Roman columns, 244 diamonds, a romance for the wrist

First introduced in the 1960s, the Rolex Cellini line was created as the maison’s foray into the world of refined dress watches—an intentional departure from the robust, tool-oriented designs that defined its Oyster offerings. Named after the Italian Renaissance goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, the collection celebrated artistic form, classical proportions, and precious materials. Rolex sought to carve a space alongside the likes of Patek Philippe, Piaget, and Audemars Piguet—where elegance, restraint, and craftsmanship came first.

Over the decades, the Cellini family played host to a variety of shapes and silhouettes—round, oval, square, rectangular—many of them defined by bold experimentation. Among these, certain pieces stood apart: rare creations offered discreetly through Rolex’s elusive Crown Collection. Reserved for longstanding clients, dignitaries, and members of royal households, these watches were often crafted in minuscule quantities, with a level of detail and individuality rarely associated with the Rolex name. Their quiet scarcity has made them cult objects for collectors—watches that even seasoned experts may only encounter once, if ever.

A fitting example of such a watch is this Reference 4137, a quietly theatrical piece that brings together architecture, gem-setting, and proportion in perfect harmony. Measuring 26mm by 34mm, its rectangular case feels poised and confident, anchored by wide, fluted flanks and vertically brushed grooves that recall a classical coin edge. The contrast of white and yellow gold is elegantly judged—the crown and dual horizontal bars framing the dial add a sculptural quality to the piece, while it’s slightly bowed case sides subtly echo Roman columns in miniature.

The centerpiece, quite literally, is the dial: a masterfully executed pavé setting, with 244 diamonds arranged in seamless symmetry. Yellow gold hands and applied plaques bearing the 'Rolex' and 'Genève' signatures provide just the right punctuation against the brilliance of the stones. It's one of those rare instances where the dial feels like a precious object in its own right—carefully framed, deeply considered, and fully integrated into the overall design language.

There is a sense of romance to this Cellini that is increasingly hard to find—its proportions, its presence, and the care with which every detail has been executed speak to a bygone era of quiet luxury. Watches like this feel like time capsules from a Rolex that was once more experimental, more intimate, and perhaps more artistically ambitious. Despite a thorough search, no second example has appeared in public archives or sales platforms—a reminder that some watches were never made to be mass produced.

Offered now through Momentum, this Reference 4137 represents not only a remarkable piece of Rolex design, but also an opportunity to collect a watch that rarely, if ever, surfaces. In a world awash with sports watches and hype, it’s a quiet celebration of refinement—waiting for the next collector to fall in love.

SKU: 1.2.374
Brand: Rolex
Model: Cellini
Ref. No.: 4137
Serial No.: 6942xxx
Year: 1981
Gender: Gents
Case Size: 26x34mm
Case: Excellent and rare and unusual white and yellow gold case retained in beautiful vintage condition. The rectangular case is decorated with fine vertical grooves showing a coin edge finishing on the front and sides of the case. Two yellow gold bars above and under the dial. Original embossed yellow gold crown
Bracelet / Strap: Generic leather strap and Rolex 18K Gold pin buckle
Dial: Excellent Pavee dial with matching hands
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Manual
Condition: Very good
Box: Momentum Leather Pouch
Papers: Momentum Warranty Card

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