Footballer Dries Mertens spotted wearing a Rolex

Dries Mertens was caught on camera wearing a striking piece of horology during Napoli's unforgettable Champions League encounter with FC Barcelona at the Stadio San Paolo — a yellow gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116508 fitted with a black dial and a black rubber strap, one of the most desirable configurations in the modern Daytona catalogue.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116508 is built around the manufacture calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch that Rolex developed entirely in-house and introduced in 2000. The movement beats at 28,800 vph, offers a 72-hour power reserve, and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer to ±2 seconds per day. The case measures 40mm in 18k yellow gold, with the characteristic tachymetric bezel executed in matching gold. The black dial variant — especially when paired with a rubber strap rather than the integrated Oyster bracelet — delivers a deliberately sporty contrast that collectors find particularly compelling on the precious-metal reference.

From a collector standpoint, the ref. 116508 in yellow gold with a black dial occupies a fascinating position. Yellow gold Daytonas have historically lagged behind their white and Everose gold counterparts in secondary-market appreciation, but sentiment has shifted considerably over the past five years. The black dial configuration on yellow gold is considered by many enthusiasts to be the most visually dramatic of the trio, and the rubber strap option adds a contemporary wrist presence that broadens its appeal beyond traditional dress-watch territory.

Mertens has long been associated with a refined but unstuffy taste in watches. The Napoli forward, who became a club legend during his decade at the Partenopei, clearly gravitates toward pieces that carry genuine horological substance without sacrificing wearability — qualities the Daytona ref. 116508 delivers without compromise.

On the grey market, the yellow gold Daytona ref. 116508 with black dial commands a significant premium over its official retail price of $39,950, reflecting both the chronic supply constraints Rolex applies to precious-metal sport references and the model's growing stature among younger collectors who are rediscovering the appeal of yellow gold.