Watch Paparazzi

Pilot Dennis Foggia spotted wearing Rolex

Dennis Foggia, the Italian motorcycle racing talent competing in Moto2, celebrated his 22nd birthday surrounded by gold-and-black balloon arrangements — and on his wrist, a watch that commanded as much attention as the party décor: the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in 18k yellow gold with a green dial, almost certainly reference 116508.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116508 is powered by the in-house Calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch system that Rolex introduced in 2000 to replace the Zenith El Primero base it had relied upon since 1988. The movement beats at 28,800 vph, offers approximately 72 hours of power reserve, and is COSC-certified. The 40mm oyster case is crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold, the bezel features engraved tachymetre scaling, and the integrated Oyster bracelet with its folding Oysterclasp gives the watch its unmistakable silhouette.

The green sunburst dial variant of the 116508 holds a specific collector cachet. Launched in 2016, the combination of yellow gold and a vivid emerald green dial was immediately perceived as both bold and wearable — a balance Rolex rarely misjudges. The three matching green subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, with applied gold indices and baton hands, create a coherent monochromatic aesthetic that reads as luxurious without veering into ostentation. It quickly became one of the hardest Daytona variants to source at retail.

Foggia, known on the MotoGP paddock as a technically precise and aggressive rider, has a natural affinity for precision instruments. The Daytona's origins as a tool watch for endurance racing drivers — Rolex partnered with Daytona International Speedway, giving the model its name — makes the choice contextually coherent for a professional motorsport competitor.

On the grey market, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116508 in yellow gold with green dial consistently trades well above its official retail price of approximately $80,500 USD, with secondary market values ranging from $90,000 to over $110,000 depending on condition and provenance. It remains one of the most liquid luxury watch assets in the current market.