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 (16^th 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.