Basketball player Scottie Pippen spotted wearing a Rolex

Scottie Pippen turned heads at a recent public appearance — not just for his basketball legacy, but for the watch on his wrist: a Rolex Submariner Date 126619LB in 18k white gold, one of the most covetable references in Rolex's current sport watch catalogue.

The 126619LB debuted in 2020 as the direct successor to the 116619LB, the model collectors affectionately dubbed the 'Smurf' for its all-blue aesthetic. The new reference retains the signature combination of an 18k white gold case and bracelet paired with a blue ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel and a classic black dial with luminous hour markers. The case diameter grows from 40mm to 41mm, while the lug architecture is noticeably slimmer — an aesthetic refinement that gives the watch a more modern, less bulky profile on the wrist. Water resistance remains a professional 300 meters.

At the heart of the 126619LB beats Rolex's caliber 3235, a movement the manufacture introduced to replace the long-serving 3135. The 3235 brings a Chronergy escapement — roughly 15 percent more efficient than its predecessor — a 70-hour power reserve, and improved resistance to magnetic fields and shocks. It is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, meaning it meets Rolex's in-house standard of ±2 seconds per day, tighter than COSC requirements.

Among collectors, the white gold Submariner occupies a distinct position. It is the only Submariner that Rolex produces entirely in a precious metal — no steel option exists for this configuration — which places it firmly in luxury tier pricing and gives it a dressy undertone that steel sport watches lack. The 126619LB is a natural evolution of a reference with a strong collector following, and its grey-market premiums reflect consistent demand.

Pippen, whose six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and Hall of Fame induction need no elaboration, has cultivated a taste for serious watches over the years. The Rolex Submariner Date 126619LB — retailing at $39,650 — suits his profile: a genuine horological instrument with the credentials to back up its price tag.