153
Rolex
Ref. 3393
Cellini "Maha"
A probably unique and flamboyant platinum and diamond-set bracelet watch
Full-Cataloguing
- A probably unique bracelet watch set with diamonds weighing 28.54 carats
- Features a never seen before model line called "Maha"
- Accompanied by a photocopy of letter from Rolex signed by Patrick Heiniger
Since its inception, Rolex has, of course, been known for its commitment to creating reliable and highly accurate tool watches, designed with timeless aesthetics. On exceptionally rare occasions, however, when Rolex creates jewellery and design-focused timepieces, the results are nothing short of spectacular. This was particularly true during the 1970s, when Rolex produced bracelet watches of dramatic size, incorporating sensual shapes and patterns that form the case and bracelet, resulting in truly stunning creations.
As described in a letter from Rolex, signed by Patrick Heiniger, confirming that the present watch is probably unique and set with 525 brilliant diamonds weighing 28.54 carats, this timepiece is a study in flamboyance and glamour. Designed under the Cellini line with the previously unseen model name "Maha" on the dial, the present watch is most notably a bracelet watch with links made up of a triangular design, giving it incredible sculptural flair on the wrist. Research indicates that "Maha" means "wild oryx" or "white stones that shine" in Arabic—most likely a reference to the exquisite setting of the diamonds. One can easily imagine that the intended client was an important dignitary or royal from the Middle East.
Historically, Rolex hardly ever does unique pieces. To discover one, such as the present watch is momentous moment, showcasing Rolex's ingenuity during the 1970s.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.