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Rolex Cellini white gold and diamond-set pocket watch, 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

Rolex Cellini white gold and diamond-set pocket watch, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Rolex (maker)
Date
1970s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
gold, diamond
Stock no.
Product 2227
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 2227)
Catalogue title (original)
Rolex Cellini 18karat white gold and diamond wind pocket watch – 1970’s (English)

Editor's note

The shop listing dates the watch to the 1970s; the import had kept only '20th century'.

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 2227), this is a pocket watch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold, diamond. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The Rolex Cellini 18karat white gold and diamond wind pocket watch from the 1970s is a true embodiment of timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship. This exquisite timepiece, meticulously crafted in Switzerland, showcases a harmonious blend of luxurious materials and intricate detailing. The 18karat white gold case, adorned with 48 brilliant cut diamonds totaling 1.92 carats, exudes sophistication and opulence. The diamonds, with their exceptional VS1 clarity and G color, enhance the watch’s allure, making it a standout piece in any collection. The silver dial, featuring printed Roman numerals and an inner five-minute chapter, is complemented by contrasting black hands, ensuring both readability and style. Powered by a manual wind Calibre 1600 movement with 19 jewels, this open-face keyless wind pocket watch is not only a visual delight but also a testament to Rolex’s renowned precision and reliability. Despite minor signs of usage and slight scratches on the glass, the watch remains in good condition, reflecting its enduring quality and charm. With a diameter of 36mm and a weight of 35 grams, this Rolex Cellini pocket watch is a remarkable piece of horological history, perfect for the discerning collector. Up for sale is a stunning Rolex Cellini pocket watch, crafted from 18karat white gold and adorned with diamonds. This open-face keyless wind timepiece was made in Switzerland during the 1970s and is in good condition with minor signs of usage. The silver dial features printed Roman numerals and an inner five-minute chapter, while black hands provide contrast. The watch is powered by a manual wind Calibre 1600 movement with 19 jewels. The 18karat white gold case is decorated with 48 brilliant cut diamonds, weighing a total of 1.92 carats. The diamonds are of exceptional quality, with a clarity of VS1 and a color of G. The watch is signed on both the case and movement and comes with a diameter of 36mm and a weight of 35 grams. Despite some slight scratches on the glass, this Rolex Cellini pocket watch is a stunning timepiece that would make a wonderful addition to any collection. Creator: Rolex Case Material: White Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Brilliant Cut Weight: 35 g Case Shape: Round Movement: Manual Wind Place of Origin: Switzerland Period: 1970-1979 Date of Manufacture: 1970’s Condition: Good

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz pocket watches and inexpensive novelty watches appeared, while traditional mechanical pocket watches survived mainly as collectibles and gifts.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Pocket watches

The pocket watch was the dominant personal timekeeper from the late seventeenth century until the First World War. Its development tracks the history of the escapement: verge watches with fusees until the late eighteenth century; Thomas Mudge's lever escapement (c. 1755) and the cylinder escapement popularised by George Graham and later by Swiss makers; and the Swiss and English lever watches of the nineteenth century. Lépine's bar-bridge calibre and keyless winding made watches thinner and easier to use.

Industrialisation transformed the trade: American factories such as Waltham (from 1850) and Elgin produced interchangeable parts by machine, and Swiss makers responded with their own mechanisation after the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. By 1900 a reliable watch was affordable to millions; the finest makers continued to produce complications and precision watches.

What to look for

  • The escapement: verge (crown wheel), cylinder, duplex, English or Swiss lever.
  • Key winding (a square arbor in dial or back) or keyless crown winding.
  • Signatures and serial numbers on the movement, dial and inside case back.
  • Hallmarks, case maker's marks and gold or silver standards stamped in the case.
  • Dial material: enamel, silver, gold, later printed metal.

Dating clues

  • Verge watches dominate before c. 1800; cylinder watches c. 1770–1900; lever watches after c. 1820.
  • Keyless winding: increasingly common after c. 1860.
  • Manufacturer serial number lists exist for Waltham, Elgin, Longines, Omega, Patek Philippe and others.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Verge escapementDetached lever escapementFuseeIdentification Centre

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