Watch Paparazzi

Boxer Amir Khan spotted wearing Rolex

Amir Khan was photographed wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116528 in the build-up to his bout against Chris Algieri, scheduled for 3:00am UK time — a fight that underscored Khan's continued presence at the top tier of welterweight boxing. The choice of watch was anything but incidental: the all-gold Daytona is a statement piece that communicates both success and taste in equal measure.

The Rolex Daytona ref. 116528 is constructed entirely in 18kt yellow gold and features a 40mm Oyster case paired here with a black dial. The three contrasting subdials — running seconds at 9 o'clock, 30-minute counter at 3, and 12-hour counter at 6 — are set against the black lacquer surface with clean legibility. The watch is powered by the Rolex calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement developed entirely in-house and introduced with the ref. 116520 in 2000. The 4130 operates at 28,800 vph, offers approximately 72 hours of power reserve, and is notable for its reduced parts count — roughly 50 fewer components than its predecessor — improving reliability and serviceability. It remains one of the most respected chronograph ebauches in modern watchmaking.

The 116528 holds a distinct place in the Daytona collector hierarchy. As the yellow gold variant in the reference's generation — which ran from 2000 until it was succeeded by the 116508 in 2016 — it occupies the classic, unambiguous end of the spectrum. Collectors regard the black dial configuration as the most legible and arguably the most handsome execution, evoking the original Paul Newman-era aesthetics while delivering thoroughly modern performance.

Khan's affinity for high-end horology is well documented. The Bolton-born fighter, a former WBA and IBF light-welterweight world champion, has long gravitated toward Rolex and other prestige Swiss brands as part of a broader luxury lifestyle. Wearing the Daytona 116528 ringside — or as close to it as the pre-fight schedule allows — is a natural extension of that identity.

At the time of sighting, UK retail was listed at approximately £24,000. The ref. 116528 in yellow gold with black dial now trades comfortably above list on the secondary market, with grey-market prices typically ranging between $38,000 and $45,000 USD depending on condition, box, and papers — a testament to the enduring demand for Rolex's gold Daytona in any generation.