Pre-Owned Rolex Cellini Watches
The Cellini range pays homage to the 16th-century painter, sculptor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian whose work is widely admired. His craftsmanship is reflected in the beauty of the Rolex Cellini, and the original yet understated designs continue his eye for detail and quest for perfection.
Rolex Cellini Watches
First introduced in 1928, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the Cellini really started to make a name for itself. It was Rolex’s first collection to focus on form over function and steered away from the brand’s usual sports and tool watches. The Crown began experimenting with gem setting and precious metals such as gold, creating a line with a refined aesthetic. The Cellini became Rolex’s premier dress watch collection.
Many of the first Cellini models followed traditional design codes, with elements such as round cases. This changed in the 1970s when Rolex unveiled bolder, more angular designs that reflected the era via models like the King Midas. The latter was said to be dreamt up by legendary designer Gerald Genta—the man behind Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak. This new edgier design attracted famous fans including rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley.
After this brief experimental period during the 70s, Rolex quickly moved back to more conventional designs. This was until 2005, when Rolex reintroduced the Prince, via its Cellini collection.
Originally released in 1928, the Prince became known as the “Doctor’s watch” thanks to its practical design, which proved perfect for timing medical procedures. Available in precious metals, the Prince featured a rectangular-shaped case, two-dial layout and Art-Deco-inspired design, offering something unique to Rolex’s catalogue. It even had an open caseback, something Rolex has only really started adding to its watches recently, via its 1908 models and the 2023 platinum Daytona. The Cellini Prince was discontinued in 2015 just a decade after it first appeared, making it a collector’s favourite today.
As well as the King Midas and the Cellini Prince, one of Rolex’s most notable Cellini models is the reference 50535. This luxurious Everose-gold Cellini boasts a more traditional round case and a moonphase. This marked the first time Rolex added such a complication to its watches since the 1950s, making it a hugely exciting release.
The reference 50509 is another Cellini that harks back to conventional dress watch designs. This elegantly understated time-only model features a case in white or rose gold and a white dial. It even attracted former US President, Barack Obama, who was photographed wearing one alongside Prince Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.
In 2023, Rolex discontinued the Cellini but didn’t do away with dress watches altogether, unveiling its new 1908 collection that same year. It follows the same sophisticated aesthetic codes of the Cellini line, making it a suitable option for dress watch lovers everywhere.
At Watchfinder you’ll find a wide range of pre-owned Rolex Cellini watches to complement your best outfit. Browse everything from vintage to contemporary models online today and add a piece of Rolex glamour to your collection.
