Rolex
Reference 4954 Cellini 'Rainbow' | A rare yellow gold, diamond and multi-colored gem-set wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1981
Session begins in
June 15, 06:00 PM GMT
Estimate
50,000 - 100,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: champagne Jubilee dial with pink, white, and blue sapphire-set indices
Caliber: cal. 1601 mechanical, 19 jewels
Case: 18k yellow gold, multi-colored gem-set bezel, snap on case back
Case number: 6'936'223
Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Cellini bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 36 x 26.5 mm, bracelet circumference is approximately 175 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
The Rolex “Rainbow” has become a modern icon, driven largely by the extraordinary desirability of the Rainbow Daytona. Yet what many collectors may not realize is that Rolex’s first foray into “rainbow” gem-setting in a wristwatch appeared within the luxurious, neo-vintage Cellini collection. Produced in extremely limited numbers, Cellini “Rainbow” models remain exceptionally rare, with only a handful known publicly today.
Introduced in 1968, the Cellini line emerged during a period of economic expansion that redefined the idea of watch ownership. Moving away from the notion of a single, utilitarian timepiece, Rolex sought to encourage collectors to build wardrobes of watches suited to different occasions. The Cellini collection was conceived as the elegant counterpart to the brand’s tool watches.
Among the most distinctive Cellini designs is the “Octagon” series, introduced in 1976. Characterized by its geometric bezel and integrated aesthetic, the collection featured a 26.5 mm by 36 mm three-body case with a slim profile of just 6.3 mm. The cases, which were produced by the renowned La Chaux-de-Fonds case maker Favre & Perret, were predominantly crafted in yellow gold, while examples in white gold or bi-color configurations are considerably rarer. Although the President-style bracelet appears integrated, it is in fact attached via traditional spring bars.
The Cellini collection takes its name from the great Italian Renaissance goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini, whose mastery of form and detail captivated kings, princes, and popes. In that same spirit, Rolex introduced the Cellini as a showcase of refined artistry and craftsmanship—a deliberate contrast to its sport-oriented models. This strategic shift encouraged collectors to pair a robust tool watch for daily wear with a more elaborate, gem-set piece for evening or formal occasions.
Dating to 1981, this impressive, incredibly rare, and highly unusual rainbow example exemplifies this philosophy. Its vibrant array of gemstones transforms the classic Cellini into a striking objet d’art.