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Footballer Keylor Navas spotted wearing Rolex

Keylor Navas was recently spotted wearing one of the most jewel-intensive references in Rolex's current catalogue — the GMT-Master II 116579SA in 18k white gold, dressed with a black dial and a bezel pavé-set with diamonds and black sapphires. It is a sighting that tells you everything about where this footballer sits in the hierarchy of the beautiful game.

The GMT-Master II 116579SA is the top of the GMT family tree. The 40mm Oyster case is crafted entirely in 18k white gold, while the bidirectional rotating bezel is set with 36 round-cut diamonds and 36 black sapphires alternating in a pattern that visually echoes the classic two-tone Pepsi and Batman bezels. Beneath the case, the Calibre 3186 movement — later succeeded by the Calibre 3285 in updated references — delivers a 72-hour power reserve, a blue Parachrom hairspring for enhanced shock and magnetic resistance, and the proprietary Glidelock clasp for micro-adjustment. The black dial features applied hour markers set with diamonds, reinforcing the jewellery positioning without abandoning legibility.

From a collector standpoint, the 116579SA occupies a rarified niche. Rolex produces gem-set references in strictly limited numbers, and white gold GMT variants rarely surface on the secondary market. The reference debuted in the mid-2000s and has accumulated a devoted following among collectors who want functional horology with serious gem credentials. Unlike many diamond watches that sacrifice readability for flash, the 116579SA remains a working GMT pilot's watch with a 24-hour hand for tracking a second time zone — a credible complication wrapped in an opulent package.

Navas brings serious horological credibility to the sighting. The Costa Rican goalkeeper built his legend at Real Madrid between 2014 and 2019, winning twelve titles including one La Liga championship and three consecutive UEFA Champions League crowns — a feat no goalkeeper had previously achieved. Since moving to Paris Saint-Germain, he has continued performing at the elite level of Ligue 1 and in European competition, while representing Costa Rica internationally.

On the grey market, the Rolex GMT-Master II 116579SA commands approximately $97,000, reflecting both the intrinsic value of the white gold case and the scarcity of gem-set Rolex references in circulation. Retail pricing sits above $70,000, making this one of the most expensive GMT variants available from authorised dealers — when available at all.