The Rolex Cellini Guide

The History of the Rolex Cellini

Does a Rolex Cellini Hold Value?
They certainly do. Cellini variants are only offered in solid gold or platinum, therefore the watch does retain its worth.

Rich History
The Rolex Cellini collection was named after Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian goldsmith. The name was chosen for Rolex Watches range of sophisticated dress watches, many of which feature jewel settings, to honour the skill and graceful lines of Benvenuto Cellini's creations.

First introduced into the world of Rolex in the 1960s, the Cellini collection was released. A short while later in the 1970s, Rolex released their next Cellini model, the Cellini Midas. From here, the luxury brand continued to release model after model, including timepieces for both men and women. Fast forward a few decades, Rolex now have four main models, the Moonphase Cellini being the most recent, released in 2017. Before the Moonphase, there were the Time, the Date, and the Dual Time models.

Very different in appearance and almost simplified, the early Cellini watches had time-only dials, small gold cases, and manual-winding mechanisms. Delicate by nature, the Cellini collection slowly became one of the most diverse ranges Rolex manufactured. The contemporary Cellini watch that Rolex sells now, the Moonphase.

The Moonphase still has many of the design elements that initially debuted on the Cellini timepieces. This last Cellini standing is 39mm, 18-carat Everose gold, with a polished finish and a leather strap. It also features a white lacquer dial with a blue enamelled disc at the six o'clock position that displays the full moon and the new moon.

In this notable move from 'tool watches' the Cellini collection lends itself to finer living. This means the Cellini timepieces are less focused on activities or sports and more on smart living.

Discontinued Rolex Cellini Models

Rolex discontinued nearly all of their Cellini models in early 2022, leaving just the Cellini Moonphase. Discontinued Cellini models included the Time, Date, and Dual Time models. A shock to some, yes. Alas, this is the nature of the watchmaker's industry. Manufacturing of models must come to an end to create space for the next timepiece. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the discontinued Cellini models and their features...

Prominent Discontinued Cellini Models
- Cellini Classic
- Cellini Midas
- Cellini Danaos
- Cellini Cellissima

Discontinued Rolex Cellini Time
Features: hour, minute, seconds.

The Rolex Cellini Time was manufactured with two references. The Time 50505 and the Time 50509. The 50505 is an 18-carat everose gold framed model and the 50509 is an 18-carat white gold framed model. Both of which have a black or brown leather bracelet. Each is handsomely designed and a wonderful investment for a Rolex lover.

Discontinued Rolex Cellini Date
Features: hour, minute, seconds, date.

Similarly to the Time, there were two Cellini Date models produced. The 50515 and the 50519. One in everose gold and the other in white gold. As its name would suggest, the Date offered an extra feature than its Time counterpart, a date feature. This isn't dissimilar to the Rolex Oyster watch collection. In a bid to create a new look for the Date, Rolex offered these models with leather straps in blue. This matched well with its blue dial.

Discontinued Rolex Cellini Dual Time
Features: hour, minute, seconds, two time zones, day and night indicator.

Arguably the most comprehensive of the Rolex Cellini range. The Cellini Dual Time boasts all the previous features and not one, but two time zones. Without trying to sound like a broken record, the Rolex Cellini Dual Time was also manufactured in two models. The 50529 (white gold), and the 50525 (everose gold).

Related Article: The Discontinued Rolex Guide.

Death of the Dress Watch
Dress watches were purchased to wear to black-tie events and occasions one would 'dress up' for. This approach to dress watches has since changed. Perhaps this could be a reason behind Rolex almost completely closing the door on their Cellini collection? This is one of those questions we unfortunately will never truly know the answer to. However, we do know that the Cellini watches are all exceptional pieces of craftsmanship.

Although Rolex has almost completely removed dress watches from their website, it begs the question, does this mean there is a plan for a whole new Rolex dress watch collection? That being away from the Cellini.

If you're still a lover of a dress watch, see our Rolex Cellini Watches For Sale.

Investing in a Rolex
Rolex is a timeless luxury brand that does not lose value over time. Here at Ramsdens, we have lots of helpful guides in our Watch Guides Hub and of course, an abundance of designer pre-owned watches to browse from. In particular, beautiful pre-owned Rolex watches for men and women.