specific and respected niche: the full precious-metal Yacht-Master sits above the steel-and-gold versions in prestige, yet retains the tool-watch DNA of the Oyster Professional family. The Oysterflex strap — a titanium and nickel alloy blade overmoulded with black elastomer — adds wearability and a contemporary edge that a traditional bracelet would not, making the 126655 a go-anywhere piece despite its material pedigree.

Iniesta's taste in watches has long skewed toward restrained, high-quality references rather than flashy complications. The Yacht-Master 126655 fits that profile precisely: it reads simply as a robust gold sport watch until you look closer and appreciate the depth of engineering beneath the surface — much like the man wearing it.

At UK list price of £21,900, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 126655 sits at the upper tier of the Oyster Professional range. On the grey market, full Everose Yacht-Master references have traded at or modestly above retail in recent months, reflecting both the intrinsic metal value and steady collector demand for the model.