Watch Paparazzi

Football manager Andrea Pirlo spotted wearing Rolex

Andrea Pirlo has long been regarded as one of football's most aesthetically considered individuals, both in his playing style and personal presentation. Photographed raising the UEFA European Under-21 Championship trophy in July 2019 in his role as Juventus U23 head coach, the Italian wore a tailored navy suit — and on his wrist, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in 18k yellow gold with Oysterflex bracelet, reference 116518LN.

The 116518LN is one of the most technically accomplished expressions of the Daytona line. Introduced at Baselworld 2016, it pairs an 18k yellow gold 40mm case with a black monobloc Cerachrom bezel — Rolex's proprietary ceramic compound, virtually impervious to scratching and UV-resistant. The champagne dial features black lacquered counters for the three chronograph subdials, creating the high-contrast 'panda-inverse' effect collectors prize. Power comes from the Calibre 4130, Rolex's in-house column-wheel chronograph movement with vertical clutch, offering 72 hours of power reserve and COSC-certified precision to +/-2 seconds per day.

The Oysterflex bracelet itself deserves attention. Introduced in 2015, it combines a high-performance black elastomer strap with a flexible titanium and nickel alloy blade spine, delivering the comfort of rubber with the structural integrity expected from a sports chronograph. It is secured with Rolex's Oysterlock safety clasp and features the Easylink comfort extension system. On a yellow gold case, the contrast is deliberate and bold.

Collector interest in the 116518LN has intensified significantly since the ceramic bezel replaced the earlier aluminum version. The combination of precious metal construction and sport-oriented bracelet makes it a crossover piece that appeals to both dress-watch enthusiasts and tool-watch purists. Grey market premiums reflect consistent demand.

Pirlo's choice makes sense. A man who spent his career dictating tempo from deep midfield with metronomic precision would naturally gravitate toward a chronograph built around mechanical accuracy and restrained elegance. The Daytona 116518LN is, like Pirlo himself, unhurried and quietly authoritative.