Television presenter Élise Lucet spotted wearing a Rolex

Élise Lucet, one of France's most respected and recognisable television journalists, was photographed wearing a Rolex Submariner Date in stainless steel — a watch that sits at the very heart of the Swiss manufacturer's sports catalogue and remains one of the most coveted references in modern watchmaking. The sighting captures a candid moment, with the watch clearly visible on her wrist during what appears to be a working environment, entirely consistent with her reputation for pragmatic, no-frills professionalism.

The reference in question is the 116610LN, produced from 2010 until 2020, when it was superseded by the current 126610LN. The 116610LN marked a pivotal generational step for the Submariner line: it introduced the proprietary Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, offering unmatched resistance to scratches and UV fading compared to the aluminium inserts used on earlier references. The 40mm Oyster case in 904L stainless steel houses the calibre 3135 movement — a COSC-certified chronometer offering roughly 48 hours of power reserve, bidirectional winding via a Perpetual rotor, and Rolex's own Parachrom hairspring for improved shock and magnetic field resistance.

Among collectors, the 116610LN occupies a uniquely stable position. It was produced in significant quantities over its decade-long run, making it more accessible than vintage references, yet its discontinuation has steadily pushed grey-market premiums upward. The matte black dial, Mercedes hands, and Oyster bracelet with Glidelock extension system represent the definitive modern iteration of a tool watch that traces its lineage directly to 1953.

Lucet's choice of this particular watch is telling. As the anchor of 'Journal de 20 Heures' on France 2 and the face of 'Cash Investigation' — a programme that has taken on corporate giants and government institutions alike — she projects authority and substance over ostentation. The Submariner Date, despite its elevated price point, reads as a working professional's watch rather than a status piece, which aligns precisely with her public image.

On the current grey market, the 116610LN trades firmly above retail, typically commanding between $14,000 and $16,500 USD depending on condition and box-and-papers status. Official retail for the successor 126610LN now stands at $10,100, underlining how the pre-ceramic era and even the ceramic-era discontinued references continue to attract a premium.