Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Reece James spotted wearing Rolex

Reece James, the Chelsea and England right-back widely regarded as one of the premier fullbacks in world football, was recently spotted wearing a platinum Rolex Daytona reference 116506 — a watch that commands as much attention in collecting circles as James does on the pitch. The configuration observed features eight baguette-cut diamonds as hour markers alongside three diamond-set markers on the subsidiary dials, all applied at the Rolex factory, meaning the integrity of the build and the value of the stone-setting are fully supported by the manufacturer's warranty chain.

The reference 116506 was introduced in 2013 as Rolex's first platinum Daytona, a milestone in the model's history that stretches back to 1963. Platinum — specifically 950 platinum — is a material Rolex deploys sparingly, and its use here distinguishes the 116506 from the far more common steel and gold Daytona variants. The 40mm case houses Rolex's proprietary Calibre 4130, a column-wheel COSC-certified chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve, vertical clutch, and exceptional long-term reliability. The movement is widely considered one of the finest in-house chronograph calibres in the industry.

From a collector's perspective, the diamond-set 116506 occupies rarefied territory. Standard platinum 116506 examples are already low-production pieces; factory diamond configurations reduce availability further still. Unlike aftermarket stone-set Daytonas — which exist in large numbers and carry no resale premium — a factory-set example retains full Rolex provenance, making it a genuinely scarce asset rather than a customised novelty.

James, 25, has cultivated a reputation for considered watch choices beyond the typical footballer flexes. The platinum Daytona 116506 aligns with that profile: understated in silhouette, exceptional in material and movement, and deeply significant to anyone who follows serious horology.

On the market, the platinum Rolex Daytona 116506 in this diamond configuration carries an official list price of approximately $90,000. Current grey-market values are tracking around $145,000, reflecting persistent demand for platinum Daytonas and the additional scarcity premium attached to factory gem-set dials. Acquiring one at retail requires an established relationship with an authorised dealer and considerable patience.