Fancy Timing

Named after one of the Italian renaissance’s most admired artists, Benvenuto Cellini, who was a goldsmith and sculptor to the popes, Rolex’s Cellini collection was conceived to be the more elegant, dressier brother of the brand, with watches made from noble materials and luxurious finishes, and designs aimed at dashing, tuxedo-wearing gentlemen with very active social calendars. Gem-set models and a variety of case shapes made the line very different from the brand’s ‘sportier’ collections under the Oyster Perpetual range.

This year, Rolex decided to make Cellini a more recognisable part of the family with a new collection of three main models and 12 versions, re-designed to stand out but carry the DNA of the brand. The main models are the Cellini Time, Cellini Date and Cellini Dual Time. All three come with round cases at a comfortable 39mm – a good size for a dress watch – with a double bezel that is partly domed and fluted, and shapely lugs reminiscent of Oyster Perpetual Datejust watches. The cases are offered in 18K Everose, Rolex’s version of rose gold created in-house, or white gold. The crowns are tapered, fluted and screws down to the case, allowing for the timepieces to offer water resistance of up to 50 metres. The caseback is a domed back with flutes, and compared to most of the Oyster models, Cellini watches are lighter and slimmer.