Watch Paparazzi

Influencer Zainab Al Alwan spotted wearing Rolex

Spotted on the wrist of Saudi social media influencer Zainab Al Alwan, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116500LN in stainless steel with the iconic 'Panda' dial continues to assert itself as one of the most recognisable luxury sports watches in the world. The sighting, shared via her Instagram, places the watch casually against a black fitted top — understated styling that lets the timepiece speak for itself.

Debuted at Baselworld 2016, the 116500LN marked a pivotal moment for the Daytona line: the first stainless steel Daytona to feature a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel since the model transitioned away from aluminium inserts. The 40mm Oystersteel case houses the in-house calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch, offering approximately 72 hours of power reserve and COSC chronometer certification. The white lacquer dial with contrasting black counters at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock is the 'Panda' configuration — a term borrowed from the vintage racing watch lexicon that collectors have enthusiastically revived.

From a collector standpoint, the 116500LN white-dial variant is widely regarded as harder to source than its black-dial sibling. Waiting lists at authorised dealers stretched for years post-launch, and the model has maintained extraordinary grey-market premiums since its debut. It represents one of the clearest examples of a modern Rolex reference appreciating dramatically above retail from day one, driven by genuine demand rather than speculation alone.

Zainab Al Alwan commands a substantial following across the Gulf social media landscape, where luxury watch culture intersects fluidly with fashion and lifestyle content. Her choice of the Daytona 116500LN — rather than a diamond-set or precious metal variant — signals a collector-informed sensibility. The steel Panda Daytona is a watch worn by serious enthusiasts as much as by style figures.

At an official retail price of $12,400 USD, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN white dial is effectively unobtainable at list price. Current grey-market valuations sit around $39,500 USD, reflecting sustained demand that shows no signs of cooling. For collectors and observers alike, seeing the 116500LN on a prominent influencer's wrist is a reminder of how deeply this reference has embedded itself in contemporary watch culture.