Rolex Cellini History
Rolex Cellini Moonphase / Credit: Hodinkee
Italian sculptors aren’t often related to watchmaking, much less Rolex, but in the case of Benvenuto Cellini that’s exactly what happened. The Rolex Cellini is not only named after Cellini, however, but also somewhat inspired by him. It’s the type of Rolex people always forget, with the average collector usually opting for a Submariner or dreaming of a Daytona. But who inspired the Cellini, and what makes it so special?
Benvenuto Cellini was born in the Republic of Florence in 1500, and apprenticed as a goldsmith before eventually moving to Rome at 19. He was also a famed musician and a key figure in defending Rome when it was sacked in 1527. Most notably, however, he is renowned for his sculptures, which still stand today in historical sites around Europe. The Rolex Cellini’s roots go back to 1928 with the Prince, but it's real debut was in the early 1960s when it was ideated by Rene-Paul Jeanneret. For a brand known to make tool watches at the time, a shift to a luxury dress watch, much less one inspired by a 16th century artist, was most unusual and scrutinized by many. However, Jeanneret, Rolex’s Marketing Director at the time, was convinced that it was the right move. And he was right. When the first Rolex Cellinis were released in the 1960s, they were very well received by the market. This was, however, a big change for Rolex as far as their marketing went. Their strategy went from promoting the reliability of their timepieces (tool watches like the Submariner) to promoting their “luxurious features” and “classy aesthetics”, and associating their brand with notable figures at the time like Oleg Cassini.
As far as the story of the Cellini goes, it may not be as exciting as other models, but it remains a standout in Rolex’s catalogue; the only option for someone looking for a dress watch from Rolex today. And even though people often talk about the history of the Daytona or many other models before the Cellini, it marked a very important shift in the history of Rolex – it could be said that it marked when Rolex started its climb from tool watch company to a fully fledged luxury watch brand. Not to mention the King Midas by Gerald Genta.
By: Andres Ibarguen