Why This Watch Matters A great encapsulation of the Cellini line. This is Rolex putting on its dinner jacket. The Full Story The Rolex Cellini line takes its name from the 16th century goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini whose most well-known work includes his 1543 Saliera, or Salt Cellar, made for Francis I, the King of France. Used in Rolex advertising in the 1980s, "the king gasped in amazement" upon receiving the object, and it's to this standard that Rolex aimed at creating Cellini watches. The line traces its roots back to the late 1960s and the King Midas Rolex, which was not branded as a Cellini but served as inspiration for the dress models when they hit the catalog in the 1970s. Rolex's Cellini was the brainchild of Rene-Paul Jeanneret and André Heiniger, corporate leaders who are largely credited with turning Rolex into a luxury brand after Hans Wildorf's passing in 1960. The Cellini lineup of dress watches went a long way in marketing materials and within the mind of the consumer to see Rolex as luxury rather than purely as a utilitarian watchmaker. Cellini models remain in the Rolex catalog today and offer, as they always have, room for the brand to explore a dressier aesthetic where the Submariners and GMT-Masters are a bit limited. PGA Tour left-handed legend Phil Mikelson, a Rolex ambassador, prefers the generally smaller case sizes of Cellinis as he wears his watch while playing golf; he sported a "Danos" when winning the 2013 Open Championship. This quasi-tonneau case shape with a circular dial is one that Rolex has regularly used throughout the history of Cellini and is featured on our example as well. This Rolex Cellini dates to 1976 and, just as Benvenuto Cellini would have it, is encased in solid 18k yellow gold. Sticking out to our team here is the outstanding overall condition as is most evident by the crisp crown logo, numbers, and hallmarks on the caseback. As a classic Cellini shape, the geometry is really ingenious. While it might be 31mm in width, from lug to lug the case measures over 36mm and fits the wrist quite well, almost surprisingly well. Overall, this is an extremely comfortable watch. We paired this Cellini with our Sedona Strap in Black. This is a classic dress watch leather strap in the HODINKEE Shop, and the resulting look is striking enough to make a king gasp. The Fine Print Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini Reference: 4133Year: 1976Case No: 4331267Material: 18k yellow gold Dimensions: 31mm diameter; 5.5mm thickness Crystal: Mineral glassLume: NoCaliber: Rolex, manual-winding, caliber 1601 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In BlackLug Width: 18mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Cellini is in overall great, honest condition. The case is strong with some scratches. The bezel has scratches with a couple light nicks and light patina. On the reverse of the lugs, there are some light scratches from strap removal and placement. The tab on the caseback shows signs of being opened at its edge. The crown, numbers, and hallmarks are clearly visible and crisp on the caseback. The dial is clean overall. There is light patina on the hands and hour markers. The dial has developed patina around the periphery. The dial, crown, case, and movement are all signed by Rolex. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
