Rapper TakeOff spotted wearing a Rolex

Takeoff, the late rapper and cornerstone member of Atlanta trio Migos, was photographed wearing one of the most regionally exclusive Rolex references ever released. On his wrist sits a Rolex Day-Date 40 in 950 platinum, reference 228206, featuring the brand's signature ice blue dial rendered with Arabic-Indic numeral hour markers — a configuration that was, at the time of its introduction circa 2016, distributed only through select authorised dealers serving the Middle Eastern market.

The Day-Date 40 ref. 228206 is powered by Rolex Calibre 3255, a movement introduced in 2015 and representing the brand's most significant in-house development in decades. The 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, and paramagnetic hairspring place it firmly at the top of Rolex's technical hierarchy. The case measures 40mm in 950 platinum — the heaviest and most precious metal in Rolex's case material roster — and rides on the iconic five-link Presidential bracelet, here in matching platinum with concealed Crownclasp deployment.

The ice blue dial is reserved exclusively for platinum Day-Date references and has become one of the most recognisable signatures in Rolex collecting. Paired with Arabic-Indic numerals, the configuration carries significant cultural resonance and was purpose-built for a discerning regional clientele. In 2021, Rolex introduced a companion variant featuring an olive green dial with the same numeral set, expanding the Arabic series while underlining the original ice blue's status as the reference point.

Takeoff was known among hip-hop's watch community as a genuinely knowledgeable collector, not merely a conspicuous consumer. His taste ran toward technically significant and allocation-scarce references rather than high-diamond aftermarket modifications, making this platinum Day-Date a particularly coherent choice. The piece was photographed alongside iced-out diamond chains and a custom ring, yet the watch itself needed no embellishment.

On the secondary market, the 228206 in platinum with Arabic dial commands a substantial premium over its already elevated retail price, driven by restricted original distribution and sustained collector demand from both the Middle East and Western markets. Grey market values have consistently exceeded retail since the reference's introduction, and availability remains tight at auction.