Luxury watches have long been status symbols, but only a select few transcend timekeeping to become cultural artefacts. Badshah’s latest wrist statement does exactly that. The rapper and singer, already
known for his formidable watch collection, recently revealed one of the rarest Rolex timepieces ever produced – the elusive Barbie Daytona, placing him firmly in the uppermost echelon of global horology collectors.
Spotted during his appearance on Indian Idol, the watch made a subtle yet unmistakable entrance via Badshah’s Instagram on December 18, instantly sparking conversations among watch enthusiasts and fashion insiders alike.
View this post on Instagram
What sets the Barbie Daytona apart is not just its price, but its near-mythical scarcity. Limited to just 10 pieces worldwide, this off-catalogue creation was never officially listed by Rolex, making it accessible only to the brand’s most valued clients. While collectors coined the playful ‘Barbie’ moniker due to its vivid pink accents, Rolex itself has never acknowledged this nickname.
By acquiring this watch, Badshah becomes the first Indian to own the piece, marking a significant moment for India’s growing presence in the world of ultra-luxury watch collecting.
Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, the Daytona features a bezel set with nearly 40 pink-cut sapphires, complemented by 12 matching sapphire hour markers on the dial. The gemstone detailing injects a bold, almost irreverent energy into Rolex’s otherwise restrained design language – proof that maximalism, when executed with precision, can feel unmistakably luxurious.
Despite its jewel-heavy appearance, the watch retains the DNA of the iconic Daytona collection, first launched in 1963 and celebrated for its chronograph functionality and motorsport heritage.
While the official retail price is reportedly around $395,000 (approximately Rs 3.56 crore), the watch’s true value lies in the secondary market. Owing to its extreme rarity, experts estimate its market price to hover near $1 million (roughly Rs 9 crore), placing it among the most expensive modern Rolex watches in circulation.
Badshah now joins an ultra-exclusive roster of international celebrities known to own the Barbie Daytona, including Lionel Messi, Drake, Mark Wahlberg, Mirka Federer, Caroline Wozniacki, and NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
