Watch Paparazzi

Comedian Jack Black spotted wearing Rolex

Jack Black was recently spotted on the wrist with one of Rolex's most coveted and least ostentatious luxury divers — the Submariner Date reference 116619LB, cased entirely in 18kt white gold. For a comedian known for high-energy performances and an unpretentious public persona, the choice is quietly telling: this is a watch that doesn't shout, but collectors immediately recognize it.

The Rolex Submariner Date 116619LB was introduced in 2009 as part of the generation that brought Rolex's proprietary Cerachrom ceramic bezel technology to the Submariner line. The ref. 116619LB is unique within the Submariner family as the sole variant constructed entirely in 18kt white gold — case, bracelet, and crown guards alike. Paired with a rich blue sunburst dial and a blue Cerachrom bezel insert engraved with the classic 60-minute diving scale, the color coordination is deliberate and refined. Inside sits the Rolex Calibre 3135, a self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring, and Triplock crown system rated to 300 meters water resistance. The 40mm Oyster case remained the standard until the 2020 generation shift to 41mm, making the 116619LB a completed reference with no current production equivalent.

Among collectors, the 116619LB occupies a specific and respected niche. It avoids the flashiness of the yellow gold 116618LB while delivering precious-metal exclusivity through white gold's cooler, more subdued appearance. The blue-on-white-gold combination has attracted strong demand from buyers who want something beyond steel but prefer restraint over overt luxury signaling. The reference was discontinued when Rolex launched the updated 126619LB, which means 116619LB examples on the secondary market carry the added appeal of a closed chapter.

Jack Black's horological taste aligns with his broader creative sensibility — substantive, a little unexpected, and not obviously trying to impress. The Submariner is globally legible as a serious watch, but the white gold variant signals genuine connoisseurship rather than brand recognition alone.

On the grey market, the Rolex Submariner Date 116619LB trades comfortably above its original retail price. With the UK list price sitting around £28,350 at discontinuation, U.S. retail was approximately $38,550. Secondary market values currently range between $42,000 and $50,000 depending on condition and papers, reflecting consistent demand for this closed reference.