Footballer Maghnes Akliouche spotted wearing a Rolex

Maghnes Akliouche, the attacking midfielder for the French national football team and fresh signing for Paris Saint-Germain, was photographed en route to finalizing his transfer in 2023 wearing the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126500LN-0001 with the sought-after 'panda' dial. The timepiece on his wrist represents one of the most significant modern releases in Daytona history—a full redesign unveiled during the model's 60th-anniversary celebration.

The ref. 126500LN-0001 houses the calibre 4130, Rolex's in-house chronograph movement, beating at 28,800 vph with a 72-hour power reserve. The case measures 40mm in diameter and is machined from 904L Oystersteel, a material choice that emphasizes durability over preciousness—fitting for a tool watch that has served motorsport professionals since 1963. The dial presents the classic 'panda' layout: a white background with contrasting black subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. Water resistance sits at 100 meters, adequate for daily wear but secondary to the chronograph's racing heritage. The bracelet is the modern three-link Oyster, ending in a Fliplock extension clasp.

The 2023 redesign introduced a new integrated tachymeter bezel that combines the proportions of the 1960s ref. 16520 with the bakelite-style indexing of earlier hand-wound references such as the ref. 6241. This blend of historical aesthetics with contemporary manufacturing represents Rolex's signature approach: evolution without rupture. The 'panda' dial itself harks back to pre-Zenith vintage examples and appeals strongly to collectors who favor legibility and dial contrast over the more common all-black variant.

Akliouche's choice reflects both practical and symbolic considerations. The Daytona has long been associated with athletes and high-performance pursuits; its chronograph function speaks to timing, precision, and competitive edge. For a professional footballer transitioning to one of Europe's elite clubs, the watch signals discipline and excellence. Among modern sports watches at retail, the ref. 126500LN commands attention—not least because Rolex production remains strictly controlled and demand vastly outpaces supply.

The ref. 126500LN-0001 carries an official retail price of approximately $14,550 USD, though grey-market examples trade significantly higher, typically between $18,000 and $24,000 depending on condition and market timing. Authorized dealer waitlists for this reference frequently extend beyond two years. The 'panda' dial variant is particularly coveted, making Akliouche's visible wear of this reference a notable moment in contemporary watch culture.