Watch Paparazzi

Boxer Oleksandr Usyk spotted wearing Rolex

Oleksandr Usyk was spotted boarding a flight back to Ukraine fresh from his rematch victory over Anthony Joshua, and eagle-eyed watch enthusiasts immediately clocked the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126710BLRO secured to his wrist — a watch that, much like its owner, commands serious respect in competitive circles.

Introduced at Baselworld 2018, the GMT-Master II 126710BLRO represented a quiet revolution in the GMT line. For the first time in the model's history, Rolex paired the CERACHROM two-colour blue-and-red 'Pepsi' bezel insert with a stainless steel Oyster case and — crucially — the elegant five-link Jubilee bracelet. Previously, the Jubilee was reserved for gold GMT variants, making this combination an immediate talking point. The watch measures 40mm in Oystersteel, houses the in-house Calibre 3285 movement featuring Rolex's Chronergy escapement, a 70-hour power reserve, and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer to +/-2 seconds per day accuracy. The GMT hand independently sets a second time zone, while the bidirectional rotatable bezel tracks a third.

Among collectors, the 126710BLRO occupies a unique position. The 'Pepsi' colour scheme carries enormous nostalgic weight — the original reference 6542 from 1954 helped define the GMT-Master as aviation's definitive companion watch. The modern iteration honours that legacy while offering measurably superior technical architecture. Waiting lists at authorised dealers have remained substantial since launch, making grey-market premiums persistent and significant.

Usyk's choice reflects a pattern common among elite Eastern European athletes who favour understated yet recognisable luxury. Returning home as undisputed champion with a 'Pepsi' GMT on the wrist sends a clear, unspoken message: this is a man who knows where he is, where he's been, and exactly what time it is everywhere.

At an official retail price of approximately $10,600, the 126710BLRO remains aspirationally accessible on paper. In practice, current grey-market valuations sit around $21,000 — nearly double retail — reflecting the sustained demand that has defined this reference since its debut and showing no meaningful sign of softening.