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Footballer Erling Haaland spotted wearing Rolex

Erling Haaland was photographed wearing the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV — universally known among collectors as the 'Starbucks' — while accepting the 433 Talent of the Year Award, a recognition that cemented his status as the most electrifying young striker in world football at the time. The watch on his wrist is one of the most recognisable references Rolex produces, and its presence at a high-profile ceremony feels entirely deliberate.

Introduced at Watches & Wonders Geneva in 2020, the Submariner Date ref. 126610LV marked the model's first significant overhaul since the ref. 16610LV launched in 2003. The case grew from 40mm to 41mm, the lugs were slimmed and refined, and Rolex fitted the watch with its proprietary Cal. 3235 movement — a significant upgrade over the outgoing Cal. 3135. The new calibre delivers a 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement for improved energy efficiency, and a Parachrom hairspring for enhanced shock and magnetic resistance. The bidirectional Cerachrom bezel insert, rendered in two distinct shades of green — a darker tone for the outer graduated section and a vibrant mid-green for the diver's 15-minute triangle zone — is what earned the reference its enduring 'Starbucks' nickname within hours of its announcement.

From a collector standpoint, the 126610LV occupies a fascinating position. It revived the two-tone green bezel concept last seen on the cult 'Kermit' ref. 16610LV, but executed it with a far more technically advanced ceramic insert. Early production pieces have already attracted premium attention on the secondary market, and the reference consistently trades above list price — a hallmark of any serious Rolex sports reference.

Haaland's horological taste, even at a young age, has shown a consistent lean toward classic, high-specification references rather than flashy complications. The Submariner Date 126610LV is exactly that: understated in silhouette, technically accomplished, and deeply legible. For a footballer who lets his performance do the talking, the 'Starbucks' is a logical wrist choice.

On the grey market, the 126610LV commands a meaningful premium over its official retail price, which sits at approximately $10,100 USD in the United States. Secondary market values have fluctuated in recent years but continue to reflect sustained demand, with clean examples regularly changing hands between $13,000 and $16,000 depending on condition and provenance.