
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Cellini, ref. 5112/8, 18K Gold, White Dial, 2000
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- 2000
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Stock no.
- vws4222cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws4222cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Rolex Cellini - Reference 5112/8 - 18K Gold - White Dial - Unworn Full Set with Box and Papers - 2000 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws4222cs), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated 2000. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. 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 — Vintage Watch Specialist
An elegant and understated unworn Rolex Cellini in 18k gold with classic Roman numerals and box and papers, 2000 Introduced in the 1960s, the Rolex Cellini collection was created to showcase the brand’s more refined and dress-focused side. Named after the Italian Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini, the line emphasised elegance, slim profiles and precious materials rather than sporty functionality. Unlike the Oyster models, Cellini watches often featured understated designs and traditional leather straps. Over the decades, the collection became known for timeless sophistication, offering a distinctly different expression of Rolex craftsmanship and style. What's on Offer Named after Italian Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini, the line prioritised refinement, slim proportions and understated luxury over sporty functionality. Unlike Rolex’s Oyster models, Cellini watches embraced classic styling and precious materials, often paired with leather straps for a more formal appearance. This beautiful 18k gold example captures that philosophy perfectly, offering timeless dress watch styling with the reassuring quality and craftsmanship Rolex is known for. This Rolex Cellini reference 5112/8 is an exceptionally elegant dress watch crafted in 18k gold with a beautifully clean white dial and classic Roman numeral hour markers. The slim case profile and minimalist design give the watch a refined appearance that feels effortlessly sophisticated, while the black leather strap provides a sharp contrast against the warm gold case. Powered by the manual wind Rolex calibre 1601, the watch offers a more traditional and tactile wearing experience than many modern dress watches. The watch is in excellent condition, with no noticeable signs of wear. Accompanied by its original box and papers dated 30/10/2000, this is a superbly complete example of one of Rolex’s most understated and elegant collections.”
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
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.
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