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Once a paragon of elegance on the pitch, Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo’s taste in watches isn't what you'd associate with his laid-back demeanor. At least as far as Rolex's are concerned.

The Italian football legend — viewed by many as the coolest player ever —  never misses an opportunity to flex some wrist candy at his pre-match press conferences, and by that, we don't mean your typical Apple Watch.

Since taking the reigns at Juve this summer, Pirlo's most eye-catching timepiece has been a skeletonized (i.e., you can see the moving parts) Submariner 114060 that was realized at his request by the Artisans De Genève SA workshop. The company says it took two years of research and development to complete, with craftsmen from all over Switzerland enlisted to achieve the bezel, dial, and case modifications. “Il Maestro 1995-2017," reads an inscription on the motor, referencing the midfielder's 22 years in professional football.

Pirlo's taste in expensive watches is well documented, not least his selection of Patek's that would make most rappers drool (he owns four, possibly more, different variations of the Nautilus). But it's his Submariner that will steal horology headlines given aficionados view such modding as the devil's work. In this case, we think it looks cool. As they say — no Pirlo, no party.

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