There’s no denying the Rolex Cellini is one of the world’s most popular and refined lines of dress watches. Since introducing the Cellini line in the 1960s, Rolex has released numerous beautiful models and variants of the Cellini, including the Rolex Cellini Prince. The Cellini Prince has a unique and interesting history that ties back to the early history of the brand along with one of Chicago’s most infamous gangsters. In this blog, we’ll be diving into the history of the Rolex Cellini Prince, the defining features of the watch and where you can find a Rolex Cellini Prince today. Read on to learn more!
Now that we’ve been introduced to the Cellini Prince, let’s dive into the defining features of this unique timepiece. The Rolex Cellini Prince stands out from a design perspective, especially compared to Rolex’s typical designs. For most models, Rolex sticks to the classic round watch case shape, but the Cellini Prince features a rectangular case. While Rolex is no stranger to mixing things up and going outside the box, a rectangular Rolex is quite uncommon.
The Cellini Prince’s elongated shape gives the watch an elegant and sophisticated look that pairs perfectly with formal and dressed-up attire. The Cellini also purposefully utilises an Art Deco aesthetic, with geometric and symmetrical design choices found throughout the watch.
Another notable feature of the Cellini Prince is the display case back. The clear window on the case back allows the wearer to see the intricate inner workings of the timepiece. Rolex is a masterful manufacturer of watches and watch movements, so seeing one of their timepieces in action is always an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
The Rolex Cellini Prince employs an aesthetically pleasing two-dial layout, with the dials stacked in a figure-eight. Those who want to purchase the Cellini Prince will find it available in several materials, including rose gold, yellow gold and white gold. Typically, the watch is equipped with a leather strap, adding comfort to the model and allowing the watch case and dial design to stand out as the main attraction of the timepiece.
The Rolex Cellini Prince was introduced in the 2000s, but the watch’s design and name can be traced back to a much earlier decade. The history of the Cellini Prince can be traced back to just a couple of decades after the company’s founding in 1905.
The Rolex Prince, as it was simply titled since the Cellini line was still decades from being introduced, was first launched in the 1920s. If you’re familiar with the design of the Cellini Prince, then you’re also familiar with its predecessor. Though modern touches and inner workings would be added to the reborn Cellini Prince in the 2000s, the original design easily shines through.
The Rolex Prince was also marked by a rectangular case shape, an Art Deco-inspired aesthetic and a two-dial layout. Perhaps since it was such an early model for the still burgeoning Rolex is part of the reason why the Swiss watchmaker switched things up and went with a rectangular case design.
The Rolex Prince holds the honour of being one of Rolex’s earliest dress watches. Rolex would go on to make numerous innovations, including making the Oyster case in the same decade to make the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. Of course, the Prince wasn’t meant to be a robust timepiece with waterproofing for everyday wear. It was intended as an exquisite and sophisticated piece to wear out for formal occasions. That is clear in its design now, and it was clear in its design then.
Further adding to the mystique and intriguing history of the Rolex Prince is the fact that the watch has been worn by many famous people over the years. One of the earliest famous, or perhaps infamous, people to jump on the Rolex Prince wagon was the notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone.
In the 1920s, wristwatches were just beginning to grow in popularity, and Rolex was gradually carving its place into watchmaking history. Capone, who was known for his extravagant lifestyle and love for luxury, took a shine to Rolex’s new rectangular dress watch model and famously donned a Rolex Prince on multiple occasions.
Capone was a noted fan of fine watches and also had a diamond-studded, platinum Patek Philippe pocket watch. It’s no surprise that Capone also appreciated the more pronounced luxury of the Rolex Prince when compared to Rolex’s other more subtly luxurious designs.
While the Rolex Cellini Prince is a beautiful timepiece, Rolex has never been precious about taking watches out of its production rotation. The Cellini Prince was discontinued in the 2010s, and it is not currently in Rolex’s current lineup of watches. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t acquire a Cellini Prince of your own.
With the Cellini Prince no longer in production, enthusiasts and watch collectors have a chance to own something rarer than the Rolex watches still regularly produced each year. The Prince’s refined design and timeless style make it a desirable watch to find on the pre-owned market and add to your collection.
Of course, those who like dress watches can still find Rolex’s Cellini line in production, with models other than the Prince being regularly released. While they are different from the Prince, you can still trust that a Rolex Cellini will be one of the finest dress watches you own.
As for the original Prince, Rolex took that watch out of rotation many decades ago. By reintroducing the Cellini Prince in the 2000s, Rolex was able to bring back a classic and give more people a chance to get their hands on one of Rolex’s most unique dress watch designs. Whether you’re in the market for a Cellini Prince or any other Cellini watch from Rolex, BQ Watches is here to help.
If you’re in the market for a pre-owned Rolex Cellini watch, BQ Watches is your answer. We have an extensive collection of used Rolex Cellini watches. You can find numerous different styles and models, and we’ll surely have something in store that fits your preferences. Browse our ever-rotating and eclectic selection of Rolex Cellini watches below, or click over to our other inventory pages if you’re looking for a different watch brand.
Click here to read our article on the Rolex Cellini.
No matter what type of used luxury watch you want, you can trust BQ Watches to have you covered. We are your go-to provider for pre-owned luxury watch brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega and many more. Also, we have our team ready to source a watch for you if you have something specific in mind. Simply let us know about the watch you’d like to source, and our team will get to work.
In the meantime, don’t forget to browse our current inventory of quality used timepieces. We are always adding to our selection, and browsing our online shop or in-person at our London location is always guaranteed to be a great experience. Additionally, we offer other luxury services like appraisals, cleanings and repairs. You can also sell or exchange your watch with us. Fill out our contact form today to get in touch, and let us know what service you need!
