Athlete Ronaldo Nazário spotted wearing a Rolex

Ronaldo Nazário, the legendary Brazilian footballer, was recently spotted wearing one of contemporary horology's most sought-after sports chronographs: the yellow gold Rolex Daytona 126518LN with turquoise dial. The sighting, shared across watch community platforms, immediately sparked collector conversation—the turquoise dial on yellow gold remains among the hardest Daytona references to acquire in the current market.

The Rolex Daytona 126518LN represents the evolution of the cosmograph line following the 2023 model refresh. The reference houses the calibre 4130, Rolex's in-house chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve, beating at 28,800 vph. The case measures 40mm in diameter, crafted from 18k yellow gold with a polished and satin finish split between the sides and lugs. The turquoise dial—a dealer-exclusive colorway—contrasts sharply against the black ceramic bezel ring engraved with the tachymetre scale. The watch carries 100 meters of water resistance and rides on a black Oysterflex rubber strap with a yellow gold folding clasp, a pairing that balances sporty restraint with precious-metal prestige.

The turquoise dial variant arrived as part of Rolex's selective colour refresh for 2023, appearing sparingly in yellow gold. This specific combination has proven exceptionally difficult to source through Rolex's authorized dealer network, with waitlists extending well beyond 12 months in most territories. The turquoise option—distinct from traditional black, white, or meteorite dials—has quickly established itself as a modern grail reference among collectors willing to pursue alternatives to the stainless steel Daytona.

Ronaldo Nazário's choice reflects broader trends among high-net-worth sports figures toward precious-metal sports watches. The yellow gold Daytona carries historical weight within football culture, favoured by players seeking a balance between functional chronograph capability and investment-grade materials. The 126518LN's combination of modern movement, ceramic bezel technology, and rare dial colour positions it as a contemporary collectible rather than a vintage play—a deliberate statement from an athlete whose taste extends beyond stainless steel.

Retail pricing for the Rolex Daytona 126518LN sits at approximately $47,600 USD. Current grey-market pricing for unworn examples ranges between $58,000 and $72,000 USD depending on provenance and dealer location. The turquoise dial variant commands premiums of 15–25% over standard black dial yellow gold Daytonas, reflecting scarcity and collector demand that shows no signs of abating.