Television presenter Buddy Valastro spotted wearing a Rolex

Buddy Valastro, best known as the star of TLC's Cake Boss and a household name in American food television, was recently spotted with one of the most coveted references in the entire Rolex catalog locked to his wrist: the Cosmograph Daytona reference 116506 in 950 platinum.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116506 was introduced in 2013 as one of the rarest expressions in the Daytona family. Its case and bracelet are crafted entirely from 950 platinum — a first for the Daytona line — and the watch wears that precious metal with characteristic Rolex restraint. The signature ice-blue dial, reserved exclusively for Rolex's platinum references, features a subtle gradient tone and contrasting black subdials. Driving everything is the caliber 4130, Rolex's proprietary automatic chronograph movement featuring a column wheel, vertical clutch, and a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is widely regarded as one of the most robust and accurate chronograph calibers in production.

From a collector standpoint, the 116506 occupies a unique position. It is one of only two Rolex sport references — alongside the platinum Day-Date — to be produced in the metal, making it genuinely scarce in absolute terms. Rolex allocates the reference in extremely limited numbers, and authorized dealer waiting lists for new examples are effectively closed in most markets. The ice-blue dial has become a collector shorthand for platinum Rolex references, and the 116506 is consistently cited alongside the ceramic-bezel steel Daytonas as a benchmark for modern Rolex desirability.

Valastro built his public profile through elaborate cake artistry and television production, and his taste in watches has always leaned toward statement pieces. The platinum Daytona is precisely that — not loud by design, but unmistakable to anyone with watch knowledge. It is a choice that reflects informed collecting rather than simple brand recognition.

On the secondary market, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116506 commands a significant premium over its already substantial retail price. Grey-market values have remained elevated and consistent, driven by genuine scarcity and enduring demand from serious collectors worldwide.