Watch Paparazzi

Model Ludovica Pagani spotted wearing Rolex

Ludovica Pagani, one of Italy's most followed models and social media personalities, was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Datejust ref. 79173 — a rare on-wrist appearance for someone who seldom photographs herself with watches. The sighting, while limited in image quality, gives enthusiasts enough detail to identify the model with confidence: two-tone construction, Jubilee bracelet, and a factory diamond-set bezel.

The Rolex Datejust ref. 79173 is a 26mm ladies' reference produced roughly between 1999 and 2005, built on Rolex's combination of 904L Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold — what the brand markets as Rolesor. The case and bracelet center links are gold-capped, while the outer Jubilee links remain steel, a contrast that has defined the Datejust aesthetic since the bracelet's debut in 1945. The diamond bezel variant elevates the piece further, with factory-set brilliant-cut stones replacing the traditional engine-turned or fluted finish. Inside runs the calibre 2235, a self-winding movement with a 44-hour power reserve and Rolex's proprietary Parachrom hairspring, offering enhanced resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.

Among collectors, the 79173 occupies a nuanced position. Two-tone Datejusts fell out of fashion during the all-steel minimalist era of the 2010s but have staged a quiet rehabilitation. The factory diamond bezel, sourced and set by Rolex itself, commands a premium over aftermarket diamond versions and is a key authentication point for buyers. The Jubilee bracelet on this reference features the five-piece link construction that predates Rolex's modern Oysterclasp, lending it a vintage tactility that contemporary collectors increasingly appreciate.

Ludovica Pagani has built an audience of over eight million on Instagram, primarily through fashion and lifestyle content. Her watches almost never appear in frame, which makes this sighting genuinely rare. When she does wear a watch, the choice signals personal taste rather than sponsorship — and a two-tone diamond-bezel Datejust reads as exactly that: understated Italian femininity with a confident luxury edge.

On the secondary market, the Rolex Datejust ref. 79173 with diamond bezel and Jubilee bracelet typically trades between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on dial variant, box and papers, and bracelet condition. It has no official retail presence, having been discontinued for nearly two decades, but its combination of Rolex pedigree, factory diamonds, and iconic bracelet keeps demand steady among both collectors and first-time luxury buyers.