Rolex Forgotten Models: Rare & Discontinued Reference Guide

Halcro · 2022-07-07T06:14:02Z

Explore the Rolex Cellini Prince, a unique rectangular watch with a visible, decorated movement. Halcro reviews this 'forgotten' Rolex and its market value.

Halcro

WPS member · Rolex forum

24 replies4222 views12 photos

Halcro's insightful post revisits the Rolex Cellini Prince, a timepiece that challenged Rolex's traditional design philosophy upon its 2005 reintroduction. This article explores why this rectangular watch, with its visible, decorated movement, remains a fascinating anomaly in the brand's history and a compelling subject for collectors today. Halcro's detailed analysis and stunning photography highlight the unique attributes that set the Cellini Prince apart.

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A strange thing happened at Baselworld 2005.....

Rolex introduced one of the most radical products in its history and the watchworld 'missed' it!!!

The Cellini Prince was a high-end rectangular watch with a transparent caseback showing off a highly-decorated rectangular movement.

The Cellini Prince was unlike ANYTHING in the Catalogue......

Rolex first introduced a rectangular watch under the Prince brand in 1928. The Prince was one of their more important and popular models at the time. It soon became known as 'The Doctor's Watch' as its relatively large seconds subdial was the ideal instrument for helping Physicians time a patient's pulse. Crafted exclusively in gold, it was also priced at a point that few other than those on a Doctor's salary could afford.

Its 20 year run was a huge success and it helped sow the seeds of the reputation Rolex enjoys today, as makers of some of the finest and most reliable watches money can buy.

One thing you won't see in a Rolex (both past and present) is the watch movement.....

Although Rolex produces some of the best watch movements available, they are ALWAYS hidden behind solid casebacks.

The new Cellini Prince was the first (and ONLY) Rolex to display its new and highly-decorated, beautiful movement behind a sapphire crystal caseback.

That's why the Cellini Prince was such a shocker when it was introduced at Baselworld in 2005. the Prince is everything "a Rolex ISN'T" and shows the skill of a company not widely known for some of the more exotic facets of watchmaking....

Squint and you can see Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier or Hermes.

But look closer and the Prince is all Rolex.....

Key Points from the Discussion

Rolex's proprietary white gold, produced in their own foundry, possesses a unique luster that Halcro argues surpasses even the Zaratsu polishing of Grand Seiko and Credor Eichi II platinum.
Due to lower initial sales, many New Old Stock (NOS) Cellini Prince watches are available on the secondary market at prices significantly below their original retail, offering an opportunity for collectors.
The Cellini Prince's departure from typical Rolex design, particularly its visible and uniquely shaped movement, makes it a favorite among collectors seeking something distinct within the brand's offerings.
Halcro defends the Cellini Prince's 'chunky thickness,' asserting it is perfectly balanced with its Art Deco inspiration and provides an excellent wrist presence.
Rolex released four distinct designs within the Cellini Prince range, each offering unique aesthetic variations.
The Cellini Prince represents a significant and interesting departure from Rolex's conventional design, featuring a distinctively shaped and visible movement.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

Jul 7, 2022

Brilliant write-up :))

It is precisely for the reasons you highlight in your post that the Cellini Prince, to this day, remains my favorite Rolex! I happen to have a list of watches which I aim to obtain before something along the lines of a Cellini, but as far as Rolex's offering goes, it easily tops the 'list' for my tastes.... Hugely appreciate your post and pictures, cheers, Filip

Halcro

Jul 8, 2022

Thank you for the kind words Filip....

It's so nice of you to take the time to read and comment. I hope you get the Cellini.... Because they didn't sell well, there were many NOS left in their boxes around the world which can be bought for far less than their original retail prices. Mine is brand new (made in 2008) and came with all the excitement connected with receiving a new modern Rolex 🤗

AuHavrePro

Jul 8, 2022

Ok....

admitted, now you made me go down that path of online research....

amanico

Jul 7, 2022

Very interesting article, mon ami. Yes, you are right, it is everything Rolex isn't, as you perfectly stated. I just wish it would be a tad thinner. For the rest, I love it!

Halcro

Jul 8, 2022

Merci mon frère....

I can understand your wishes...however for me, the chunky thickness is perfectly balanced for its Art Deco inspiration and sits so wonderfully on my wrist.

amanico

Jul 8, 2022

I will try it again.