Footballer Ivan Rakitic spotted wearing a Rolex

Ivan Rakitic, the Croatian midfield architect who spent the better part of a decade dictating tempo for FC Barcelona, was recently photographed wearing one of the most coveted sports watches currently in production: the Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR, fitted on a Jubilee bracelet and finished with the striking black-and-blue Cerachrom bezel that collectors have long dubbed the 'Batman.'

Introduced at Baselworld 2019, the 126710BLNR represented a significant evolution of the GMT-Master II lineage. Most notably, Rolex paired the 40mm Oystersteel case with the five-link Jubilee bracelet for the very first time in the GMT-Master II's history — a combination previously reserved for dress-oriented references and one that immediately separated this generation from its Oyster-bracelet predecessors. Beneath the dial sits the Calibre 3285, a movement built entirely in-house by Rolex, offering a 70-hour power reserve, the patented Chronergy escapement for improved energy efficiency, and a Paraflex shock absorber system. The bidirectional rotatable bezel uses a two-component Cerachrom insert in Rolex's proprietary ceramic, virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant, combining black and blue in a single moulded piece — a manufacturing feat that took years to perfect.

From a collector standpoint, the 126710BLNR occupies rare territory. It sits at the intersection of genuine technical advancement and strong aesthetic heritage, and the Jubilee bracelet addition gave long-time GMT enthusiasts exactly what many had been requesting for years. Waiting lists at authorised dealers remain substantial, and grey-market premiums have held firm since launch — a reliable indicator of sustained organic demand rather than speculative flipping.

Rakitic has long demonstrated an appreciation for quality beyond the football pitch. The Barcelona and Croatian national team stalwart, whose passing range and positioning made him one of Europe's most reliable midfielders across a trophy-laden decade, is a natural fit for a reference that rewards those who look closely — purposeful, refined, and quietly exceptional.

At UK list price the 126710BLNR sits at approximately £7,750, translating to roughly $9,550 USD at retail. On the secondary market, demand consistently pushes transaction prices well above that figure, with grey-market values typically ranging between $14,000 and $17,000 USD depending on condition, papers, and regional supply fluctuations — making Rakitic's wrist real estate considerably more valuable than it first appears.