The
New Rolex Cellini Wrist Watches Unveiled at Baselworld 2014
AIG
Appraisal: Think of the Cellini as a formal wristwatch, one that you might wear
with a Tuxedo. The perplexing Cellini (yes, I said perplexing) has been around for
a long time, but really never caught on. Here at aiglabs.com we have been appraising Rolex Cellini’s for over fifteen years. I don’t usually
get excited over new versions of a watch. Something though is different about this
new collection.
In Messe
Basel, Switzerland at Baselworld 2014;
Rolex unveiled the new Cellini line. Talk about raising the bar. I don’t remember
where the bar was, but this collection is way above the bar. The new collection
features a classical look, with a very unique design.
There
are three models in the new Cellini collection; an automatic time only, an
automatic with date, and an automatic with second time zone with day and night
function. They share the same 39mm case, available in either 18KT white gold or
18KT Everose gold. Unlike previous Cellini’s, these watches are all water resistant
to 50 meters/160 feet. Each watch is completed by an 18KT gold Rolex buckle,
and a black or brown alligator leather strap.
At first
glance the watches do not appear to be Rolex, but the new Cellini’s feature
several details synonymous with Rolex. Each watch has the unique Rolex crown, domed
case back with the Rolex fluted rim. The
two tiered bezel combines the bezel styles of the DateJust, a lower fluted portion
and an upper domed ring.
All three
have chronometer certified; thirty one jewel, automatic mechanical movements, with
40 hour power reserve, manufactured entirely by Rolex.
The base
model of the new Cellini line is the Time, (on the left in the photo) which comes
with either a Black or White lacquered dial, elongated Roman numerals, applied
baton indices and traditional 'dauphine' hands. The movement is a Rolex
automatic (now that’s an upgrade) with the non-magnetic Blue Parachrom Hairspring.
Next is
the Cellini Date (in the middle of the photo) model. In Black or White, the
dial is decorated with rayon
flammé de la gloire (French, don’t you just love it) guilloche, a
sunburst motif. It has a date sub-dial at the three o'clock position.
The last
model (on the right in the photo) is the Cellini Dual Time. This model also has
a rayon
flammé de la gloire guilloche dial that you can get in either Black or
White. The Cellini Dual Time has a second time zone as well as a home time
display in the sub-dial at the six o'clock position. A small window at the 45
minute mark of the sub-dial indicates day or night. The local time hour hand can
be adjusted in one hour increments.
With the
name Cellini, Rolex is paying homage to Benvenuto Cellini, the (16th
Century) Renaissance goldsmith and sculptor to the Pope. I think that Benvenuto
(Benvenuto, can I call you Benvenuto) would be proud of the new watches.
Pre-Sale
Estimated Retail pricing will range from $18,000US for the Cellini Time to $23,000US
for the Dual Time.
