Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Sergio Ramos spotted wearing Rolex

Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid's captain and one of European football's most decorated defenders, was photographed wearing the Rolex Submariner Date in 18ct yellow gold, reference 116618LB — a watch that occupies a very specific position at the top of the Submariner hierarchy.

The 116618LB is built entirely in 18ct yellow gold: case, bracelet, crown, and the distinctive Oyster pushers that lock the Oysterclasp. Its 40mm case houses the calibre 3135, Rolex's workhorse self-winding movement featuring a Parachrom hairspring, Microstella regulation, and a 48-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 300 metres, consistent with the Submariner's professional dive-watch lineage. The blue Cerachrom insert — introduced on this reference as part of Rolex's ceramic bezel programme — is virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant, retaining its deep cobalt tone indefinitely. The matching blue dial carries applied luminous hour markers and a date window at three o'clock with a Cyclops lens.

Among Rolex enthusiasts, the 116618LB — nicknamed the 'Bluesy' — is regarded as the more desirable of the two all-gold Submariner variants, edging out its black-dialled sibling the 116618LN in collector polls. The full-gold Submariner occupies an interesting middle ground: sporty enough for daily wear, precious enough to signal serious intent. It was discontinued along with the rest of the 116618 generation when Rolex launched the 41mm 126618LB in 2020, which has only strengthened secondary-market interest in the older case size.

Ramos has long been a conspicuous watch collector, favouring high-visibility pieces that complement both matchday tunnel walks and red-carpet appearances. His choice of the 116618LB speaks to an appreciation for understated luxury within a recognisable format — the Submariner silhouette needs no introduction, but the all-gold execution ensures it reads clearly from the stands.

At retail, the 116618LB carried a UK list price of approximately £22,900, translating to roughly $28,500 USD at period exchange rates. On the secondary market, pre-owned examples in excellent condition now trade between $28,000 and $34,000 depending on box-and-papers status and service history — a premium that reflects both the gold metal value and the growing collector appetite for discontinued 40mm Rolex sport references.