Story Highlight
– Diamond-decorated Rolex GMT-Master II is highly collectible.
– Watch valued at close to $100,000 on secondary market.
– Drake wore it on ‘Take Care’ album cover and video.
– Engraving of Owl adds unique value to the piece.
– Unpolished condition and full set enhance collector appeal.
Full Story
The value of a Rolex watch can significantly increase when it is no longer produced and carries a connection to a notable individual. A prime example is a yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master II, reference 116758SANR, adorned with diamonds and currently available for sale at Wind Vintage, operated by renowned horological expert Eric Wind.
Manufactured in limited numbers from 2006 to 2019, this particular model represents Rolex’s ambition to transform tool watches into luxurious pieces of jewellery. This evolution has culminated in the emergence of off-catalogue Daytonas, which have seen impressive price points in recent years, sometimes reaching six or even seven figures.
The combination of high-value materials, including gold, along with 36 baguette-cut diamonds and 12 black sapphires on the bezel, contributes to its current estimated worth of nearly $100,000 in the secondary market. EveryWatch has four models listed for sale, with one certified pre-owned piece by The 1916 Company priced at $93,950. In stark contrast, Wind Vintage’s asking price for the GMT-Master II is $500,000, heavily reliant on its celebrity association.
Notably, this watch was sported by the Grammy-winning Canadian artist Drake on the cover of his acclaimed 2011 album, *Take Care*, which has been recognised by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 albums of all time. The timepiece also featured prominently in the music video for his hit single “Marvin’s Room,” further solidifying its cultural relevance.
Several aspects warrant consideration when evaluating whether this particular piece justifies its price in comparison to others available globally. One significant detail is the engraving of an owl on the reverse, a symbol associated with Drake’s fashion and lifestyle brand, OVO, representing wisdom and insight.
Engravings can impact a watch’s market value in various ways. While they can diminish worth if poorly executed, they can also enhance it, as demonstrated by the record-breaking sale of Paul Newman’s Daytona for $17.8 million in 2017. Additionally, the watch’s condition plays a crucial role; seasoned collectors typically prefer unpolished items, a characteristic of the Drake piece. Accompanying documents, including the original box, further attest to its pedigree, although they may not drastically affect this unique item’s significance in both horological and musical history.
The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116758SANR debuted in the mid-2000s, marking a shift in Rolex’s approach to expanding the GMT-Master II into high-end jewellery. Building on the solid yellow gold GMT-Master II introduced in 2005, it featured the same 40mm Oyster case and calibre 3186 movement, elevated by its intricate gem-set design. The designation “SANR” highlights its bezel composed of sapphires, black sapphires, and diamonds in a visually striking arrangement.
This model represented a pivotal shift from the GMT-Master’s original function as a reliable pilot’s tool to a luxurious statement piece, merging practicality with artisanal jewellery craftsmanship. Produced in limited quantities, the 116758SANR was part of a lineup of gem-set GMT references, such as the SARU, which helped Rolex define its contemporary strategy of crafting ultra-premium variations of its professional models.
Although the model was discontinued around 2019, it has since gained popularity in the secondary market amid a renewed interest in gem-adorned Rolex sports watches. Today, it stands as a significant example of Rolex’s exploration of extending its brand appeal, melding the legacy of tool watches with an innovative high jewellery approach.
