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. 4135 that we have here. Featuring an 18kt white gold rectangular case that measures 32mm x 25mm, the ref. 4135 leans into Rolex’s typically reserved design language but through the lens of a dress watch, and not their typical sports watch identity. Featuring a blue dial that is understated and restrained in its embellishments besides its applied indices and hands, this timepiece is wonderfully reserved and dressy. Powered by a manual-wind cal. 1602 movement and wearing like a larger variant of the Cartier Tank, but with Rolex’s own twist, the ref. 4135 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. 4135 that are reaping the rewards and gaining traction and demand.