Michael Jackson ROLEX & Patek Philippe at Auction!

This is one of the most important modern Rolex references nobody is fully paying attention to yet.

The Rolex “Zebra” #Datejust is a complete departure from traditional Rolex design language. Rubber strap studded w diamonds. Black sapphire bezel, and diamond and black lacquer dial. Aggressive colors. This isn’t country club Rolex. This is stadium-stage Rolex.

DATEJUST MODEL, REF. 116199SANR, CASE NO. M543080, CIRCA 2008 Sold Christies Geneva May 2026 EST: CHF 19,000 – CHF 38,000 SOLD: CHF 38,000

This is the kind of watch you’d expect to see on the wrist of @slash, @billyidol or the lead singer of a heavy metal band walking out under arena lights. It feels more like something from the golden era of rock excess than Geneva conservatism. And that’s exactly why we think it matters.

Collectors still underestimate how radical this watch really is in Rolex history. For decades, Rolex built its reputation on restraint. Then suddenly you get THIS — gemstones, diamond studded rubber strap, animal-pattern dial aesthetics, unapologetic flamboyance.

At first glance, it looks too loud to become a blue-chip collectible. But history shows that the watches initially dismissed as “too much” often become the most culturally important references later on.

We believe this is a quiet sleeper.
Not cheap. Not under the radar. But still misunderstood.

And misunderstood Rolex references are often where the biggest future upside lives.

The market is slowly realizing that these off-catalog, high-concept modern Rolex creations are not novelty pieces — they are historical markers.

Future blue chip.

Discover what the market is missing. At Watch Reporter, we deliver actionable watch market intelligence for serious collectors focused on rarity, momentum, cultural relevance, and long-term upside potential.

Other watches at the Christies auction included Qunicey Jones Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700 (the best version: two tone!) which he purchased in 1981 at the height of his music industry domination when he was producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller album and more. Full auction results and review below: