Footballer Lamine Yamal spotted wearing a Rolex

Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal was photographed wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116598RBPR, the brand's most opulent chronograph variant, during Spain's World Cup campaign. The timepiece, valued at approximately $180,000, represents the pinnacle of Rolex's luxury sports-watch aesthetic—a striking departure from the steel Daytonas that dominate professional sports sidelines.

The Ref. 116598RBPR houses Rolex's Calibre 4130, a self-winding chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch, visible through the exhibition caseback. The 40mm yellow gold case carries full water resistance to 100 meters despite its decorative mandate. The signature champagne dial displays three chronograph subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions in applied gold, framed by a full baguette-cut diamond bezel—approximately 8.65 carats—with matching diamond hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The Oyster bracelet, also in 18k yellow gold, features the solid three-link design and Easylink extension clasp.

Production of the 116598RBPR began in 2000 and continued through the mid-2010s, making it far rarer than its steel counterparts. The full diamond configuration commands a significant premium over standard Daytona references; most variants with bezel diamonds alone trade considerably lower. The champagne dial variant is more collectible than white or black dial examples, valued for its warmth against the yellow gold case.

Yamal's choice signals both wealth and confidence—the Daytona is the chronograph worn by racing drivers and collectors alike, yet this iteration transcends sports utility into pure luxury territory. The 116598RBPR's appearance on a rising footballer underscores the Daytona's cultural penetration across global celebrity and elite sports circles.

Retail pricing on the 116598RBPR ranged from $42,000 to $48,000 at launch; contemporary grey-market examples trade between $150,000 and $185,000 depending on condition and service history. Waitlists for new Rolex Daytonas in any material remain years-long at authorized dealers, rendering pre-owned acquisition the only practical route for most buyers.