Watch Paparazzi

Television presenter Diletta Leotta spotted wearing Rolex

Diletta Leotta, Italy's most recognisable face in football broadcasting, was recently photographed sporting a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500LN on a full Oyster bracelet — a watch that needs no introduction in collecting circles but always rewards a closer look.

The ref. 116500LN, introduced at Baselworld 2016, replaced the long-running ref. 116520 and marked a defining upgrade for the Daytona line. The most significant change was the introduction of a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, replacing the earlier aluminium unit. The tachymetre scale is engraved directly into the ceramic and filled with platinum-coated lacquer, making it virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant. Paired with the black dial variant — featuring three matching black sub-registers — the result is a monochromatic, high-contrast aesthetic that has proven enormously popular.

Power comes from the in-house Calibre 4130, a column-wheel vertical-clutch automatic movement offering a 72-hour power reserve, chronograph functionality to 1/8th of a second, and exceptional reliability. The 40 mm Oystersteel case is water-resistant to 100 metres. The Calibre 4130 is widely considered one of the finest chronograph movements in series production, praised for its reduced parts count and smooth operation.

From a collector standpoint, the 116500LN black dial sits at the apex of desirability within the reference. Waiting lists at authorised dealers have historically stretched years, and the watch rarely appears at retail. It has become a benchmark piece for first-time serious collectors and seasoned enthusiasts alike — a watch that is simultaneously accessible in concept and deeply difficult to acquire at list price.

Diletta Leotta is no stranger to luxury watches. The Sicilian presenter, who commands millions of followers across social platforms and fronts Serie A coverage for DAZN, wears the Daytona with understated authority. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500LN retails at approximately €13,900 in Europe, but consistently trades on the secondary market at two to three times that figure — making Leotta's wrist a more serious statement than it might first appear.