233 Rolex Rare and Highly Special, Cellini King Midas, Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Diamond Set Case, Reference 4609

Estimate: € 12,000 –⁠ 24,000

Model: King Midas
Reference: 4609
Case Material: Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1976
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 651
Case N°: N° 3071, 4 207 616
Dimensions: 27 × 26 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case

Rolex “King Midas” was designed by the legendary Gerald Genta long before he came to prominence with Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus. Introduced in 1962, it was produced through the 1960s before it was absorbed into the Cellini line-up from 1972. The Midas models were characterized by their asymmetrical shape that was inspired by the Pantheon of the Gods and the left-handed winding crown. Among the most renown exponent of the Cellini family of King Midas, one is surely the reference 4609 here offered. This example can for sure be considered as one of the nicest, most rare and precious ever realized by the brand: the yellow gold is very fresh with crisp and deep hallmarks engraved on the back while the reference and number on the integrated yellow-gold bracelet. The bezel/front face has been embellished with a full diamond-set making this reference definelty lavish. The dial is simple but very nice, matching the whole case with a champagne color and is completed by yellow-gold baton hands. The winding crown is at 9 o’clock and the caliber is the famous 651 covered with a yellow gold screwed-down case back. Charismatic, precious and with an historically important background, this watch is the utmost in understated elegance.