Why is the Cellini range unloved?

[peterskinner]

Come on chaps...have pity. The Cellini range is genuinely well-priced for an 18kt gold watch with a great movement. It's got decent waterproofing and the superb 3135 movement, with high shock resistance. And Rolex serviceability.
Be kind, it's a fine watch but just not fashionable.

[belligero]

Originally Posted by Robrob777

Just look at them

image credit: Rolex


I've certainly seen worse when it comes to dressier watches.

[Headshrinker]

I am going to guess that most members see Rolex as more of a sports watch. The Cellini line is much more formal, that notion is becoming less and less in important in today's world. Even going to church or or a funeral is no longer a suit and tie event. I, myself, see it as sad.

[jon_jon]

I think the Cellini Time looks great in WG. I saw my AD manager wearing the black dialed one.

As others have mentioned, there is a lot of competition out there for a dress watch in PM with a leather strap. I think it would be a nice purchase if you can find one in good condition for under $10K USD.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by belligero

image credit: Rolex


I've certainly seen worse when it comes to dressier watches.

Isn't that a vintage model?

[peterskinner]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Isn't that a vintage model?

Yes, I have the current (deceased a few months ago) model. It's sad because thus ended a Rolex line stretching back to 1928. And probably the last ever manual wind. It also had an open back. All very 'unrolex'. The latest Cellini's are far more conventional.
I like them, perhaps because so few people give them a second thought. Unloved little brother in the hulking great Rolex family.

[osamu]

I remember when I was first shopping for a Rolex, I was drawn to a few Cellini models. At the time I didn't know the first thing about Rolex, and was looking for a wedding present, so I thought a dressier watch would be more suitable. Two ADs I went to (one in Japan, one here) both steered me away from the Cellini line, and suggested I choose something from their case with just the oyster case models.

I recall when looking in Japan, they had a Prince for around like 12k USD? That was a bit out of my budget at the time, and with the AD not suggesting it, I didn't go for it. I still think that sounds like a good price for a gold watch. Sometimes I see Cellini Prince's on the used market for 7-9k. I hope I can pick one up someday.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by peterskinner

Come on chaps...have pity. The Cellini range is genuinely well-priced for an 18kt gold watch with a great movement. It's got decent waterproofing and the superb 3135 movement, with high shock resistance. And Rolex serviceability.
Be kind, it's a fine watch but just not fashionable.

Personally, I think they are beautiful timepieces. And would proudly wear one if I were on the market for a dress watch. As I get older, I feel the need to acquire at least one dress watch and if that is the case, why not a Cellini. For the price, you get a lot of watch.

Attached a picture of my favourite model for the new Cellini line. It was released during this year's Basel. The black dial version with black leather strap is pretty sharp too.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I am going to guess that most members see Rolex as more of a sports watch. The Cellini line is much more formal, that notion is becoming less and less in important in today's world. Even going to church or or a funeral is no longer a suit and tie event. I, myself, see it as sad.

In total agreement with you my friend. There are some traditions that should not be forgotten. Very sad indeed.

[belligero]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Isn't that a vintage model?

Yes, it's the predecessor to the more recent models:




image credit: hodinkee

Personally, I'd consider the Cellini range just because there would be less stress associated with them than their conglomerate-owned equivalents. (I got rid a nice Reverso a few years ago in large part because I didn't want to deal with Richemont at service time.)

They're well-finished watches with high-quality, well-thought-out movements. Probably worth a look for someone who wants something at the dressier end of the range.

[peterskinner]

Yes, the whole service issue influences my selection quite a lot. I believe you will get easier, quicker, service from an RSC than Richement...in fact I know so from personal experience.
That's why a Rolex dress watch makes sense to me. I like to look ahead.

[Cimballi]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

This question comes up quite often here. The general consensus usually seems to be that other brands make more attractive dress watches at a similar price.

Yes. "Attractive" as in "better".

[travisb]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

This question comes up quite often here. The general consensus usually seems to be that other brands make more attractive dress watches at a similar price.

This is the case for me.
AP
Patek
IWC
JLC

[Singslinger]

It's my impression that the majority of Rolex's advertising over the years has been directed at building the image that their watches are sporty and rugged (the stars which endorse the brand are mainly from the worlds of tennis, golf, sailing and polo).

Somehow, Cellini doesn't fit that image so that could explain the brand's relative unpopularity.

[Ouro9999]

For me there is a very strange thing: the name! Yes the problem with this line of watches is the name.

Cellini sounds a lot like a womans watch, Rolex should keep Cellini for Womans, and get i new name for the mens collection of dress watches.

This will fix the issue.

[Star Ferry]

Not a Cellini hater here, but I think the new Cellini is thick for a time only dress watch. I have a PP Calatrava 5022G and it's about 50% thinner than a Cellini. I like how the PP sits flat and fits easily under any sleeve

[Rock]

There will always be a limited market for 'Dress watches' compared to other types.
There have been some lovely models in the Cellini range over the years and many look just fine in a work environment. They are great value second-hand.
The Prince models are distinctive and really stand out.
The new Cellini range is just outstanding and could be worn daily by any professional without looking out of place. The problem for me is that I couldn't pick just one that I like best.

[DaveDhc]

Originally Posted by Ouro9999

... Cellini sounds a lot like a womans watch, ...

Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, Daytona, GMT ... they all sound like a women's watches. I guess Rolex has a lot to fix so that we can feel more like men when we put our watches on. Since I have a rose gold Daytona, I have real issues besides the name.

[peterskinner]

Originally Posted by DaveDhc

Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, Daytona, GMT ... they all sound like a women's watches. I guess Rolex has a lot to fix so that we can feel more like men when we put our watches on. Since I have a rose gold Daytona, I have real issues besides the name.

What we need is a range of gentleman's watches called something like: 'Bloke.'

[bjavor]

I used to like them. Even though I'm normally not a fan of Roman numerals (too blocky most of the time) the thin, sublime numbers on the previous generation Cellinis really appealed to me. But this year they've removed them for some reason :(

[Onikage]

Demand. Having more or less invented the sports watch genre Rolex does what it does best in the sports lineup. Purposeful, waterproof bulletproof watches are what the brand is famous for. These traits aren't particularly needed in a dress watch. Though a nice Day Date is the best of both worlds. Generally speaking when people want a purely dress watch the go to brands are JLC, Patek, Vacheron, Lange etc. All of which do dress watches better. No question.

[Lee66]

The Cellini can't compete with the Holy Trinity - Vacheron, Audemars and Patek at that price point. These three are seen as superior to Rolex in the same way a Rolls Royce or Bentley are superior to a Mercedes.

Rolex is famous for the DJ and sports models - the oyster case and ruggedness. It was never in the running to take the top spot for dress watches.

[McFly]

hope they make a lower price Cellini, I love to wear leather bracelets Rolex but Cellini's price is to high for me, Rolex make a leather watch at least price range of $8k to $10k
jumping to basic Cellini here in Toronto is $17,400 right away plus Canadian Taxess.

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by McFly

Basic Cellini here in Toronto is $17,400 right away plus Canadian Taxess.

Whad'Ya know, well, former President Barack Obama was spotted along side Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto over the weekend wearing his first Rolex watch , 15k WG Ref 50509 CelliniMcFly ? When I was in primary school , I had a huge crush on Marty McFly ( Michael J Fox is Canadian too !) in the adventure movie about time travelling ->Back To The Future

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Tony-GB

Strange that you post this. I've actually started looking into the Cellini range as have always admired from afar and am looking to actually buy one now. I've recently PM'd a member here regarding his experience on one and am awaiting a response (albeit an older reference in platinum. This one: http://www.watchclub.com/w7181/rolex...-dial-platinum )

I think the WG blue dialed is a stunner and is most likely the one I'll settle on. My one criticism of this piece is the date indicator hand should be the same as the time hands. They got the strap to follow the case shape so to overlook this minor detail of the date hand is a teeny bit sloppy:

I get what you are saying but for roughly half a month, 1st - 15th, the minute and hour hand can cover the same area of the watch a certain times of the day. Having a different hand could help someone read the date or time with a quick glance without confusing the two hands.

I like the Cellini's and attended the GTG in 2016 in Houston which had the regional manager from Rolex give a presentation on the Cellini and it's updated movement with all the shock absorption bells and whistles the sports models come with. The downside IMO is the price, as has been said lots of other watches come into play in the mid to high 20's that are more desirable and probably hold value better than the Cellini.

[drosen1]

Not a huge Cellini fan. For me, it's because it doesn't fit the Rolex stereotype. Looks like a watch you would find at a cheap jewelry store, idk it just doesn't do it for me.

[breitlings]

I saw a pt cellini that really caught my eye. now that they are auto and have some water resistance i think i will pick one up in the future.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

This question comes up quite often here. The general consensus usually seems to be that other brands make more attractive dress watches at a similar price.

^^^ This was the answer a year ago and nothing has changed.

[regnant]

Oyster watches are built so greatly that Celli line is overlooked. Frankly, when one says Rolex first thing that comes my mind is not a Cellini.
Cellini watches are exclusive tooo

[Thunderbird88]

Honestly, because JLC, PP, A.Lange & Sohne, IWC, Zenith, Omega and all the others does it better.
Even Breitling and Fredrique Constant do the dress watches better than Rolex.
I would buy any of them in a heartbeat over a Cellini.

Rolex do manufactur many gorgeous watches.
And Cellini is no doubt gorgeous, But the other manufacturers do it better. Hence why I, along with most others, would rather buy their watches.