American football player Cameron Newton spotted wearing a Rolex

Cameron Newton, the flamboyant and physically imposing quarterback known as much for his touchdown dances and fashion-forward wardrobe as for his arm strength, was spotted wearing one of Rolex's most technically serious sports watches — the Yacht-Master II in 18K white gold, Reference 116689. It is a choice that rewards closer inspection.

Introduced in 2007, the Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116689 was conceived as the ultimate regatta watch, built around the brand's proprietary Calibre 4161 — a movement Rolex spent years engineering from scratch. The 44mm case in 18K white gold houses this automatic movement, which features a mechanical memory and a programmable countdown function synchronized to the starting sequences used in professional sailing races. The Ring Command bezel, crafted from white gold and fitted with a blue lacquered insert, physically interfaces with the movement to set the regatta timer — a genuine mechanical innovation, not a marketing exercise.

The Ref. 116689 pairs a white gold Oyster case with a matching white gold Oysterlock bracelet and an Oysterflex-compatible architecture. The blue dial with applied hour markers and Mercedes hands gives the watch immediate visual authority on the wrist. At 44mm, it wears large and commands attention — fitting for a man who stands 6'5" and plays one of sport's most demanding positions.

Among collectors, the Yacht-Master II in white gold occupies a curious niche. It is technically impressive and genuinely rare, yet it has historically been overshadowed by the Daytona and GMT-Master II in collector circles. That relative under-appreciation has kept grey-market premiums more moderate than comparable precious-metal Rolex sports references, making the Ref. 116689 something of a sleeper for those who value movement complexity over badge appeal.

Newton's taste for statement accessories is well documented — he has never been shy about wearing bold watches, jewelry, or avant-garde fashion. The Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116689 suits his personal brand perfectly: technically credentialed, visually imposing, and unapologetically luxurious. At a UK list price of approximately £35,350, this is one of Rolex's most expensive catalog references, and Newton wears it accordingly.