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Mixed martial artist Georges St Pierre spotted wearing Rolex

Georges St-Pierre was spotted wearing a Rolex Daytona Chronograph reference 116518 in 18k yellow gold — a watch that, much like GSP himself, combines elite performance with an almost deceptive sense of composure.

The Rolex Daytona 116518 is a 40mm chronograph case crafted entirely in 18k yellow gold, fitted here with a matching domed yellow gold bezel and a crisp black dial. The dial carries the signature three contrasting subdials — running seconds at nine o'clock, 30-minute counter at three, and 12-hour counter at six — executed in white against the black ground for maximum legibility. The reference 116518 was introduced in the early 2000s and represented a major milestone for the Daytona line: it was among the first iterations to house Rolex's in-house Calibre 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch system, replacing the earlier Zenith-based Calibre 4030. The 4130 brought improved chronograph accuracy, a 72-hour power reserve, and significantly simplified servicing — a movement widely praised by watchmakers and collectors alike.

Among collectors, the 116518 occupies a particular niche. Yellow gold Daytonas have historically attracted strong demand from buyers who appreciate the model's motorsport heritage reinterpreted in precious metal. The black dial variant is considered one of the cleaner executions — avoiding the divisive 'exotic' dial territory while still commanding serious presence. The reference ran in production for roughly two decades before being succeeded by the updated 126518LN, giving the 116518 a clear generational identity that collectors track closely.

St-Pierre retired from competitive MMA in 2013 as undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion, later returning to claim the Middleweight title in 2017 before stepping away permanently. His public image has always projected discipline and intelligence over flash — which makes his choice of yellow gold Daytona an interesting signal. It is not a subtle watch, but it is a precise one.

On the secondary market, the Rolex Daytona 116518 with a black dial trades at a healthy premium above its original retail price, reflecting sustained collector appetite for in-house Daytona references in precious metal. Current grey market values place it meaningfully above the $25,000 USD retail figure, with condition and box-and-papers status driving significant variance.