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Lot Essay
The Rolex ‘Rainbow’ has become a modern icon due to the huge desirability of the Rainbow Daytona. However, many collectors may be unaware that Rolex’s first wristwatch featuring ‘Rainbow’ gem-setting is the luxurious heavy solid gold neo-vintage ‘Cellini model’. Very few Cellini ‘Rainbow’ were ever produced and consequently only a tiny number are known publicly today. Christie’s is therefore delighted to present, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of a Rolex Cellini ‘Rainbow’ at international auction. Furthermore, this spectacular reference 4954⁄8, made in 1981, is accompanied by a Rolex Service Card valid until July 2027.
The present Cellini is an extraordinary rarity in having a true ‘Rainbow’ set bezel. The uniformity of the gems in respect to their colour and shape is quite exceptional, Rolex has always taken extreme care in ensuring that all the stones are of the same graded shade in the different colours of the spectrum. This sorting process is carried out by hand and the finished result is quite remarkable, imbuing this timepiece with an arresting quality that is hard to define.
The Rolex Cellini is a fascinating model in the company’s history. The model was named after the ultimate Italian renaissance goldsmith and sculptor, Benvenuto Cellini - a name that conjures up the pinnacle of refined goldsmithing and gem-setting. Benvenuto Cellini’s obsession with perfection in every detail astonished and delighted the Kings, Princes and Popes who were his patrons. Reflecting that uncommon skill and craftsmanship, the Cellini wristwatch was introduced by Rolex in 1968 as a refined and luxurious precious metal, and sometimes gem-set dress watch, the polar opposite of the tool watches that the company were famed for. This strategy was intended to encourage Rolex customers to purchase multiple watches suitable for different occasions, a tool watch for daytime and perhaps a gem-set full gold watch for the evening, a relatively new idea at the time.
The present Cellini is an extraordinary rarity in having a true ‘Rainbow’ set bezel. The uniformity of the gems in respect to their colour and shape is quite exceptional, Rolex has always taken extreme care in ensuring that all the stones are of the same graded shade in the different colours of the spectrum. This sorting process is carried out by hand and the finished result is quite remarkable, imbuing this timepiece with an arresting quality that is hard to define.
The Rolex Cellini is a fascinating model in the company’s history. The model was named after the ultimate Italian renaissance goldsmith and sculptor, Benvenuto Cellini - a name that conjures up the pinnacle of refined goldsmithing and gem-setting. Benvenuto Cellini’s obsession with perfection in every detail astonished and delighted the Kings, Princes and Popes who were his patrons. Reflecting that uncommon skill and craftsmanship, the Cellini wristwatch was introduced by Rolex in 1968 as a refined and luxurious precious metal, and sometimes gem-set dress watch, the polar opposite of the tool watches that the company were famed for. This strategy was intended to encourage Rolex customers to purchase multiple watches suitable for different occasions, a tool watch for daytime and perhaps a gem-set full gold watch for the evening, a relatively new idea at the time.