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Lionel Messi is one of, if not the greatest footballer to have played the beautiful game, and is known to own some of the most sought-after and rarest watches in the world. The Argentine has a collection of off-catalogue Rolex watches, which is unheard of, as it is almost impossible to achieve in the horological world.
This demonstrates Messi’s elite status; after all, we are talking about the most successful footballer of all time. Off-catalogue Rolex watches are only offered to the Swiss brand’s VIP clientele and most respected celebrities, so clearly Messi fits into that specification. Therefore, in this article, we unveil the rarest and most sought-after Rolex watches, which are all part of the Crown’s secret catalogue.
1. Rolex Daytona 126538TBR
Kicking off Messi’s off-catalogue Rolex watch collection is the Daytona reference 126538TBR; one of the latest off-catalogue models released in 2025. Crafted in 18ct yellow gold and powered by the Calibre 7131, this piece’s main attribute is the vibrant turquoise stone dial, which also features diamond hour markers.
Adorned by 36 baguette-cut diamonds set into the bezel and accenting diamonds on the lugs and crown guards of the case, this reference is extremely rare, having only been spotted on the wrists of Lionel Messi and Sylvester Stallone.
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- ✓Oysterflex rubber strap
- ✓40mm Case
- ✓Automatic movement Calibre 4131
2. Rolex Daytona 126555TBR
Like the 126538TBR, Messi’s second off-catalogue piece, the 126555TBR, was released in 2025. This is the 18ct Everose gold Rolex Daytona, known as the “Giraffe”, which features a bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds and an additional number of diamonds set into the lugs and crown guards of the rose gold case.
Horological enthusiasts reference this Daytona model as the “Giraffe” due to the chestnut brown lacquer dial that incorporates a unique diamond setting, resembling the fur of the sub-Saharan animal. Notably, this was the first time Rolex had released a different coloured Oysterflex bracelet instead of the conventional black.
3. Rolex Daytona 126538TRO
Next is the Rolex Daytona reference 126538TRO, an extremely rare piece that has only been caught on very few celebrities’ wrists such as Messi, Drake, Mark Wahlberg, Caroline Wozniacki and Mirka Federer.
There is very little documented about this off-catalogue Daytona, as it is believed there are fewer than 10 pieces worldwide. But what we do know is its features: produced 18ct yellow gold, a 36 pink trapeze-cut sapphire gemstone bezel, a pink dial with diamond hour markers, diamonds set into the lugs and crown guard, and a pink alligator leather strap.
4. Rolex Daytona 126529LN
Pictured with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi was spotted wearing the Rolex Daytona reference 126529LN, an extremely special piece nicknamed the “Le Mans”. Unveiled in June 2023, Rolex released this short-lived 18ct white gold Daytona to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance racing competition, discontinuing the model in April 2024.
Three key features set the 126529LN apart from your standard Daytona model: powering the reference is the in-house Calibre 4132, the black Cerachrom bezel incorporates a unique red “100” marking, and there is an open caseback displaying the beautiful movement.
Technically, this Daytona reference 126529LN was not an off-catalogue model because it was showcased on the Crown’s website; however, it might as well have been part of the hidden VIP catalogue, as there are very few available worldwide, due to an 8-month production run, making the 126529LN extremely sought after.
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5. Rolex Daytona 126528LN
Following on from the Daytona reference 126529LN, Messi has been spotted wearing the yellow gold variation, reference 126528LN. In 2024, Rolex discontinued the white gold “Le Mans” and released an off-catalogue, 18ct yellow gold “Le Mans” model. This has the same features as the white gold model; the only difference is the metal. Like the 126529LN, the 126528LN was also produced for just one year, discontinuing in 2025.
6. Rolex Daytona 126525LN
The final reiteration of the Daytona “Le Mans” came in 2025, when Rolex released a rose gold model that succeeded the yellow gold model. This is the reference 126525LN, cast in Rolex’s patented 18ct Everose gold, again featuring the same mechanical features and specific details as its golden counterparts; the only difference is the metal. With Watches and Wonders 2026 creeping up on us, it is anticipated that this Everose gold variation to be discontinued this year.
7. Rolex Daytona 116595RBOW
For Messi to possess a collection of off-catalogue Rolex watches, the Argentine icon must own the most popular off-catalogue piece of them all; that is, the Rolex Daytona reference 116595RBOW. Like all Daytona 116xxx models, this Daytona “Rainbow” is powered by the Calibre 4130, which many enthusiasts adore.
Commonly referred to as the “Rainbow”, this off-catalogue piece features 36 multi-coloured sapphire gemstones set into the bezel and reflecting the rainbow bezel are sapphire gemstone hour markers. Additionally, to create some sparkle, there are diamonds set into the lugs and crown guards of the 18ct Everose gold case.
The first-ever Daytona “Rainbow” was introduced in 1994, being brought back in 2012, and since then, it has seen different configurations. But this rose gold model with the black dial and gemstone hour markers is the most popular out of every Daytona “Rainbow” to have ever been released.
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- ✓Baguette-cut precious stones in rainbow hues
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8. Rolex Daytona 116595RBOW
Whilst this is the same reference as the previous off-catalogue Rolex watch, this is a slightly different version of the 18ct Everose gold Daytona “Rainbow”. As well as the sapphire gemstone rainbow bezel and matching rainbow hour markers, this 116595RBOW configuration features a pavé diamond dial.
9. Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226668TBR
At last, an off-catalogue Rolex model that isn't a Daytona. Fairly recently, Messi has been seen wearing the Rolex Yacht-Master 42, reference 226668TBR - an 18ct yellow gold piece, fitted with a diamond-set bezel and diamonds incorporated into the lugs and crown guards of the case.
10. Rolex Yacht-Master 40 116695SATS
Finally, we end Messi’s off-catalogue Rolex watch collection with a model that is not a Daytona; instead, the rare Yacht-Master 40 reference 116695SATS. Part of this 18ct Everose gold Yacht-Master 40 is a stunning multi-coloured sapphire gemstone-set bezel, with the watch worn comfortably on the Oysterflex bracelet.
Due to multi-coloured gemstones, this off-catalogue Yacht-Master 40 is referenced as the “Haribo” or “Tutti-Frutti” because the stones appear similar to the popular sweet brand of gummy bears; another fun nickname to add to the list of popular nicknames. This is extremely rare, with very few produced during its estimated four-year production run, rumoured to have been discontinued around 2021.
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- ✓Oysterflex rubber strap
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Owning an Off-Catalogue Rolex Watch
Off-catalogue Rolex watches are extremely rare and difficult to come by. At retail, you will need to be considered as the Crown’s VIP client in order to be given the opportunity to buy one of their off-catalogue watches. In the secondary market, every off-catalogue Rolex watch is priced at a premium value.
As a solution, customisation is a great way to own an inspired off-catalogue Rolex watch, which at Time 4 Diamonds is possible. Having customised watches for over 50 years since 2005, we are heavily relied upon and trusted when fulfilling people’s dreams of owning diamond-set or gem-set watches. Therefore, browse our collection of custom-inspired off-catalogue Rolex watches, or even contact us regarding your very own bespoke timepiece.
