Rolex: The Cellini Collections

The Rolex Cellini collection was named after an Italian renaissance goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571). He apprenticed under a goldsmith called Andrea di Sandro Marcone. With a rather chequered past, he left behind an autobiography which gained popularity as the tide of the Romantic movement swept across Europe.

The Cellini collection was a first for Rolex, compared to the tool watches such as the Submariner or the GMT the Cellini was a far more refined and streamlined design.  Pre 1960s Cellini was used as Rolex to name one off designs.

However it was Rene-Paul Jeanneret, marketing director of Rolex, who in the 1960s created the concept of owning multiple watches for different occasions. And with that formalised the Cellini collection. Over the next decade the clientele at Rolex became accustomed to the idea of wearing different watches for different occasions, and the concept of the tool watch was created. The Cellini collection embraced form over function, with the deigns having a refined use of gold and sometimes gemstones. One of the most famous Cellini models was the King Midas, famously worn by Elvis Presley It was one of Rolex’s most exclusive watches as only 1000 pieces were ever made. The 1970s saw the Cellini take a more angular, bold form. In more recent years, going back to the roots of the collection the Cellini has returned to the paired back refinement of the Cellini.

In our July auction we have a lovely Cellini wristwatch, with Rolex’s anniversary or jubilee dial to an 18ct gold case. It would make a great edition to any collectors collection.

Lot 438: A LADY'S ROLEX CELLINI WRISTWATCH, 18ct gold case & 18ct gold Rolex clasp, cream textured face with Roman numerals, ca 32 mm (gross weight 43 g.) black leather strap/Rolex 18ct gold buckle.                                                                                                  Estimated €3,000- €4,000