Watch Paparazzi

Actor Mark Wahlberg spotted wearing Rolex

Mark Wahlberg attended a UK Wahlburgers event recently, and while the burger chain was the official draw, the real conversation piece was on his wrist: the Rolex Daytona reference 116578SACO in 18K yellow gold, complete with a mother-of-pearl dial and a sapphire-set bezel. It is one of the most opulent configurations Rolex has ever produced for its iconic chronograph line.

The ref. 116578SACO was introduced at Baselworld 2019 as what collectors quickly labeled a 'silent release' — Rolex listed it without a dedicated press push, letting the watch find its audience organically. The case measures 40mm in 18K yellow gold and houses the manufacture Calibre 4130, a self-winding chronograph movement featuring a column wheel, vertical clutch, and a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is entirely in-house and is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and well-engineered chronograph calibres in production. The sapphire bezel — set with 36 baguette-cut blue sapphires — replaces the standard ceramic tachymeter bezel, and the mother-of-pearl dial adds a further layer of iridescent texture that shifts under light. This is emphatically not a tool watch; it is Rolex operating in jewellery-watch territory.

From a collector's standpoint, the 116578SACO occupies a niche that many serious Daytona enthusiasts approach with caution but deep respect. Stone-set Daytonas in precious metal have historically held value well, particularly examples with coloured dials. The sapphire bezel variant is comparatively rare in the secondary market, which sustains strong demand among buyers seeking the most dressed-up expression of the reference 116578 family. UK list price was £120,000 at launch.

Wahlberg is a known watch collector with a preference for high-specification Rolex and Richard Mille pieces. Choosing the 116578SACO for a public-facing brand event — rather than a red carpet — signals confidence in wearing serious jewellery-grade horology in everyday contexts, which tracks with how dedicated collectors actually use their pieces.

On the grey market, examples of the Rolex Daytona ref. 116578SACO command premiums consistent with other stone-set precious-metal Daytonas. Supply remains tight, and the combination of sapphire bezel and mother-of-pearl dial keeps this reference well above list when it does surface. For collectors tracking celebrity-worn references, this sighting adds visible provenance to an already compelling piece.