Watch Paparazzi

Influencer Zainab Al Alwan spotted wearing Rolex

Bahraini beauty influencer and content creator Zainab Al Alwan recently appeared in a polished social media post wearing one of the most visually striking variants in Rolex's current lineup — the Cosmograph Daytona in 18ct yellow gold with a vivid green dial. The watch appeared on her wrist alongside a sleek off-shoulder black gown, the gold bracelet catching the light and providing a sharp contrast against the dark fabric. It is a pairing that underscores a growing trend among Gulf-region influencers treating haute horology as a core element of personal style.

The reference in question is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508, introduced at Baselworld 2016. Built entirely in 18ct yellow gold — case, bezel, and Oyster bracelet — the watch measures 40mm and houses the in-house Calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch, COSC-certified to ±2 seconds per day. The green sunburst dial features three matching green subsidiary dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, with gold applied hour markers and a tachymeter scale engraved and lacquered directly onto the bezel. The Oyster bracelet is secured by the Oysterlock folding clasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension.

From a collector standpoint, the 116508 with green dial occupies a distinctive position. Yellow gold Daytonas have historically been less fashionable than their steel counterparts, but the green dial edition reversed that perception almost immediately upon launch. It appeals to a demographic that wants conspicuous luxury without sacrificing mechanical credibility — a balance Rolex manages better than almost any other manufacture. The reference has become a fixture on collector radar in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific markets in particular.

Zainab Al Alwan commands a substantial following across Gulf social media, with her content spanning beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Her consistent selection of high-end Swiss timepieces — and the deliberate way they appear in her visual compositions — reflects an understanding of watches as part of a broader luxury narrative rather than mere accessories.

At a retail price of approximately $40,000 USD, the 116508 green dial is technically attainable through authorised dealers, though chronic waitlists make that path largely theoretical. On the secondary market, examples trade reliably between $70,000 and $80,000 USD, representing a premium that has proven durable across multiple market cycles — a testament to the enduring appeal of this specific configuration.