Rolex Daytona 126538tbr "Messi" Watch

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126538TBR — The "Messi" Edition

One of the most coveted references in the modern Rolex catalogue, the Daytona 126538TBR — colloquially known as the "Messi" — is a masterclass in horological opulence. Presented in 18ct yellow gold and set with a baguette-cut diamond bezel, this is a watch that commands attention without compromise.

Case & Bracelet

The 40mm Oyster case is crafted entirely in 18ct yellow gold, offering the warmth and prestige synonymous with Rolex's precious metal references. The iconic Oyster architecture ensures water resistance to 100 metres, underpinned by the screw-down Triplock crown. The Oysterflex bracelet — Rolex's proprietary high-performance elastomer strap — delivers the comfort of rubber with the refinement of a precious metal clasp, secured by a folding Oysterlock safety buckle.

Bezel

The tachymetric bezel is set with 36 baguette-cut diamonds in a pavé arrangement — a configuration that elevates the 126538TBR into a category of its own. Each stone is individually selected for cut, clarity, and colour, set by Rolex's in-house gem-setting atelier.

Dial

The meteorite dial — formed from genuine Widmanstätten-patterned iron-nickel meteorite — is unique by nature; no two dials are identical. Three subsidiary registers in 18ct yellow gold track elapsed hours, minutes, and seconds, while applied hour markers and hands in yellow gold complete the composition. The result is a dial that is simultaneously ancient and avant-garde.

Movement

Powering the 126538TBR is the Calibre 4131, Rolex's self-winding chronograph movement developed entirely in-house. Featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch mechanism, it delivers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer — accurate to ±2 seconds per day, well beyond COSC standards.

The "Messi" Connection

The 126538TBR gained its cultural nickname following its association with Lionel Messi, who was gifted this reference by teammates following Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. The watch subsequently became one of the most searched and sought-after Rolex references globally, cementing its status as both a horological and cultural artefact.

Specifications

• Reference: 126538TBR
• Case Material: 18ct Yellow Gold
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft
• Bezel: Baguette-cut diamond pavé, tachymetric scale
• Dial: Meteorite with yellow gold subdials
• Bracelet: Oysterflex with Oysterlock clasp
• Movement: Calibre 4131, self-winding chronograph
• Power Reserve: ~72 hours
• Certification: Superlative Chronometer (±2 sec/day)