Introduced in 1928, the Rolex Cellini is known by Rolex aficionados for its clean, luxurious design and refined, elegant lines. Named after Benvenuto Cellini, the Cellini celebrates a lifetime of magnificent design by one of the world's greatest sculptors and goldsmiths. The reference 00187 that is offered here today is bearing hallmarks for Birmingham denoting the letter K dating to 1959. Striking 14 carat gold case paired with a matching sunburst silvered dial set with raised gold gilt baton hour markers and elegant sweeping hands. The radiant hue of the dial draws the eye in, captivating you from the moment you put this luxury dress watch on your wrist. A contrasting aftermarket leather strap retains the original gold plated Rolex signed buckle and creates a watch that is appropriate for any setting, whether it be at the office or out for a night on the town. Recently inspected and thoroughly tested by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report in perfect running order ready to enjoy for many years to come!
The Rolex Cellini line showcases the dressier side of Rolex compared to its more well-known sport models.
This version is fitted with a 14k yellow -gold case, which is an unusual case shape for Rolex. The spectacular light silvered dial colour which was a popular colour for dress watches produced in this era (as seen with the contemporary Patek Philippe models) The yellow gold against the silver offers personality for a dress watch. This model is quite versatile in that it can be comfortably worn in casual or a black-tie settings. The Rolex Cellini Collection which was discontinued by Rolex in 2023 is an underrated dress watch collection, and there have been a myriad of beautiful dress watch designs produced under this collection. This example captures the extravagance of the roaring 60’s. What makes this piece special is the sunburst dial, which elevates shades from all directions and goes exceptionally well with the rest of the yellow gold theme.
The Original Dial: Signed Rolex Geneve Swiss. Silvered dial beautifully decorated with gold gilt baton indexes with Matt black hands and a gold gilt Rolex coronet sitting proudly at ‘12’ o clock which provide a clear contrast between the tone of the gold markers and the surface of the silvered dial itself. Dial is in good overall condition with some micro dirt marks to the edges commensurate with age and wear only noticeable under magnification not noticeable to the naked eye. Please observe photographs.
Original Case: 14 carat solid gold case is mid size measuring 32mm excluding crown x 38mm high including elongated down turned lugs. Looks larger on the wrist due to its unique thin 5mm depth and long lug design. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious metals commensurate with age and wear. There are no deep scratches or dents. Lugs are in good condition.
Original Crown/Winder: Signed with the Rolex coronet - Excellent working order.
Original Movement: Caliber 1600. Signed Rolex Geneva 19 Rubies Swiss. The Rolex caliber 1600 is 19 jewels. This movement is a 2-hander with hours and minutes. The 1600 has a high beat rate of 19,800bph. I did ted and tested by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report. In suoerb working order keeping accurate time. Ready to enjoy for many years to come.
Original Crystal: Good condition.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Snap back solid gold 14 carat brushed case retaining aged factory sticker. Has surface hairline scratches associated with polished precious metals commensurate with age and wear. There are no deep scratches or dents. Please see photos.
Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Rolex WHW 43*** 00187. 14K 0.585 Hallmarks for Birmingham denoting letter K dating to 1959. In good condition.
Original Rolex Buckle/ Aftermarket Strap: Retains the original Rolex gold plated buckle fitted to an aftermarket good quality leather strap band.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is 65 years old. Shipping DHL/UPS insured registered post World wide buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Maker: Rolex
Model: Cellini Geneve
Reference: 00187
Year: Circa 1959
Material: 14 Carat Yellow gold
Dimensions: 32mm ex crown x 38mm inc lugs, 5mm thickness
Crystal: Perspex
Lume: No
Caliber: Rolex manual-winding high grade caliber 1600 (19 Jewels)
Strap Band: Original Buckle/Aftermarket Strap
Lug Width: 16mm
Additional information;
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants. A beautiful ‘1976’ reference 4112 Gentleman’s collectors ‘Rolex Cellini’ King Khalid of Saudi Arabia.