Footballer Karim Benzema spotted wearing a Rolex

Karim Benzema, the acclaimed French footballer, attended the Esports World Cup 2026 wearing one of Rolex's most coveted recent releases: the Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126518LN-0014 in 18k yellow gold. The watch, visible on the wrist in event imagery, showcases the turquoise dial variant paired with an Oysterflex rubber bracelet—a combination that exemplifies the brand's contemporary aesthetic for professional sports icons.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 126518LN-0014 houses the calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with column-wheel construction and a 72-hour power reserve. The 40mm case is crafted from 18k yellow gold and achieves 100 meters of water resistance—adequate for daily wear despite the watch's racing pedigree. The dial's turquoise hue—occasionally dubbed "Tiffany blue"—is paired with black 12-hour, 30-minute, and 60-second chronograph registers. A standout feature is the Cerachrom tachymeter bezel, rendered in polished and brushed yellow gold and mounted within a matching yellow metal ring, distinguishing this reference from earlier steel-based Daytona iterations.

The Daytona Ref. 126518LN-0014 represents a watershed moment in the model's history. Introduced in 2023 as part of the Cosmograph Daytona's 60th-anniversary collection, it reintroduced precious-metal cases with integrated Cerachrom technology—a hallmark of Rolex's incremental but precise refinement strategy. The turquoise dial variant has become one of the most sought variants, partly because yellow gold Daytonas with non-standard dial colors remain limited in production. Collectors note the visual synergy between warm gold and cool turquoise as a departure from traditional black, champagne, or mother-of-pearl options.

Benzema's choice underscores the Daytona's position beyond motorsport; it has become the chronograph of choice for elite athletes and public figures seeking understated luxury with technical substance. The pairing of yellow gold with the contemporary turquoise dial signals both heritage appreciation and modern sensibility—qualities resonant with professional athletes at the peak of their careers.

Retail pricing for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126518LN-0014 stands at approximately $62,000 USD. Grey-market and pre-owned examples typically command $70,000–$85,000, reflecting consistent demand and the reference's brief production window. Waitlists at authorized dealers remain lengthy, making secondary-market acquisition the pragmatic route for most collectors.