Launched in 1968 and stemming from Rolex’s acceptance of the idea that some of their customers would like to own a second watch, the Rolex Cellini collection is perhaps one of the brand’s most widely varied collections, with round leather strapped dress watches to oval shaped watches and tonneau-shaped pieces on integrated bracelets to rectangular-shaped dress watches like the Cellini ref. 4012 that we have here. Featuring an 18kt yellow gold rectangular case with horizontal ribbing that measures 32mm x 25mm, the ref. 4012 is an unusual timepiece given Rolex’s typically reserved design language. Featuring a metallic finish dial in blue, this particular example lacks any hour markers or dial furniture that could be used to tell the time besides its applied Rolex coronet at 12 o’clock. Powered by a manual-wind cal. 1600 movement and wearing like a larger variant of the Cartier Tank, but with some unique features like its ribbed construction and metallic dial, the ref. 4012 is an unsung hero within the Cellini collection.

Aesthetically interesting and horologically important for Rolex given its role within the expansion of their design language, the Cellini collection has long been overlooked by collectors who failed to appreciate its finer points. However, as collectors begin to expand their horizons beyond the typical sports watches, it is models like the ref. 4012 that are reaping the rewards and gaining traction and demand.