Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Kyle Walker spotted wearing Rolex

Kyle Walker was spotted on his wrist following a high-profile North London derby that ended 2-2 between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, wearing a timepiece that matches his profile for understated power: the Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116681 in bi-metal Oystersteel and 18kt Everose gold.

The Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 measures a substantial 44mm in diameter and is built around the calibre 4161, an in-house automatic movement that stands as one of the most sophisticated Rolex has ever released to market. Its defining complication is a mechanical regatta countdown timer programmable between 1 and 10 minutes, operated via the oversized crown at 10 o'clock and a dedicated pusher at 2 o'clock. A ring command bezel synchronises the countdown directly with the movement — a feat of integration that took Rolex years to engineer. Power reserve sits at approximately 72 hours, and the movement beats at 28,800 vph with a balance spring crafted from Rolex's proprietary Parachrom alloy for shock and magnetic resistance.

First introduced in 2007 as a bold statement piece aimed squarely at sailing professionals and serious enthusiasts, the Yacht-Master II was never a shy proposition. The bi-metal 116681 variant, pairing Oystersteel with Everose gold on the bezel, crown, pushers, and bracelet centre links, offers an accessible alternative to the full 18kt Everose gold ref. 116681 without losing the watch's commanding aesthetic. The white dial with raised gold hour markers and Mercedes hands keeps legibility sharp despite the dial's size.

Walker, a Manchester City and England right-back known for his athleticism and high-profile lifestyle, has demonstrated a consistent affinity for substantial Rolex sports references. The Yacht-Master II suits his profile — it is a watch that reads as serious rather than decorative, worn by someone who has done the research.

On the current market, the Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 carries a UK RRP in the region of £16,770. Grey market premiums on this reference have historically been modest compared to hotter Rolex sports models, making it one of the more attainable two-tone Rolex propositions for collectors who want genuine mechanical depth alongside the marque's prestige.