Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Karim Benzema spotted wearing Rolex

Karim Benzema, one of the most decorated footballers of his generation and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, was spotted wearing the Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR — the steel 'Batman' — a watch whose waitlist reputation rivals even its wearer's trophy cabinet. The sighting places one of football's most recognizable wrists firmly in the camp of serious watch collectors, not merely brand ambassadors chasing logos.

The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR debuted at Baselworld 2019 as a direct evolution of the ref. 116710BLNR. The most meaningful upgrade was the switch from the Oyster bracelet to a five-link Jubilee — a bracelet historically associated with dress models — lending the 40mm Oystersteel case a more refined, versatile character. Beneath the dial, Rolex's calibre 3285 automatic movement powers the watch, delivering a 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, and a bidirectional self-winding rotor. The movement is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, accurate to ±2 seconds per day. The signature black-and-blue Cerachrom bezel insert in two-tone ceramic remains virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant, a functional and aesthetic hallmark of the GMT-Master line since its 2013 introduction on the BLNR configuration.

The 'Batman' nickname — coined by collectors for its black-and-blue color scheme — has carried extraordinary cachet in the grey market since its first appearance on ref. 116710BLNR. The 126710BLNR took that desirability further, with the Jubilee bracelet transforming it into a more complete package. Authorized dealer allocations remain extremely tight globally, making open-market acquisitions a study in patience or premium payment. Grey-market values have held well above retail for years, a testament to sustained organic demand rather than speculative flipping alone.

Benzema's taste in watches has always leaned toward statement pieces with genuine horological credibility — Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks and Richard Mille references have previously graced his wrist. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR represents perhaps a more understated, though no less deliberate, choice: a tool watch with four decades of aviation heritage, worn without ostentation.

At an official retail price of $10,550, the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR trades in the grey market around $26,000 — a premium that shows no sign of collapsing. For collectors, Benzema's sighting is a reminder that the 'Batman' needs no celebrity endorsement to hold its value. It simply helps.