Cellini: a non-Rolex Rolex?!

Feb 12, 2015,04:14 AM
 

Hi,

 

I know we mostly talk about Sports watches and vintage Rolex here...

But I like to post some fresh shots of the Cellini line!

To me the Cellini line is the “forgotten” son of Rolex. Not often see or discussed, not many ask about it either…

And when Cellini is mentioned, often it is the Prince model, due to its rectangular shape it stands out more from the others…

On Rolex home page they write “Elegance and Nobility”. When I read that I smiled, I smiled because that is not two words that come to my mind when I think Rolex!

When I think Rolex, I think tool watch, sports watch, Oyster, patina… But that is maybe not that strange since I am mostly looking at vintage Rolex watches.

Only time I would use “Elegance” is together with words like “raw” or “sporty”… And “Nobility”? Na, not even close to my picture of Rolex!

That is why I like to revisit brands and look at their entire collection! To get reminded, but also to get a feeling of where they are heading.

“Elegance and Nobility”

Yes, when I look at the new Cellini line, I understand more where these words come from.

Cellini Date, Rose Gold:

 

The 39 mm case, sensual rounded lugs, the multi layered bezel… All very elegant! The Guilloche pattern that starts from the center of the dial and all the way on to the bezel.

 

Applied index, Date dial at three. The pattern from the bezel is reflected on the back as well…

Notice the non-Rolex characteristic crown.

 

To me, this is a very non-Rolex Rolex. Yes, it is a Rolex, but no, it doesn’t look like a Rolex.

 

Cellini Dual Time, White Gold:

 

Dual time at six. Day/night indicator included in the dual time dial at nine. If you look closely you see the Sun just coming out.

I see the Rolex crown, but is the only thing telling me that this is a Rolex. The dauphin hands are another detail that is not very Rolex-like…

 

The case back is rounded; I get a bit of “bubble back” resemblance here. A bit surprised to see the case back clean without even an engraving. I was not expecting a see through case back, but would have expected it to at least say Rolex on the back…

 

What do I think about the new Cellini line?

Well, to me it IS a very elegant watch line! Nobel? I am not sure, but I may not be the right person to recognize nobility…

The line also has a time only version, plus the Prince. All in all I think Rolex have made some good efforts to make a more classic elegant watch! The dual time I really like!

But in the making a lot of what is “Rolex” to me was lost…

When I see these watches I do think “very nice looking watch”… But I don’t think “very nice looking Rolex”!

All this is of course my very personal view…

 

What’s your view?

 

Best

Blomman

This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-02-12 04:14:44


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Nice review of the Cellini line

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : February 12th, 2015-04:23
Blomman, lovely review here of what is a non-Rolex Rolex. I think it is fair to say that Rolex did not make its reputation on the back of elegance and artistry. Complications too, are a relative rarity. But you are correct, the Cellini line does offer a c... 

Your Posrche comparison works very well....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 12th, 2015-12:01
I find it interesting to look on "lesser" known models of a brand. To get a "full picture" of the brand so to say... Best Blomman

For me, the Cellini is the reminiscence of the Bubble Back and the Prince.

 
 By: amanico : February 12th, 2015-05:19
An alternative offer to the most and better known Professional line. The GMT is not bad looking at all. The cases are very nice, even if the Prince should be thinner. Best, Nicolas

Yes, the case is really good!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 12th, 2015-12:04
Agree on the Prince.... But when it comes to rectangular watches I think we both are spoiled considering the offers from GP and JLC! ;) Best Blomman

The shape and case silhouette is good...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 12th, 2015-12:56
But I would rework the bezel and dial! More in the line of the original Prince.... Best Blomman ...  

I think this line will be taken seriously

 
 By: emcquillan : February 12th, 2015-05:24
It may take some time to warm up. I played with all three models last year and I was impressed much to my surprise. The element that remained constant with their sports models in the new Cellini line is practicality. The bubble back, water resistance and ... 

These are serious watches, no doubt about that!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 12th, 2015-12:09
But I think Rolex is their own worst enemy here... Their massive Oyster/Sports lines drowning the Cellini. Will people find their way to these watches or will they go for a more classic Rolex... OR go for another brand entirely when they search for a clas... 

I quite like it

 
 By: rnaden : February 12th, 2015-06:57
And I think that given time, it will be accepted, although not in big enough numbers as their Oyster models, simply because they're not known for dress watches like these and the field in this space are filled with competitors whose heritage is based on t... 

Agree on the hands, Richard....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 12th, 2015-12:13
Longer hands would go very well here... More like the GP 1966 maybe? Could still be the dauphin shape but longer. Best Blomman ...  

I don't know...

 
 By: tudorctin : February 12th, 2015-08:26
But I like Cellini line and especially Price the most! Maybe because they are non-sport watches. Prince is the Rolex I would like to have it. Thanks for bringing this subject into discussion. Constantin

My pleasure, Constantin!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 12th, 2015-12:15
Yes, the most non-Rolex would have to be the Prince for sure! :) Best Blomman

We have same view ...

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : February 12th, 2015-11:00
again :) my friend Non-Rolex Rolex couldn't put it better or it is Rolex only it says on the dial it is Rolex :) Maybe one day this will be highly sought after pieces today not bright future Elegant yes noble not really Thank you for very interesting post... 

Are you surprised?

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 12th, 2015-12:16
I am not, my friend! ;) Yes, many years from now this might be the new Paul Newman.... Who knows...! ;) Best Blomman

Much improved

 
 By: jml_watches : February 12th, 2015-13:11
Hi For me I think the new version is a total sea change from its predecessor. I think it looks a whole lot better. Some elements to me are reminiscent of the divers watches and tie them much closer to Rolex as a brand. The previous ones if you'd covered u... 

You are correct...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 14th, 2015-01:36
They are much better then earlier versions.... But I still think the Rolex DNA is very well hidden. Best Blomman

Noble and elegant ... no doubt here but at Rolex: the yellow gold ones are missing

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : February 13th, 2015-09:34
I like all new Cellini versions. The dual time is one of the most elegant and yet discrete looking watch where the complication blends beautifully into the design. The day and night indicator in particular is very clever and elegant at the same time. Love... 

Good points, Moritz!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 14th, 2015-01:38
I agree on the anti-reflection of the crystal. And a YG version would make this offer more complete! Thank you for your input. Best Blomman

As I said in my review last year...

 
 By: foversta : February 14th, 2015-12:54
For me this watch is VERY Rolex. Design, movement, inspiration. You can feel Rolex everywhere. A great improvement of the Cellini line even if it is not perfect. Anyway, thanks for the great review. Fx

Agree that it is much better....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 15th, 2015-00:43
But I do not feel Rolex everywhere... Guess we have very different view of what is Rolex. Mine is a bit "rusty" since I look mostly on vintage! ;) Best Blomman

Movement decoration

 
 By: MervC : February 15th, 2015-18:48
Not mentioned in the marketing materials, is how the movement is decorated. Does anyone know? At this price level, and owing to the fact that its a dress watch. one would minimally expect it to be decorated better than what rolex does to their tool watche... 

Not a clue...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 16th, 2015-10:33
About the movement decoration. Since it is a solid case back I think there is not much of decoration to talk about... Best Blomman

To thick

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : February 16th, 2015-02:57
the dual time is very nice looking watch, but the case hight is 12/13 mm and that's just a little to much for nobility

Guess you are correct....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 16th, 2015-10:35
About the thickness, I didn't pick up on that when I tried it, but yes the current trend is to have everything ultra thin. A bit thinner would have been expected... But, I think the ration 39/13 is OK. Probably why I didn't pick up on it! Best Blomman

The Cellini may be a non-Rolex Rolex,

 
 By: marcelo : February 21st, 2015-02:47
But is my favorite line of the brand. Marcelo

It is interesting how different we all ...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 22nd, 2015-02:14
Perceive a brand. You think it is the best part of the brand in the same time I tend to forget this part.. Wonderful to see! :) Best, my friend Blomman

True, Blomman. And this is my favorite:

 
 By: marcelo : February 22nd, 2015-05:00
What a gorgeous, sexy piece of watchmaking! ;) Have a nice week, my friend! Marcelo ...  

Yes, this is the image I get when I think of ....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : February 22nd, 2015-11:50
A non-Rolex Rolex! :) It is a great piece, but I am having a hard time remembering that it is a Rolex! ;) Best Blomman

Indeed. ;)

 
 By: marcelo : February 22nd, 2015-16:54

I do wish they had used...

 
 By: aardvarkbark : February 25th, 2015-18:27
the smaller version of the dauphine (daggar?) hand for the date, similar to the ones they use for the dual time subdial. That plain, ugly stick hand is what is keeping me from adding the rose gold, silver dial version, which is otherwise a very handsome p...