115 Rolex Very Rare and Highly Special, Cellini King Midas, Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Integrated Yellow Gold Bracelet, With Box and Additional Link, Reference 4344

Estimate: €10,000 –⁠ 20,000

Model: Cellini King Midas
Reference: 4344
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1976
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 650
Case N°: 4288998, N°4355
Dimensions: 28 × 27 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Box and Additional Link

The most renown exponent of the Cellini family is the King Midas. Based on the Greek Pantheon temple, the watch, of course, takes its name from King Midas of the Greek Mythology, who had the ability to turn anything he touched into gold. The first model within this collection was the King Midas reference 9630, released in 1964. Living up to its name, the King Midas was, the most expensive Rolex watch available at the time and was designed by the legendary watch designer, Gérald Genta. Reference 4344 such as the present lot is extremely rare: can be found from production number 800 onwards and it was thought only 500 total pieces were produced, a small number were in white gold with the majority in yellow. This example can for sure be considered as one of the nicest and most rare ever realized by the brand: the asymmetrical yellow gold with “stripe” decoration case is very fresh with crisp and deep hallmarks engraved on the back while the reference and number on the integrated yellow-gold bracelet with the same decoration are clearly visible as well. The dial is absolutely spectacular and match the whole case with a cream color and is completed by yellow-gold baton indexes and hands. The winding crown is at 9 o’clock and the caliber is the famous 650 covered with a yellow gold screwed-down case back. Charismatic, precious and with an historically important provenience, this watch comes with its original Box and Additional Link and it is the utmost in understated elegance.