Footballer Alessio Cerci spotted wearing a Rolex

Italian Serie A footballer Alessio Cerci, at the time plying his trade as a winger for AC Milan, was spotted wearing what is unmistakably a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum — the reference 116506 — identified by its signature ice-blue chronograph dial and dark brown ceramic bezel. The photo, shared via Instagram, captures Cerci in a relaxed social setting, the watch visible on his wrist alongside a companion.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116506 sits at the absolute apex of the Daytona family. Introduced at Baselworld 2013, it was the first Daytona ever cased in 950 platinum, a material Rolex had previously reserved only for its Day-Date and a handful of ultra-limited pieces. The 40mm case houses the in-house calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch, offering approximately 72 hours of power reserve. The brown Cerachrom bezel — ceramic in a colour exclusive to this reference — pairs with the ice-blue sunray dial, itself a Rolex convention applied only to platinum-cased watches, providing an immediate visual identifier for experts.

From a collector's standpoint, the 116506 occupies a rarefied position. Produced in limited quantities relative to the steel and gold Daytona variants, it rarely surfaces on the secondary market. Its combination of precious metal, proprietary movement, and exclusive dial colour makes it a grail piece for serious Rolex collectors rather than a lifestyle purchase. Waiting lists at authorised dealers, where they even acknowledge its existence, are effectively closed.

Cerci's choice reflects a broader trend among top-flight European footballers who gravitate toward watches that signal discernment rather than mere wealth. The platinum Daytona communicates horological literacy — it is not the loudest Rolex on the market, but among those who know, it is arguably the most prestigious production sports chronograph the brand offers.

At retail, the 116506 carried an official list price in the region of $75,500 USD, though the grey market — where these pieces actually trade — has historically pushed prices considerably higher, reflecting both scarcity and sustained collector demand. Any example on the open market today commands a meaningful premium over list.