Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Marcelo Vieira spotted wearing Rolex

Marcelo Vieira, the Brazilian left-back who collected five UEFA Champions League titles during his tenure at Real Madrid, was photographed wearing the Rolex Submariner Date reference 116619LB — the brand's exclusive 18kt white gold iteration of its most iconic dive watch. The sighting is a reminder that elite footballers increasingly gravitate toward timepieces with genuine horological credentials, not just recognizable branding.

The Rolex Submariner 116619LB was introduced in 2008 as part of a broader refresh that brought Rolex's proprietary Cerachrom ceramic bezels to the Submariner family. The 116619LB is unique within the lineup: it is the sole Submariner reference crafted entirely in 18kt white gold, fitted with a matching white gold Oyster bracelet. The blue Cerachrom bezel insert — virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant — pairs with a deep blue dial and luminous Mercedes hands, creating a monochromatic cool-toned aesthetic that distinguishes it instantly from the steel and yellow-gold variants. Powering the watch is the Rolex Calibre 3135, a self-winding movement beating at 28,800 vph with a 48-hour power reserve, offering date functionality via the Cyclops lens magnification. Water resistance is rated to 300 metres, preserving full dive-watch utility despite the precious metal construction.

Among collectors, the 116619LB occupies a specific niche: it attracts buyers who want the Submariner's functional DNA wrapped in a precious metal that reads more subtly than yellow or Everose gold. The reference was discontinued in 2020 when Rolex introduced the generation-shift 126619LB, featuring the upgraded Calibre 3235 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. That discontinuation has quietly elevated the 116619LB's standing on the secondary market.

Marcelo's watch wardrobe has long leaned toward high-specification Rolex references, consistent with his profile as one of the sport's highest-earning defenders across the 2010s. Wearing the 116619LB signals an informed choice — this is not a watch bought purely on brand recognition but one that rewards closer inspection.

At retail, the Rolex Submariner Date 116619LB carried a UK list price of approximately £27,150. On the grey market, discontinued white gold Submariner references command a meaningful premium over original retail, with examples in strong condition typically trading between $45,000 and $55,000 USD depending on box, papers, and condition.