Footballer Lamine Yamal spotted wearing a Rolex

During a pre-game press conference ahead of Barcelona's Champions League match against Feyenoord, footballer Lamine Yamal made a statement in precious metals: a fully diamond-set Rolex Daytona Ref. 126598TBR in 18k yellow gold. The timepiece caught immediate attention among watch enthusiasts, its champagne dial and glittering bezel visible as Yamal addressed the media in team colours. This particular sighting underscores the Daytona's enduring status as the chronograph of choice among elite athletes and high-net-worth individuals.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 126598TBR is one of the brand's most exclusive offerings. The case measures 40mm in 18k yellow gold, housing the Calibre 4130 chronograph movement—a self-winding mechanism capable of 72 hours of power reserve. The dial presents a champagne sunburst finish, complemented by 11 diamond hour markers set flush with the surface. The bezel is the standout feature: 36 trapeze-cut diamonds mounted in white gold, creating a two-tone aesthetic that amplifies the watch's visual impact. Water resistance reaches 100 metres, standard for the modern Daytona line. The Oyster bracelet, matching the 18k yellow gold case, secures via the Crownclasp system with Easylink extension.

The 126598TBR entered production circa 2017 and remains in current manufacture, though availability is tightly controlled. Rolex does not publicly disclose production figures, but market observation suggests only a handful of fully diamond-set Daytonas reach secondary circulation annually. The factory-set diamond variant commands a significant premium over steel or monometallic versions, making it a genuinely rare sighting on the wrist. Collectors regard this reference as a modern classic, occupying a middle ground between the steel Daytona's accessibility and the platinum ref. 116576TBR's absolute scarcity.

Yamal's choice reflects broader trends among professional footballers toward high-horology investment pieces. Unlike trend-driven fashion watches, the Daytona appreciates or holds value steadily, offering both practical utility (the chronograph remains functionally relevant) and asset stability. The 126598TBR's dual-metal aesthetic—yellow and white gold—also aligns with contemporary luxury sports styling, pairing equally well with formal press-room settings or casual team wear.

Retail pricing for the Rolex Daytona Ref. 126598TBR hovers near £135,000 GBP ($183,500 USD at current exchange rates), though authorised dealers rarely have stock. Grey-market prices often track 10–15% above retail, reflecting chronic demand. For serious collectors, the wait at an official Rolex boutique can exceed five years. Yamal's acquisition likely bypassed traditional channels, a privilege of high-profile clientele with established relationships at select dealers.