Watch Paparazzi

Politician Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spotted wearing Rolex

The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Day-Date II reference 218239 in 18k white gold, distinguished by a fluted bezel and an afterset silver dial pavéd with baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires. For a head of state who oversees one of the world's wealthiest sovereign nations, the choice of watch is entirely consistent — but the specific reference adds a layer of collector interest that goes beyond simple luxury signaling.

Rolex introduced the Day-Date II in 2008 as a larger, more contemporary take on the original 1956 Day-Date, stretching the case to 41mm to suit modern wrist preferences. The ref. 218239 sits at the top of the white gold segment, housing the in-house calibre 3156 — a self-winding movement with a Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and a 48-hour power reserve certified as a Superlative Chronometer to ±2 seconds per day. The President bracelet, exclusive to the Day-Date line, remains one of the most architecturally refined metal bracelets Rolex produces.

Rolex discontinued the Day-Date II entirely in 2015, replacing it with the Day-Date 40 built on the new-generation calibre 3255. That discontinuation has elevated the 218239 in collector circles: it represents the last large-format Day-Date before Rolex's modern movement overhaul, and high-gem-set configurations like this afterset diamond-and-sapphire dial were produced in limited numbers, making condition-correct examples genuinely difficult to source.

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has ruled Qatar since 2013 and has presided over a period of extraordinary national investment, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His public appearances frequently feature high-complication or gem-set timepieces, consistent with Gulf statecraft where significant watches function as quiet diplomatic currency. The Day-Date's long association with world leaders — it has been worn by U.S. presidents, African heads of state, and European royalty — makes it a natural choice for this context.

At original retail, this configuration was listed at approximately $51,000 USD. On the grey market today, discontinued white gold Day-Date II references with afterset gem dials command premiums reflecting their scarcity, with comparable pieces trading between $55,000 and $70,000 depending on provenance and dial condition.