Exhibition Case Back Design: Exploring the Rolex Cellini Collection

      RolexThe Cellini collection is the only Rolex watch line that can be considered a dress watch collection, and it is also the only Rolex range to have utilised an exhibition case back design, making it stand out distinctively from other Rolex models. The Cellini collection is named after Benvenuto•Cellini, the highly revered Italian Renaissance artist, goldsmith and papal sculptor, a name that perfectly reflects the classical and elegant qualities of the exquisite timepieces within this range. Today, we bring you an overview of the Cellini collection.

       The Cellini collection is an outlier within Rolex, being the least Rolex-like of all Rolex watches. Its simplicity, elegance and nobility leave those critics who label Rolex as nouveau riche with no excuse for censure. The Rolex Cellini Prince was launched in1928, earning a prominent position of nobility in horological history through its precise timing technology. With its rectangular appearance, the Rolex Prince noble series watches are virtually unparalleled among contemporary timepieces thanks to their exceptional movement performance. To highlight the extraordinary nature of the Prince, Rolex specially designed a distinctive time display for this collection, featuring the hour and minute hands positioned on one side of the adjustment axis, and the second hand separated on the other side, a design for which it was awarded a patent. The Prince watch was discontinued in the late40s.

 Rolex Cellini Prince Watch

       The Cellini Rolex Prince features a rectangular case measuring45 mm long by29 mm wide, cast in18ct gold, white gold or Everose gold, across five designs. The styles are as follows: champagne“clou de Paris” guilloche dial, silver“godron circulaire” dial, diamond-set silver“godron circulaire” dial, black and silver dual“rayon flamméde la gloire” sunburst dial, or black and pink dual“rayon flamméde la gloire” sunburst dial. Depending on the model, the Prince comes with a black or brown alligator leather strap, paired with a18ct gold butterfly clasp that mirrors the case.

 Cellini CESTELLO 5330/9

       The Rolex Cellini collection was officially launched in1968, with the Cellini Cestello watch featuring a classic round dial and movable lugs that add considerable charm to the timepiece. The Cestello is named after the San Frediano church in Italy, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an elegant, classical and attractive watch. The Cellini collection comprises models outside of Rolex's Oyster watch lineup; in the new Cellini watches introduced by Rolex in2014, although they appear to adopt an“Oyster” design, the water resistance is only50 metres, which reveals that the new Cellini models do not actually employ genuine Rolex Oyster construction.

 Cellini DANAOS 4243/9

       The Danaos series watches are the ultimate luxury timepieces with a stylish design, creating a dazzling dial effect that is full of fashion appeal. Furthermore, they feature a sapphire crystal and are powered by an unmatched manual-winding movement. The watches are available in white gold and rose gold models, paired with brown leather straps and black mother-of-pearl dials.

 Cellini CELLINIUM 5240/6

       Cellinium is one of the most elegant round watches within the Rolex Cellini family. Its smoothly polished and lustrous18K platinum case offers comfortable wear with a reassuring weight. The watch has a slightly smaller diameter of35 mm, making this model an absolute top choice for enthusiasts who prefer smaller diameters and are unable to resist noble and elegant styles.

 Cellini Time 50509 Watch

       The new Cellini watches launched in2014 can be described as a revolution, with the Cellini Time available in four models: black lacquer or white lacquer dials, paired with18ct white gold or Everose gold39 mm cases. This timepiece is fitted with a stitch-trimmed alligator leather strap, matching glossy black or brown variants depending on the model, each paired with a18ct gold clasp that matches the case metal.

 Cellini Date 50515 Watch

       The Cellini Date adds a date function via a hand on a subsidiary dial, combining elegance with practicality. The Cellini Date is available in four models: black or silver dials adorned with“Rayon flammé de la gloire” sunburst finishes, paired with18ct white gold or Everose gold39 mm cases. This watch is fitted with a stitch-trimmed alligator leather strap, matching glossy black or brown variants depending on the model, each paired with a18ct gold clasp matching the case metal.

 Cellini Dual Time 50525 Watch

       The Cellini Dual Time can display dual time zones simultaneously and is equipped with an elegant sun and moon day/night display in a subsidiary dial window. The Cellini Dual Time is available in four models: black or silver dials adorned with“Rayon flammé de la gloire” sunburst finishes, paired with18ct white gold or Everose gold39 mm cases. This timepiece is fitted with a stitch-trimmed alligator leather strap, matching glossy black or brown variants depending on the model, each paired with a18ct gold clasp matching the case metal.

 Cellini Time 50709RBR Watch

       At the 2015 Baselworld watch fair, Rolex introduced diamond-set versions of the Cellini Time, featuring a double bezel comprising a diamond-set outer ring and the classic fluted bezel. The Cellini Date and Cellini Dual Time have not yet been released with diamonds, so it remains to be seen whether they will make an appearance at the 2016 Baselworld watch fair.



Conclusion:The Rolex Cellini collection can be described as one of the most perfect watch ranges created by the brand. Designed specifically for those with artistic flair, it is also the first mass-produced watch collection in history to receive chronometer certification. The new Cellini models similarly feature a solid case back, giving them a hint of the Oyster case aesthetic.