1976 Rolex Cellini 18k Yellow Gold Silver Dial Ref. 4350

The Cellini

The Rolex Cellini collection of the 1970s was a very different side of Rolex, with designs that moved away from the familiar Oyster case and explored more unusual shapes, textures and in many instances integrated gold bracelets.
One of the more interesting designs from this period is the Ref. 4350, a slim and elegant dress watch in 18K yellow gold. Its angular case, sharp bevels and integrated flat-link bracelet give it a distinctive look, with some similarities to the Oysterquartz Day-Date that followed a few years later.

What makes this particular example especially interesting is its unusual silver dial with a horizontally brushed finish. Most examples of the 4350 are found with champagne or gold dials, making this contrasting silver version a particularly attractive variation. The horizontal brushing catches the light beautifully and works extremely well with the warm yellow gold case and bracelet.

Dating to 1976, this watch comes directly from its first owner family in the Middle East and has been very well preserved. The case retains its original factory brushing, sharp edges and well-defined bevels, while the integrated gold bracelet shows only light wear. Despite measuring 27 × 35 mm, the watch has plenty of presence on the wrist thanks to its elongated case and bracelet design.

Recently serviced in our own Service Centre, this is a wonderful example of the more creative side of vintage Rolex, with an unusual dial and the added appeal of first-owner provenance.