Watch Paparazzi

Mixed martial artist Conor McGregor spotted wearing Rolex

Conor McGregor, the UFC dual-weight world champion and one of the most commercially successful combat sports athletes in history, was photographed wearing what is unmistakably a Rolex Yacht-Master II in 18ct yellow gold — almost certainly reference 116688 — distinguished by its vivid blue ceramic bezel with engraved and lacquered gold numerals, white dial, and full Oyster bracelet rendered entirely in 18ct yellow gold.

Introduced in 2007 as a dedicated regatta racing instrument, the Yacht-Master II represented Rolex's most ambitious in-house complication at the time of its launch. The calibre 4161 movement powers a programmable mechanical countdown function — the Ring Command bezel physically interacts with the movement to set sequences of 1 to 10 minutes, fulfilling the demands of competitive offshore sailing start sequences. It is a genuine mechanical complication, not a quartz-assisted module, which places it in serious horological company despite the watch's flashy aesthetic.

The 116688 reference in full yellow gold is the most opulent execution of the Yacht-Master II line. At 44mm it wears large on the wrist, and the combination of polished and brushed surfaces across the Oyster bracelet catches light aggressively — exactly the kind of wrist presence that has made it a favourite among athletes and entertainers who want a Rolex that reads from across a room. The blue Cerachrom bezel was updated in 2013 to replace the earlier painted aluminium insert, significantly improving durability and UV resistance.

McGregor has been a consistent Rolex collector, with his public appearances documenting a rotation of high-end references. His choice of the Yacht-Master II in yellow gold aligns with his wider aesthetic philosophy — maximalist, unambiguous luxury. It sits alongside diamond-set pieces and Patek Philippe references in a collection that reflects both his financial ascent and his appetite for watches that signal status without subtlety.

On the secondary market, the 116688 in yellow gold commands a meaningful premium over its already substantial retail price. Grey market values have climbed steadily as full-gold Rolex sports references have appreciated across the board. Retail was listed in the UK at approximately £29,100 at time of the sighting; current grey market valuations in USD place it comfortably above retail, reflecting sustained demand for full-gold Rolex sport references among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.