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Footballer Neymar Jr spotted wearing Rolex

Neymar Jr, the Brazilian forward whose wrist game is nearly as discussed as his footwork, was recently seen sporting one of Rolex's most visually arresting Datejust references — the 36mm ref. 116185BBR, commonly known among collectors as the 'Zebra Royal Pink.'

The Rolex Datejust 116185BBR is built on the marque's calibre 3135, a self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring, and chronometric certification from COSC. The 36mm Oyster case is rendered entirely in 18ct Everose gold — Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy formulated for long-term colour stability. The bezel departs from the standard fluted or smooth options: here it is crafted in white gold and set with a continuous run of baguette-cut diamonds, delivering maximum contrast against the warm rose gold case.

The centrepiece is the dial. Rolex designates this configuration 'BBR' — baguette bezel, rose gold — and pairs it with a pavé-set diamond dial where the stones are arranged in alternating density bands that produce the distinctive zebra stripe optical effect. Every diamond is hand-set by Rolex's in-house gem-setting atelier in Geneva, and the result is a dial that behaves differently under every light source. The applied hour markers are dispensed with entirely; the diamonds do all the legibility work.

Within the collector community, jewellery-dial Datejusts occupy a specific niche: they are simultaneously Rolex's most wearable size format and its most overtly luxurious dial treatment. The 116185BBR in particular is sought after because the zebra configuration is rarer than the standard full-pavé option, making it a credible collector's piece rather than simply a status accessory. Pre-owned examples in unworn condition command significant premiums.

Neymar Jr has established one of football's most recognisable personal watch collections, with a strong preference for diamond-set Rolex references and high-jewellery pieces from independent houses. The 'Zebra Royal Pink' sits squarely within that aesthetic — opulent without being anonymous, and technically serious enough to satisfy anyone who looks closer. Grey-market pricing for this reference currently opens at $55,000 and climbs depending on provenance and condition.