Footballer Gianluigi Donnarumma spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City's elite goalkeeper, celebrated his wedding in southern Italy earlier this month with a luxury timepiece that exemplifies understated sophistication. The groom was spotted wearing a rose gold Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738R, a dress watch that has earned recognition among collectors for its timeless design and refined proportions.

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738R houses the hand-wound Caliber 215 movement, a 29mm mechanical calibre with a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The watch features Patek Philippe's iconic cushion-shaped case—a departure from traditional round or tonneau designs—crafted in 18-karat rose gold. The defining characteristic is the sunburst ebony black dial with applied rose gold hour markers and dauphine hands. The reference measures 33.8mm × 26.8mm, making it a genuinely wearable dress watch rather than an oversized contemporary statement piece. Water resistance stands at 20 meters, appropriate for a formal timepiece not designed for aquatic use. The watch is paired with a classic black alligator leather strap and rose gold folding clasp.

Introduced as a successor to earlier Golden Ellipse iterations, the Ref. 5738R maintains the collection's lineage dating to 1968, when Patek Philippe first challenged the round-watch convention. The rose gold variant remains less widely encountered than white gold or platinum versions, contributing to its desirability among purists. The sunburst black dial variant sits between more common silver and champagne options, offering visual depth without excessive contrast.

Donnarumma's choice reflects a broader trend among high-profile athletes toward classical dress watches as markers of refined taste beyond the sport. The Golden Ellipse appeals to collectors seeking Patek Philippe credentials without the steel-sports-watch competition or Nautilus/Aquanaut waiting lists. The Ref. 5738R's understated design prioritizes correctness over conspicuousness—qualities that resonate with discerning professionals in high-visibility roles.

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738R carries a retail price of approximately $40,000 USD, positioning it between entry-level Calatrava models and more complex complications. Grey-market pricing typically ranges $42,000–$48,000 depending on condition and service history. Availability remains consistent compared to sports references, though demand for rose gold variants has intensified in recent years.