Rolex Cellini

Cellini is the classic Rolex line, named after the Italian Renaissance master Benvenuto Cellini. These are slim wristwatches designed to sit under a shirt cuff, with cases in yellow, white and rose gold.

Two generations are represented. Vintage Cellini models are compact yellow-gold watches with manual winding. Among them are the classic references 4112, 5112 and 5112/8 with gilt dials (some with Roman markers) and the octagonal 4350 from 1979 with Roman numerals on the bezel. Alongside them sits the jewellery-style Cellini Cestello White Gold Quartz. The modern generation comprises the Cellini Time, Cellini Date and Cellini Dual Time in a 39 mm case, with a double bezel — smooth at the base and fluted at the edge. The Date and Dual Time dials are decorated with the Rayon Flammé de la Gloire guilloché.

A good starting point is the generation: vintage models are smaller and thinner, modern ones are larger and self-winding. Next come the functions — date, second time zone and day/night indicator. Case sizes range from 26 to 39 mm. Dial colours include gilt, champagne, silver, blue, black and pink mother-of-pearl, and every watch has a sapphire crystal.

Years of production range from 1979 to 2020. Each listing gives the condition, what is included, the reference, calibre, case size, power reserve and strap.