Footballer Olivier Giroud spotted wearing a Rolex

Olivier Giroud, France's record international goalscorer, was recently spotted wearing a Rolex GMT-Master II in the instantly recognizable 'Pepsi' configuration — reference 126710BLRO — a piece that remains one of the most coveted sports watches in the modern market.

Introduced at Baselworld 2018, the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO represented a watershed moment for Rolex collectors. For the first time in decades, the brand placed the beloved red-and-blue bidirectional 24-hour Cerachrom bezel — long associated with TWA pilots and Pan Am captains — on an Oystersteel case and Jubilee bracelet. Previously, any steel GMT wearing the Pepsi colors meant an older aluminum-bezel reference; the modern colorway had been exclusive to the 116719BLRO in white gold since 2014. The 126710BLRO corrected that, and the waitlists formed overnight.

Under the 40mm Oystersteel case sits the calibre 3285, Rolex's proprietary movement featuring a Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, and a independently adjustable GMT hand allowing the wearer to track a second timezone without disrupting local time — exactly the functionality a player with a schedule spanning Serie A, Champions League, and international duty actually needs. The movement is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, accurate to ±2 seconds per day.

Giroud's affinity for the GMT-Master II fits the watch's historical narrative. The model was purpose-built for professionals in transit, and few athletes log more air miles than a top-flight European footballer splitting time between club and country. His 2022 World Cup campaign — where France reached the final — elevated his global profile considerably, making his off-pitch style choices increasingly visible.

On the grey market, the 126710BLRO has settled into a premium above retail reflecting persistent authorized-dealer scarcity, though premiums have moderated from their post-2020 peaks. Official retail sits at approximately $10,900 USD, while secondary market pricing typically lands in the $16,000–$18,000 range depending on condition and papers. For a watch this legible, mechanically accomplished, and historically loaded, the spread remains entirely justified.