Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Gianluigi Donnarumma spotted wearing Rolex

During a fan presentation for Paris Saint-Germain, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma appeared wearing what is arguably Rolex's most gemstone-intensive GMT-Master II in current production — the reference 126755SARU in 18k Everose gold, complete with a diamond and ruby bezel and diamond-set lugs on an Oyster bracelet. The public setting made the piece impossible to miss.

The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126755SARU measures 40mm in Rolex's proprietary Everose gold, a rose-gold alloy formulated in-house for enhanced long-term colour stability. The defining feature is the bidirectional rotating bezel, whose Cerachrom-style insert is here replaced by a pavé arrangement of 40 natural rubies and 26 diamonds — a direct nod to the iconic 'Pepsi' red-and-blue colour scheme rendered entirely in precious stones. The lugs carry additional diamond setting, and the Oyster bracelet with Easylink extension system completes a wrist presence that is anything but understated. Inside sits the Calibre 3285, Rolex's proprietary movement featuring a Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, and COSC-certified chronometric precision — proof that the jewellery exterior conceals a serious piece of horology.

The 126755SARU occupies a specific and rarified corner of the GMT-Master II catalogue. Where the steel and two-tone references attract a broad collector base, this reference is aimed squarely at buyers for whom the watch functions as wearable jewellery without sacrificing horological credibility. Its production numbers are low by Rolex standards, and authorised dealer allocation is extremely limited, making retail acquisition largely theoretical for most buyers.

Donnarumma, Italy's first-choice goalkeeper and one of the most recognisable faces in European football, has cultivated a watch wardrobe in keeping with his standing in the game. Choosing the GMT-Master II 126755SARU for a high-visibility fan event signals a deliberate statement — this is not an everyday sports watch but a piece selected for maximum visual impact in a public-facing moment.

On the secondary market, the Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126755SARU trades at approximately $145,000 USD, reflecting both its precious metal and gemstone content and the consistent demand premium that fully jewelled Rolex sports references command among high-net-worth collectors globally.