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Footballer Leroy Sane spotted wearing Rolex

When Leroy Sané completed his move to Manchester City, the cameras naturally found his wrist as well as his feet. The German international was spotted wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Everose gold, reference 116505 — a choice that sits comfortably in the upper tier of professional footballer watch culture without veering into outright excess.

The Rolex Daytona ref. 116505 was introduced in 2012 alongside the stainless steel ref. 116500LN, marking a decisive moment in Daytona history: both references debuted Rolex's entirely in-house Calibre 4130. That movement replaced the long-serving Zenith El Primero base used in the ref. 116520 era and brought column-wheel control, a vertical clutch, and an impressive 72-hour power reserve to the 40mm case. The ref. 116505 is constructed entirely in 18k Everose gold — Rolex's proprietary alloy that adds platinum to the mix to prevent fading — and pairs that warm-toned case with a matching three-register dial. The cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic offers a practical contrast to the precious metal case and has proven exceptionally resistant to scratching and UV degradation.

Among collectors, the 116505 occupies a specific niche. It lacks the cult waiting-list frenzy of the steel 116500LN, but that relative accessibility on the grey market has made it a steady, respected hold rather than a speculative flip. The Everose Daytona appeals to buyers who want the full precious-metal experience without the cooler tone of white gold references. Rolex discontinued the 116505 in 2023 with the launch of the updated 126505, which introduced the new Cal. 4131, making surviving examples of the 116505 incrementally more interesting to the secondary market.

Sané, who built his reputation through explosive pace and technique in the Bundesliga before becoming a City and later Bayern Munich asset, has long gravitated toward Rolex as a wrist anchor. The Daytona in Everose gold fits the profile of a young elite athlete making a considered luxury statement — recognizable to watch people, understated enough not to distract.

At UK list price around £25,100 at the time of the sighting, the 116505 sat at a premium but not stratospheric level for an all-gold Rolex sports reference. On the grey market it has historically traded at or modestly above retail, unlike its stainless sibling which commanded significant premiums. For a footballer earning Premier League wages, it represents a thoughtful first step into serious horology.