1976 Rolex Cellini King Midas Ref. 4315

King Midas   

The story of the Midas is a special one. The King Midas has kind of been the forgotten sheep of the Rolex family and overlooked and underappreciated for the longest time but its one with the best story. Continuing the Greek Mythology the solid 18k gold watch was given the name 'King Midas' honoring the myth that everything he touched with his left hand turned to gold.

It was bruited about as the heaviest and most expensive men’s time only watch in production, not just at Rolex, but in the entire industry. The watch, weighing between 150 and 200 grams, is sculpted from a single block of 18 karats yellow or white gold.

The opulence and rarity of the timepiece with its extremely low profile was designed specifically to appeal to the extravagant few. King Midas Rolex graced some of the most well-known wrists in American history including legend Elvis Presley, John Wayne and the villain in James Bond's The man with the golden gun. Throughout the history of Rolex, there were only three limited editions with King Midas being one of them.

Now enough to the history and back to present. This very example is in beautiful and sharp condition showing beautiful and crisp factory finish, the mint condition is what makes this watch so special. Considering that this watch is from 1976 itremains in close to new condition. The gold has patina'd over the years and transformed the color of the gold to ancient gold. The edges are well defined  and the bracelet is equally sharp. A watch that was ahead of its time, for the elite of watch buyers at the time considering it was almost double the price of a Day Date.

The iconic angular case Midas have become exceedingly rare with first generation examples commanding hefty premiums while the 2nd and 3rd generation pieces are still very attractive to buy, if you can find one in as good condition as this one.