Footballer Thiago Silva spotted wearing a Rolex

On the eve of a UEFA Champions League Final, Chelsea FC centre-back Thiago Silva was photographed wearing a Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126715CHNR in 18k Everose gold — one of the most covetable references in the current Rolex sports catalogue. The sighting came during the pre-match build-up, where Silva's wrist offered a masterclass in understated horological flex.

Introduced at Baselworld 2018, the GMT-Master II 126715CHNR made history as the first GMT-Master II to be offered in Rolex's proprietary 18k Everose gold alloy — a corrosion-resistant rose gold formulation the brand developed in-house. The 40mm Oyster case houses the Calibre 3285, a manufacture movement featuring Rolex's Chronergy escapement, which delivers roughly 70 hours of power reserve and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer to ±2 seconds per day accuracy. The bidirectional rotatable bezel carries Rolex's signature bicolour Cerachrom insert — here in brown and black ceramic — a contemporary reinterpretation of the vintage 'Rootbeer' colour scheme that appeared on gilt-dial GMT-Masters of the late 1960s through the 1980s. The black lacquer dial is complemented by an Oyster bracelet in matching Everose gold, finished with the Glidelock clasp for easy sizing adjustments.

Among collectors, the 126715CHNR occupies a prestigious tier. The Rootbeer colour combination carries strong nostalgic appeal, and the all-Everose gold execution elevates it firmly into luxury territory. Unlike the stainless steel GMT references, which remain notoriously difficult to obtain at retail, the 126715CHNR sits in a rarefied category where demand is intense but the buyer profile is more selective — serious collectors and high-net-worth individuals who want the sport functionality without sacrificing precious metal presence.

Thiago Silva, one of the most decorated defenders of his generation with Champions League, Ligue 1, Premier League and Serie A titles to his name, has long demonstrated refined taste off the pitch. A watch of this calibre suits a man accustomed to the highest levels of competition.

At an official retail price of $43,680, the GMT-Master II 126715CHNR trades on the grey market at a meaningful premium, reflecting sustained global demand for Rolex precious metal sports references. For a footballer of Silva's stature, it is a considered, well-informed choice.