Anant Ambani Gifts Lionel Messi A ₹10.9 Crore Watch During Vantara Visit: Inside The Footballer’s Elite Timepiece Collection Featuring Rare 'Barbie...

Lionel Messi’s recent visit to India drew attention for more than just the presence of one of football’s greatest names. During his time at Vantara, the Argentine superstar received an ultra-rare luxury

watch from Anant Ambani—a gift that immediately brought global focus to Messi’s already formidable watch collection.

The watch in question is the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition”, a piece with an estimated market value of ₹10.9 crore (approximately USD 1.1–1.2 million). With only 12 examples produced worldwide, the timepiece ranks among the most exclusive Richard Mille models ever made. Observers noted that Messi arrived at the sanctuary without a watch and was later seen wearing the RM 003-V2, confirming the gift and sparking widespread discussion across watch and sports circles.

The Richard Mille Gift From Anant Ambani

The RM 003-V2 “Asia Edition” is one of Richard Mille’s early and defining designs. Crafted with a black carbon case, the watch features a skeletonised dial that exposes its highly complex mechanics, including a tourbillon and GMT function. Lightweight yet technically demanding, the watch reflects the brand’s performance-first philosophy, an approach closely aligned with Messi’s own athletic legacy. Anant Ambani’s decision to gift such a rare timepiece underscores the symbolic nature of the gesture. In the world of high horology, watches of this calibre are not simply luxury accessories; they are markers of access, trust and rarity.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Le Mans”

Among Lionel Messi’s most recognisable watches is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Le Mans”, reference 126528LN. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the 40mm watch was released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. It features a black dial with white “Paul Newman” sub-dials and a Cerachrom bezel marked with a red “100” on the tachymeter scale. Powered by Rolex’s Calibre 4132, the watch offers a 72-hour power reserve and is considered one of the most collectible modern Daytonas.

Rolex GMT-Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II is another staple in Messi’s watch collection. Known for its red-and-blue bezel and robust Oyster case, the watch is designed for global travel. The 40mm case is waterproof to 100 metres and houses Rolex’s Calibre 3285 movement, certified to Superlative Chronometer standards. With dual-time functionality and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, it reflects a balance of utility and classic Rolex design.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin

Messi’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin highlights a more restrained side of his collection. The 39mm watch is crafted entirely in 950 platinum and paired with a smoked green sunburst dial, a configuration unique to the 15202 series. Visible through the sapphire caseback is the Manufacture Calibre 2121, featuring a 22k gold oscillating weight and a 40-hour power reserve. The watch is valued for its design heritage and technical refinement rather than overt display.

Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater

One of the most complex watches associated with Lionel Messi is the Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater. The 40.2mm white gold case houses a Grand Feu cloisonné enamel dial depicting a steamboat on Lake Geneva. Powered by the in-house calibre R 27 HU, the watch combines world-time functionality with a minute repeater complication. Its self-winding movement offers a power reserve of up to 48 hours, making it a connoisseur-level piece within haute horlogerie.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/111P-001

Messi has also been seen wearing the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/111P-001, one of the rarest modern Nautilus references. Crafted in platinum and created exclusively for VIP clients, the 40.5mm watch features a black smoked dial with baguette-cut blue sapphire hour markers and a bezel set with 32 baguette-cut blue sapphires. A discreet diamond at six o’clock signifies its platinum construction. The automatic Calibre 324 S C provides a 45-hour power reserve.

The “Barbie” Rolex Daytona

In mid-2025, Messi added a playful but exceptionally rare piece to his collection: the so-called “Barbie” Rolex Daytona. Produced in a run of just 10 pieces and never released through Rolex’s official catalogue, the pink-toned Daytona was reserved for the brand’s most elite clients. Its appearance confirmed that Messi’s watch choices extend beyond traditional icons into genuinely limited, off-market creations.