Rolex

Hi,

I know we mostly talk about Sports watches and vintage Rolex here...

But I like to post some fresh shots of the Cellini line!

To me the Cellini line is the “forgotten” son of Rolex. Not often see or discussed, not many ask about it either…

And when Cellini is mentioned, often it is the Prince model, due to its rectangular shape it stands out more from the others…

On Rolex home page they write “Elegance and Nobility”. When I read that I smiled, I smiled because that is not two words that come to my mind when I think Rolex!

When I think Rolex, I think tool watch, sports watch, Oyster, patina… But that is maybe not that strange since I am mostly looking at vintage Rolex watches.

Only time I would use “Elegance” is together with words like “raw” or “sporty”… And “Nobility”? Na, not even close to my picture of Rolex!

That is why I like to revisit brands and look at their entire collection! To get reminded, but also to get a feeling of where they are heading.

“Elegance and Nobility”

Yes, when I look at the new Cellini line, I understand more where these words come from.

Cellini Date, Rose Gold:

The 39 mm case, sensual rounded lugs, the multi layered bezel… All very elegant! The Guilloche pattern that starts from the center of the dial and all the way on to the bezel.

Applied index, Date dial at three. The pattern from the bezel is reflected on the back as well…

Notice the non-Rolex characteristic crown.

To me, this is a very non-Rolex Rolex. Yes, it is a Rolex, but no, it doesn’t look like a Rolex.

Cellini Dual Time, White Gold:

Dual time at six. Day/night indicator included in the dual time dial at nine. If you look closely you see the Sun just coming out.

I see the Rolex crown, but is the only thing telling me that this is a Rolex. The dauphin hands are another detail that is not very Rolex-like…

The case back is rounded; I get a bit of “bubble back” resemblance here. A bit surprised to see the case back clean without even an engraving. I was not expecting a see through case back, but would have expected it to at least say Rolex on the back…

What do I think about the new Cellini line?

Well, to me it IS a very elegant watch line! Nobel? I am not sure, but I may not be the right person to recognize nobility…

The line also has a time only version, plus the Prince. All in all I think Rolex have made some good efforts to make a more classic elegant watch! The dual time I really like!

But in the making a lot of what is “Rolex” to me was lost…

When I see these watches I do think “very nice looking watch”… But I don’t think “very nice looking Rolex”!

All this is of course my very personal view…

What’s your view?

Best

Blomman

An alternative offer to the most and better known Professional line.

The GMT is not bad looking at all.

The cases are very nice, even if the Prince should be thinner.

Best,

Nicolas

It may take some time to warm up. I played with all three models last year and I was impressed much to my surprise. The element that remained constant with their sports models in the new Cellini line is practicality. The bubble back, water resistance and sturdiness of this elegant line make the watch a daily user. Some may say this is a failure, because to successfully introduce a dress watch to be taken seriously they needed to take more risks and dare to more different, whereas some will say it was well executed while maintaining their identity. I was most attracted to the dual time for the symmetry and elegance of the dial work. I also think they nailed the price point with this line. Now the real question is will I actually buy one? Not sure...

Thank you for your review Blowman. Kind regards.

again

my friend

Non-Rolex Rolex

couldn't put it better

or it is Rolex only it says on the dial it is Rolex

Maybe one day this will be highly sought after pieces

today not bright future

Elegant yes noble not really

Thank you for very interesting post

and another angle on most looked after watch brand in Google

Yours

D

I like all new Cellini versions.

The dual time is one of the most elegant and yet discrete looking watch where the complication blends beautifully into the design.

The day and night indicator in particular is very clever and elegant at the same time.

Love the applied crown on the dial at twelve, the case, the thickness.

The radiant guilloche  is very well chosen and works.

Only criticism: the WG versions in black are difficult to read with one glance and therefore a coating on the sapphire would have helped.

But still without the antireflective coating it works if you desire a more "stealth" looking watch.

In that case this one is on par with Patek's 5205 in all black.

From stealthy to noble rose gold, from simple three hand to complications the watch fan (not necessarily the Rolex fan only) can pick a great piece.

As I guessed in my headline Rolex might have been a bit too cautious to release yellow gold versions but in my opinion they do not need to be.

For a strong brand like Rolex a more determined approach to classic watches would be more convincing to win the

classic corner of the watch world where yellow gold is still going strong.

Thank you for the post.

Best

Moritz