Watch Paparazzi

Golfer Phil Mickelson spotted wearing Rolex

Phil Mickelson, one of professional golf's most decorated left-handers, was recently photographed sporting a Rolex Yacht-Master 40 in 18k Everose gold, reference 126655 — a watch that carries as much presence off the wrist as Mickelson carries on the back nine of a major Sunday.

The Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126655 sits at the top of the 40mm Yacht-Master family, constructed entirely in Rolex's proprietary 18k Everose gold — an alloy formulated with a small percentage of platinum to prevent the pinkish hue from fading over time. The bidirectional rotatable bezel is crafted in matte black Cerachrom ceramic, a corrosion-resistant material that retains its color and resists scratching under normal wear. Inside beats the Rolex calibre 3235, a manufacture movement featuring the Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and a 70-hour power reserve — a significant technical step up from the earlier 3135 it replaced. The Oysterflex bracelet — a high-performance elastomer strap with an embedded titanium and nickel alloy blade — delivers the wrist comfort of rubber with the security of a metal bracelet, and it suits the ref. 126655 particularly well.

From a collector standpoint, the 126655 occupies an interesting niche. It is not a tool watch in the traditional sense, nor a pure dress piece — it lives deliberately in between. The full Everose gold construction, updated with the Cerachrom bezel introduced across the Yacht-Master line from 2019 onward, makes it one of the more cohesive and considered luxury sports watches Rolex produces. Waitlists at authorized dealers remain significant, though less severe than for the steel Daytona or steel GMT-Master II.

Mickelson's affinity for fine watches is well documented among golf insiders. The five-time major winner — Masters champion three times over — has long favored watches that project confidence without ostentation, and the Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126655 fits that profile precisely. The Everose gold reads warm rather than flashy in natural light.

At retail, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126655 lists at approximately $34,550 USD. On the secondary market, the piece commands a modest premium, typically trading in the $38,000–$43,000 range depending on condition and documentation, reflecting steady collector demand for full precious-metal Rolex sports references.