The Rolex Cellini Time reference 50505 is not like most Rolex timepieces. Most notably the case is NOT an oyster design. Rolex is well known for its Oyster design case which provided waterproofness for the first time in the horological world.
However, there are many other watch face designs that have appeared before and after the Oyster, and Rolex paid homage to one of the most classic watch bodies with the Cellini.
The Rolex Cellini Time Reference 50505
The Rolex Cellini Time is an elegant timepiece that combines the Rolex standards with the classic tradition of the round-shaped timepiece. The reference 50505 is designed with pure 18 carat Everose gold which was developed by Rolex in 2005.
The hour hand, minute hand, and the hour marker appliques are designed with a double-edged sword look – also in Everose gold.
The hour appliques are split in half with the inner ring indicating minutes or seconds notation depending on which hand you are referring to. The sole exception is at 12 o’clock, where double appliques represent 0, 60 (minutes and seconds), and 12 (hours) on the dial, and there is no separation as there is on hour markers 1 through 11.
The case is 39 mm with a polished finish. The Cellini has a double bezel which is domed on the inside and fluted on the outside. The screw-down winding crown has the traditional Rolex emblem on it. In fact, the winding crown looks like a Rolex crown that juts out of the right side of the timepiece.
The timepiece is covered by a domed sapphire crystal. The traditional white dial beautifully offsets the pink gold and black markings and text. The Rolex “Cellini” name is uniquely inscribed in cursive on the white dial.
The Cellini is powered by a 31 ruby-clad caliber 3132 which has a bidirectional self-winding perpetual rotor, giving it approximately 48 hours of power reserve.
The reference 50505 has water resistance to 165 feet but it isn’t intended to be a typical waterproof or athletic tool timepiece. The Cellini is made to be a dress watch with the look and feel of a classic timepiece.
The Cellini is fitted with a stitched alligator leather strap with large scales and an 18 ct gold buckle which matches the Everose gold of the watch case. While many Rolex timepieces serve dual purposes, the Cellini is less so.
It isn’t meant to be used for active wear. At 39 mm it is also fairly small on the wrist compared to Rolex’s 40mm + timepieces.
Rolex has seemed to remove the Rolex Cellini Time from its collection of timepieces on the Rolex.com website. In fact, there is only one Cellini on the site today which is a Cellini Moonphase.
Gone too are the Cellini Dual Time and the Cellini Date models. Rolex may be retooling the Cellini lineup and it might appear with a new version in the years to come.
For now, if you want to acquire a classic Rolex Cellini Time 50505 you will need to go to the after market. A Rolex Cellini Time could be snatched up for around $14,000 today.
Rubber B initially developed the Structure Series band which has 6 leather bracelets for the Rolex Cellini Time reference 50505. The two black leather bracelets are available in genuine alligator or full-grain leather with the patented Rubber B vulcanized rubber base for comfort and durability.
However, now, Rubber B also developed Swimskin – 100% Vegan friendly waterproof bands made from pure vulcanized rubber. These bands are made with the same look and feel of real leather, with the same creases that a truly leather band would have. This process is a machine invented solution developed over several years, and perfected into making faux leather and fabric and other style bands which are fit for strength and athletic activities.
The Rubber B bracelets are made in Switzerland out of pure vulcanized rubber with leather stitched on top. The Rubber B Structure Series bands are fitted with a 316L Stainless Steel tang buckle-providing a durable clasp that provides excellent support for a sports watch of this caliber. For more information visit the Rubber B universal band page here.
