The Cellini collection is without doubt the most discreet selection of watches that Rolex currently offers. Where the Oyster collection ranges from stunningly capable timepieces proven in a wide range of scenarios from the ocean's depths to the highest peaks, worn by explorers, scientists and racing drivers, the Cellini collection – the only few watches that are not part of the Oyster line-up – serve an entirely different purpose.
The Cellini "flies under the radar," as perthe currently trending way of putting it. It is a selection of elegant, restrained, yet functional and everyday-wearable dress watches, a total of four, available in different dial and material variations. The current Cellini collection comprises the Cellini Time, Cellini Date, Cellini Dual Time and Cellini Moonphase. Today we bring you a closer look at the blue dial, white gold Cellini Date.
A 39-millimeter-wide, 18ct white gold case – also available in 18ct Everose gold – encapsulates a stunning, blue dial and the Rolex Caliber 3165. The case, made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected in an in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, follows a different shape than what we know from the famed Oyster case in the rest of Rolex timepieces.
A slim case band flows into four gently curved, filigree lugs that appear as natural extensions of the perfectly round middle section.
Topping the case itself is a so-called double bezel: one domed and the second delicately fluted. This further elevates the intricacy of the overall aesthetic while adding a restrained, but notable dose of volume to the 39-millimeter-wide and beautifully thin case.
The crystal is a type that is highly unusual and rarely encountered in a Rolex watch: domed sapphire. Where Oyster collection pieces feature an almost perfectly flat sapphire front crystal, Cellini pieces are sealed by a domed crystal so as to complete the gentle flow of the case and double bezel.
Underneath that we find two large, faceted hands as well as a longer, purposefully simple-looking running seconds hand, all mounted centrally. To the right of those, situated at the 3 o'clock position is the sub-dial for the date of the month – the only additional indication on the Cellini Date. All hands are crafted from 18ct white gold so that they match the case, bezel and crown.
The dial itself is finished in a lustrous blue, with grooves reminiscent of the fluted bezel, running concentrically, visually stretching and further elaborating the backdrop of the elegant handset. The small crown, also with a fluted edge for better grip and for a timeless appearance, completes the look.
The Cellini collection and, therefore, also the Cellini Date exhibits a highly intelligent play between textured and smooth surfaces: it takes a trained eye for detail to truly appreciate the fine balance between the polished surfaces of the lugs, the dome of the bezel and the hands, and the textured surfaces of the crown, fluted bezel anddial.
Such play with proportions and volumes reflects Rolex's exceptional understanding of fine watch design – a feat so frequently admired in Oyster collection pieces and yet also eloquently displayed in the Rolex Cellini line of fine watches.
You may discover the Cellini collection in the Rolex Petite Geneve Petrovic boutiques in Budapest, Belgrade and Porto Montenegro.