Shah Rukh Khan Redefines Red-Carpet Luxury with a INR 13-Crore Rolex Daytona Sapphire at Riyadh's Joy Awards

At the 2026 Joy Awards in Riyadh, Shah Rukh Khan did more than arrive - he commanded the moment. Clad in an immaculate all-black ensemble, the global icon projected quiet authority and cinematic polish. Yet, for watch collectors and luxury insiders, the true headline shimmered at his wrist - an exceptionally rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Sapphire, valued at an estimated INR 13 crore.

In a single gesture, Khan fused film royalty with the pinnacle of high watchmaking, reaffirming a truth long associated with his public persona - he does not follow trends, he defines them.

The Watch That Stole the Spotlight

Rolex's reputation for enduring prestige is undisputed. But this was no ordinary Daytona. The Cosmograph Daytona Sapphire belongs to an ultra-exclusive circle of off-catalogue creations - pieces never listed publicly and offered only through discreet, private channels to a select few within Rolex's inner sanctum.

Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the 40 mm Oyster case is embellished with over 50 brilliant-cut diamonds across the lugs and crown guards. The defining flourish, however, is the bezel - hand-set with 36 perfectly graduated baguette-cut blue sapphires, each stone meticulously matched for hue and clarity. The level of gem-setting precision required places this watch among the most complicated watches in the world.

Adding to its mystique is a silver obsidian dial, prized for its subtle iridescence and depth. As light shifts, the dial reveals an almost ethereal character, paired seamlessly with an 18k white gold Oyster bracelet and powered by Rolex's in-house calibre. It is a watch that balances mechanical integrity with jewellery-level artistry.

Why the Daytona Continues to Dominate

Introduced in the 1960s as a professional chronograph for endurance racing, the Daytona has evolved into one of the most coveted watches in the world. Its enduring appeal lies in a rare combination of performance, heritage, and cultural cachet.

In recent years, gem-set Daytonas - from the Rainbow to the Eye of the Tiger and now the Sapphire - have achieved near-mythic status among collectors. Rolex produces these watches in extremely limited numbers, with each stone selected and set in-house. Scarcity, craftsmanship, and controlled distribution ensure that demand consistently outpaces supply.

On the secondary market, such pieces often command two to three times their original retail value. Exceptional examples have crossed ?15-20 crore at auction, particularly when accompanied by rare dials or unique gemstone configurations. In this context, Khan's ?13-crore Daytona is not extravagance - it is connoisseurship, placing it among the most insane luxury watch brands in terms of value and craftsmanship.

Shah Rukh Khan and the Language of High Horology

Beyond cinema, Shah Rukh Khan's influence increasingly extends into the world of fine watches. Over the years, he has been seen wearing everything from understated Oyster Perpetuals to complex pieces by Patek Philippe and Richard Mille. The Daytona Sapphire, however, appears to hold a special place - having surfaced on his wrist on more than one occasion, including private celebrations in Dubai.

What sets Khan apart is authenticity. His watch choices do not feel transactional or endorsement-driven. They reflect a personal affinity for craftsmanship, rarity, and narrative - qualities that resonate deeply within the collector community. Much like the holy trinity of watchmakers, Khan's selections represent a deep appreciation for horological excellence.

A Watch That Speaks Without Words

In the realm of ultra-luxury, a watch is never just an accessory. It is a statement of access, discernment, and cultural capital. Shah Rukh Khan's Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Sapphire communicates all of this effortlessly - legacy, exclusivity, and refined power, distilled into a single object.

As luxury culture continues to shift towards craftsmanship and scarcity over overt branding, this moment in Riyadh stands out. Not merely as a red-carpet highlight, but as a defining chapter in how modern icons wear influence on their wrists. The piece exemplifies how one defines luxury in the contemporary era - through exceptional craftsmanship, rarity, and timeless elegance.

Time, after all, has always been on Shah Rukh Khan's side.