Cricketer MS Dhoni spotted wearing a Rolex

MS Dhoni, one of cricket's most decorated captains and a man known for making composed decisions under pressure, was recently spotted with the Rolex Daytona Ref. 116505 on his wrist — a choice that speaks to both refined taste and serious horological awareness. The sighting places Dhoni squarely among a global cohort of athletes who gravitate toward the Daytona not for its flash but for its pedigree.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 116505 is the solid 18k Everose gold expression of Rolex's flagship chronograph, introduced as part of the reference's fifth generation. Everose is Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy, developed in-house and engineered to resist fading over time — a durability argument that pure rose gold cannot make. The 40mm case pairs with a matching Everose Oyster bracelet, and the reference is available with either a black or white dial, both carrying the signature three-register Daytona layout. At its core beats the Calibre 4130, a vertically-coupled, column-wheel chronograph movement developed entirely by Rolex with a 72-hour power reserve and COSC certification. Industry observers consistently cite the 4130 as a benchmark for chronograph reliability and ease of service.

From a collector standpoint, the 116505 occupies a specific and respected niche. It is not the stainless steel reference that commands six-figure grey-market premiums, but it is arguably the more wearable long-term proposition — precious metal, in-house movement, and a design that has remained visually consistent since the reference's debut in 2000. Collectors appreciate it for exactly what it is: a complete, no-compromise Daytona in a material built to last generations.

Dhoni's relationship with high-end watches is well documented among Indian sports fans. The former India captain has been seen with several significant references over the years, and his choice of the Rolex Daytona Ref. 116505 reinforces a preference for watches with genuine substance beneath the surface.

At an official retail price of approximately $59,000, the Rolex Daytona Everose Gold Ref. 116505 sits at a premium over its steel sibling's list price, though unlike the steel Daytona it can occasionally be purchased closer to retail. On the grey market, demand remains steady, with prices tracking at or modestly above retail depending on configuration and provenance.