Rolex Forgotten Models: Rare & Discontinued Reference Guide
Reference Guide

Rolex Forgotten Models: Rare & Discontinued Reference Guide

By Halcro · Jul 7, 2022 · 24 replies
Halcro
WPS member · Rolex forum
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Halcro's insightful post revisits the Rolex Cellini Prince, a timepiece that challenged Rolex's traditional design philosophy upon its 2005 reintroduction. This article explores why this rectangular watch, with its visible, decorated movement, remains a fascinating anomaly in the brand's history and a compelling subject for collectors today. Halcro's detailed analysis and stunning photography highlight the unique attributes that set the Cellini Prince apart.

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A strange thing happened at Baselworld 2005.....
Rolex introduced one of the most radical products in its history and the watchworld 'missed' it!!!
The Cellini Prince was a high-end rectangular watch with a transparent caseback showing off a highly-decorated rectangular movement.
The Cellini Prince was unlike ANYTHING in the Catalogue......

Rolex first introduced a rectangular watch under the Prince brand in 1928. The Prince was one of their more important and popular models at the time. It soon became known as 'The Doctor's Watch' as its relatively large seconds subdial was the ideal instrument for helping Physicians time a patient's pulse. Crafted exclusively in gold, it was also priced at a point that few other than those on a Doctor's salary could afford.
Its 20 year run was a huge success and it helped sow the seeds of the reputation Rolex enjoys today, as makers of some of the finest and most reliable watches money can buy.

One thing you won't see in a Rolex (both past and present) is the watch movement.....
Although Rolex produces some of the best watch movements available, they are ALWAYS hidden behind solid casebacks.
The new Cellini Prince was the first (and ONLY) Rolex to display its new and highly-decorated, beautiful movement behind a sapphire crystal caseback.



That's why the Cellini Prince was such a shocker when it was introduced at Baselworld in 2005. the Prince is everything "a Rolex ISN'T" and shows the skill of a company not widely known for some of the more exotic facets of watchmaking....
Squint and you can see Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier or Hermes. 
But look closer and the Prince is all Rolex.....


















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The Discussion
AU
AuHavrePro
Jul 7, 2022

It is precisely for the reasons you highlight in your post that the Cellini Prince, to this day, remains my favorite Rolex! I happen to have a list of watches which I aim to obtain before something along the lines of a Cellini, but as far as Rolex's offering goes, it easily tops the 'list' for my tastes.... Hugely appreciate your post and pictures, cheers, Filip

WA
Watchonthewrist
Jul 7, 2022

When i saw it from a good friend and fellow member it surprised me a lot how good it looks .

CE
Centurionone
Jul 7, 2022

Loving the Art Deco vibe though..

MD
mdg
Jul 7, 2022

...so solid. I'll take 3 in yellow gold please...

BL
Blansky
Jul 7, 2022

But then again I'm a big fan of rectangular watches.

JM
jmpTT
Jul 8, 2022

It's such an interesting departure from Rolex's usual and it has a very interesting shaped movement too.

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