Watch Paparazzi

Singer Elton John spotted wearing Rolex

At the July 2019 Hollywood premiere of Disney's live-action Lion King, Sir Elton John — himself a contributor to the film's soundtrack — stepped onto the red carpet in characteristically bold form. Among the details drawing attention from watch-spotters in the crowd was the extraordinary timepiece anchoring his left wrist: a Rolex Daytona reference 116578SACO in 18KT yellow gold, one of the most lavish executions of an already iconic chronograph.

The Rolex Daytona 116578SACO belongs to the high-jewellery tier of the Daytona family. Its 40mm yellow gold case houses the in-house Calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement beating at 28,800 vph with a 72-hour power reserve — widely regarded as one of the most reliable and precisely engineered chronograph ebauches Rolex has ever produced. The signature tachymetric bezel, rather than the ceramic or steel of standard references, is here set with 36 individually selected baguette-cut blue sapphires, a labour-intensive process that elevates the piece firmly into jewellery-watch territory. The dial itself is mother of pearl, its natural luminescence shifting with the light in a way no lacquered surface can replicate.

From a collector's standpoint, the 116578SACO occupies rare ground. Rolex presented it at Baselworld 2019 without fanfare — no press kit centrepiece, no dedicated campaign — earning it the "silent release" designation among enthusiasts. Production numbers are predictably low, and authorised dealer allocation is extremely limited, meaning the secondary market commands the real conversation around this reference. Its combination of the workhorse Calibre 4130 with full jewellery-house aesthetics makes it a crossover piece that appeals to both serious movement collectors and connoisseurs of high-end gem-setting.

Elton John's relationship with exceptional watches is well documented. The musician has long favoured bold, unapologetic pieces — a preference perfectly mirrored in the 116578SACO's refusal to be understated. Wearing it at a high-visibility Disney premiere, surrounded by cameras, placed the reference in front of an audience far beyond the usual watch community.

The Rolex Daytona 116578SACO carried a UK list price of approximately £120,000 at launch, translating to roughly $150,000 USD at prevailing rates. On the grey market, scarcity and sustained demand for jewellery Daytonas in yellow gold push values considerably higher, with clean examples regularly trading well above retail.