Footballer Romelu Lukaku spotted wearing a Rolex

Belgian international and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku was recently photographed relaxing in what appears to be a vehicle, his left wrist catching the light to reveal one of the most recognizable luxury sports watches in the world: a Rolex Submariner Date in 18k yellow gold with a black dial, almost certainly the current-generation reference 126618LN.

Introduced at Baselworld 2020, the ref. 126618LN represents a comprehensive refresh of Rolex's gold Submariner formula. The case grew from 40mm to 41mm — subtle on paper, but immediately perceptible on the wrist. More consequentially, Rolex retired the venerable Cal. 3135 in favor of the Cal. 3235, a movement boasting a 70-hour power reserve, improved Chronergy escapement, and enhanced magnetic resistance. The bidirectional Triplock crown seal and 300-metre water resistance remain unchanged, keeping the watch's professional dive credentials intact.

The 126618LN's aesthetic identity is defined by its monochromatic tension: a unidirectional rotating Cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic, 18k yellow gold case and Oyster bracelet, and a gloss black dial with applied yellow gold hour markers and Mercedes hands. The Cyclops lens magnifies the date at 3 o'clock — a detail absent on the no-date Submariner, and one that traditionalists debate endlessly in collector circles. The new-generation Oyster bracelet features Rolex's updated Glidelock extension system, offering 20mm of micro-adjustment without tools.

For collectors, all-gold Submariners occupy a peculiar position: simultaneously more prestigious and more polarizing than their steel counterparts. The steel ref. 124060 and 126610LN command multi-year waitlists at authorized dealers, while the gold 126618LN has historically been more accessible — Rolex's own way of signaling where it sits in the hierarchy. That dynamic has shifted recently as grey-market appetite for sports-luxury references intensifies.

Lukaku's affinity for high-end timepieces is well documented across his social media. A player of his profile — Champions League experience, Serie A title winner, Belgian all-time top scorer — wearing the gold Submariner is entirely on-brand: a watch that rewards genuine success without requiring explanation to anyone in the room.