Rolex Cellini ref. 4056 18k

The Cellini line is certainly not the most recognizable or famous line within the Rolex universe. But is a range full of gems and simply stunning watches.

Rolex is known for its rugged sports watches like the Submariner and Daytona. Even the dressier options such as the Datejust and Day-Date seem to approach the dress-theme from a tool-ish, ready-to-go angle. No wonder then that it took some marketing genius to deviate from this path in the 1950’s. René-Paul Jeanneret was Marketing Director at Rolex and introduced the idea of Rolex collectors.

The notion that one person might collect multiple Rolex watches was completely new. Up until then, Rolex made specialist watches for specialist professionals. Now, the brand would focus on offering different watches for different occasions. The Cellini line, named after Italian scultor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, was born.

From the 1960’s onwards, the Cellini line was used as a playground for numerous different shapes and types of dress watches. From minimalist thin, Calatrava-style watches to the extremes of the King Midas.

Today, the Cellini collection is the only place within the Rolliverse where you will find hints at haute-horlogerie through features such as guilloché dials and moon-phase indicators. Precious materials and beautiful finishing techniques are omnipresent.

The Cellini was put into the public eye by Barack Obama, who was frequently spotted wearing one. A fine choice! The Cellini line is where you want to be looking if you are after a high-end Rolex that people will not instantly recognize as such!