For 2023, Rolex has quietly updated its flagship chronograph with subtle changes that only die-hard enthusiasts can fully appreciate. Some updates include a thinner ring around the chronograph subdials and smaller hour markers. Over the years we have discovered that Lionel Messi is one of these obsessive watch collectors: the Inter Miami captain has worn a rose gold Yacht-Master, a yellow dial Oyster Perpetual, a gem-set Submariner watch. But no matter how extensive your collection is, it’s still not complete until you add the iconic Rolex Daytona.
Launched in 2023, it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the model’s birth in 1963. Messi’s Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126500LN yes this Modern Steel Daytona. In addition to the aesthetic changes, this watch is also the first to use the brand’s Cal.1 movement. 4131 automatic movement with Chronergy escapement.
Gotham
The changes made to the Daytona are typical of Rolex’s penchant for tinkering with its iconic pieces. For Daytona, these adjustments make one of the world’s most important sports watches even more refined. join in-minus, Instead, reduce the case thickness by about 0.5 mm and you have the recipe for an everyday watch. Naysayers will decry the Daytona’s widespread shortage at retail, but now it’s part of the equation when considering Rolex’s new watch: everyone and their mothers (and their toddlers) want one , it is even said that the output of each piece exceeds one million pieces.
Unless, of course, you’re one of the best football players in history. We can only assume Messi didn’t have to sweet-talk his AD to get a Daytona assignment like the rest of us mere mortals—especially considering he’s picked up other Rolexes along the way. Messi was once photographed wearing a platinum dial for a referee. 116509, is a specially made advanced version of Daytona.
No matter how you look at it, there’s a reason the modern steel Daytona is a staple in the watch world. It’s stylish and functional, and will suit anyone’s wrist, especially Messi’s.
Axel/Ball Griffin
LeBron James’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model. 15402 or
The interesting thing about the Royal Oak is that there are so many compelling references around it that it seems endless. Take this for reference. 15402 OR Spotted on LeBron James’ Wrist at Netflix Premiere Start 5 This week: Its diamond-encrusted rose gold case, bezel and dial aren’t exactly delicate. But that’s okay: not every watch is meant to fly under the radar! Measuring 41 mm in diameter and powered by an in-house automatic movement, it fits perfectly into the King James collection, which also includes heavyweight watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille and more.
Jason Howard/Bal Griffin
Omega De Ville Trésor by Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield is never far from a good Omega. Case in point is the handsome De Ville Trésor, a beautiful, simple dress watch that in this configuration features a silver dial, applied hour markers and a date window at 6 o’clock. Found outside the collection The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Garfield casually wears a denim jacket (complete with his infamous merry-go-round head from the new movie) we live in time) and a pair of cream slacks, but the watch looks equally at home paired with a black tie. The Trésor is a stalwart of the Omega product range and is about much more than a moonwatch. The collection was launched in 1949 and continues to be an important piece in helping people like Garfield look more fashionable after leaving an Omega boutique.
Courtesy of IWC
Courtesy of IWC
John Krasinski’s IWC Portuguese Chronograph ref. IW371609
John Krasinski attended the 2024 Albi Awards wearing one of the world’s most elegant chronographs. The IWC Portuguese Chronograph ref. IW371609 is part of a series born in the 1930s at the request of two Portuguese businessmen who wanted an oversized everyday watch. Referee Jim Halpert. The IW371609 retains the pocket watch style case and proportions of the earlier model, adds a dual chronograph in an “up and down” configuration, and powers it with an automatic Cal.2 movement. 69355 movement. The watch made of stainless steel is 41 mm in size, fashionable and sophisticated, and presents typical practical and complex functions.