Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Kevin Prince Boateng spotted wearing Rolex

Kevin Prince Boateng was recently photographed wearing a platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116506, the ice blue dial and brown ceramic bezel immediately identifying one of the most exclusive production Daytonas ever released. The sighting is a reminder that, beyond the pitch, Boateng has long cultivated a reputation as one of football's more genuinely knowledgeable watch enthusiasts.

The ref. 116506 was introduced at Baselworld 2013 and represents Rolex's definitive statement in 950 platinum for the Daytona line. The case measures the standard 40mm, but the weight and cool grey lustre of platinum set it apart instantly from steel or gold variants. Powering the watch is the manufacture Calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch and a 72-hour power reserve — widely regarded as one of the most reliable and precise chronograph ebauches in series production. The ice blue lacquer dial is a Rolex exclusive reserved strictly for platinum-cased watches, lending the 116506 an identity that cannot be replicated in any other reference. The brown Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, resistant to scratching and UV fading, completes the palette with an earthy contrast that divides opinion among purists but consistently draws attention on the wrist.

From a collector standpoint, the 116506 occupies a specific niche: it is a current-production reference, not a vintage grail, yet its platinum construction and restricted dial colorway keep demand structurally above supply. Waiting lists at authorised dealers have historically stretched for years, and the grey market has reflected that scarcity consistently since the reference launched.

Boateng has been spotted wearing serious horology throughout his career — from AC Milan to Las Palmas, Sassuolo and beyond — and the 116506 fits the profile of a collector who understands provenance and material quality rather than simply chasing name recognition.

At an official list price of approximately $79,000 USD, the platinum Daytona 116506 trades on the secondary market at a meaningful premium, reflecting both the cost of the raw material and the reference's sustained desirability among collectors who want something genuinely distinct from the ubiquitous steel or gold Daytona.