Football manager Vincenzo Montella spotted wearing a Rolex

Vincenzo Montella, currently serving as head coach of AC Fiorentina, was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in 18k yellow gold, reference 116518LN — a model that sits at an interesting crossroads between motorsport heritage and fine watchmaking. The 'LN' suffix designates the black Cerachrom ceramic bezel, a detail that sets this variant apart from earlier lacquered versions and gives the piece a more contemporary, contrast-heavy aesthetic.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116518LN houses the caliber 4130, Rolex's fully in-house column-wheel chronograph movement introduced in 2000. Running at 28,800 vph with a 72-hour power reserve, the 4130 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and serviceable chronograph movements in production watchmaking. The 40mm case is crafted entirely in 18k yellow gold, paired with a matching dial — in this configuration typically in black or a complementary tone — protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Montella's example is fitted with the Oysterflex bracelet, a vulcanized rubber strap reinforced with a titanium and nickel alloy blade, which Rolex introduced as an alternative to metal bracelets on precious-metal sport models.

From a collector standpoint, the 116518LN occupies a specific niche. Yellow gold Daytonas have historically been slower movers on the secondary market compared to their steel counterparts, but the ceramic bezel reference has aged well in terms of desirability. The 116518LN was discontinued and replaced by the 126518LN, which introduced the larger 41mm case and the new-generation caliber 7140. That generational shift has given the 116518LN a degree of closure that collectors tend to appreciate.

Montella is no stranger to refined taste — the Neapolitan coach built his reputation as an elegant striker at Roma and Fiorentina before transitioning into management, and his personal style has remained consistently polished. Wearing a precious-metal chronograph on the training ground rather than a simpler sports reference signals a collector's confidence rather than mere status signaling.

On the grey market, the 116518LN in yellow gold with ceramic bezel trades at a modest premium above retail, reflecting steady but measured demand. With an official list price of approximately $27,950 USD, the reference remains one of the more accessible entry points into gold Daytona ownership — relatively speaking.