Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Zakaria Aboukhlal spotted wearing Rolex

The photograph captures Zakaria Aboukhlal at a moment etched into football history — the close of Morocco's extraordinary 2022 FIFA World Cup run in Qatar, a campaign that saw the Atlas Lions dismantle Spain and Portugal before falling to France in the semi-finals. On his wrist, clearly visible, is the Rolex Daytona reference 116500LN in Oystersteel with a black dial and matching black ceramic bezel.

Rolex introduced the reference 116500LN at Baselworld 2016, pairing the Daytona's legendary silhouette with a Cerachrom bezel in black or white ceramic for the first time. The move was significant: the new bezel offered far superior scratch and UV resistance compared to the aluminium unit it replaced, while retaining the tachymeter scale used to calculate average speeds over a measured distance. The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 4130, a self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch, offering approximately 72 hours of power reserve. The case measures 40mm and is water-resistant to 100 metres.

Among collectors, the 116500LN occupies a singular position. Its authorised dealer waiting lists — frequently measured in years rather than months — made it a cultural shorthand for unattainable luxury almost immediately after launch. The black-dial variant, which Aboukhlal wears here, has historically commanded a slight premium over the white 'panda' dial version on the secondary market, though both remain heavily traded. The reference succeeded the 116520, itself a modern classic, and has arguably eclipsed its predecessor in desirability.

Aboukhlal, who plays for Toulouse FC and the Moroccan national team, was one of the standout performers of that World Cup cycle, memorably scoring a late winner against Canada in the group stage. Athletes of his generation treat the Daytona as a first serious luxury watch as much as a status symbol — which tracks with the 116500LN's broad, cross-demographic appeal.

On the grey market the 116500LN continues to trade well above its official retail price of $14,550, typically fetching between $22,000 and $26,000 depending on dial colour, papers, and box condition — a premium that shows no meaningful signs of collapsing despite increased Rolex production volumes.