Close Up: Rolex’s New Cellini Models

With a history reaching back to the 1900s, Rolex is undoubtedly one of the watch world’s most storied manufactures. The brand is known for its instantly recognizable classics, and it is not often that Rolex debuts a new timepiece.

Which is why the brand’s presentation of the new Cellini collection at Baselworld 2014 caused such a stir. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini, goldsmith and sculptor to the popes, this collection features 12 new classically-inspired models.

Featuring round 39mm cases, the Cellini models are available exclusively in 18K white or Everose gold cast by Rolex in its own foundry. The cases feature refined lugs, a polished finish and a double bezel (one domed and one fluted). The dials are either lacquered or embellished with a black or a silver-plated classic “rayon flammé de la gloire” guilloché motif and adorned with gold applique hour markers. At the heart of all the models are self-winding mechanical movements manufactured by Rolex.

The collection is further divided into three families; the Cellini Time models are feature hours, minutes and seconds; the Cellini Date models add a date function; and the Cellini Dual Time models feature a dual time zone indicator and a day/night indicator for the second time zone.

Each model is completed by traditional alligator leather straps in either shiny black or brown, with an 18K gold buckle.

Photo credit: Haute Time.