Actor Allu Arjun spotted wearing a Rolex

Allu Arjun, the pan-Indian superstar whose 2021 blockbuster Pushpa catapulted him to national fame, was recently photographed wearing the Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel Reference 116520 — a watch that carries considerably more horological weight than its understated steel case might suggest.

Introduced in 2000, the Rolex Daytona Ref 116520 represented a landmark moment for the Geneva manufacturer. It was the first Daytona to house a fully in-house movement, the caliber 4130 — a column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch, offering superior precision and a smoother seconds-hand engagement than the modified Zenith El Primero that powered its predecessor, the Ref 16520. The 40mm oyster case in 904L stainless steel houses this movement beneath a sapphire caseback-free architecture, with power reserve rated at 72 hours. The dial, available in black or white, features the signature three-register layout with tachymetre scale on the fixed steel bezel — a clean, functional design that has defined the Daytona's visual identity for decades.

The 116520 remained in production until 2016, when Rolex replaced it with the Ref 116500LN, introducing a ceramic Cerachrom bezel. That transition effectively closed the chapter on the steel-bezel Daytona, transforming the 116520 into an immediately collectible reference almost overnight. Among enthusiasts, the white-dial variant — sometimes called the "Panda" — commands particular attention, while the black-dial "reverse Panda" configuration has its own dedicated following.

Allu Arjun is no stranger to luxury timepieces. Known for his meticulous personal style both on and off screen, the actor's choice of the 116520 speaks to a discerning eye — this is not a watch chosen for novelty, but one selected with knowledge of its place in Rolex history. It fits naturally within the understated, confidence-driven aesthetic the star projects in public appearances.

On the secondary market, the Rolex Daytona Ref 116520 trades significantly above its original retail price. Depending on dial color, condition, and the presence of original box and papers, grey-market values typically range from $18,000 to $28,000 — a strong premium that reflects both the reference's discontinued status and its enduring collector demand.