Rolex Cellini Moonphase 50535 Discontinued
About This Watch
The Rolex Cellini Moonphase 50535 was one of the most unusual and beautiful watches Rolex ever produced, featuring a moon phase display at 6 o'clock rendered with an actual meteorite disc. The moon itself is crafted from a piece of meteorite with a blue enameled sky featuring stars, creating a miniature celestial scene on the dial. The Cellini collection, named after the Renaissance goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, represented Rolex's dressier, more classical side, far removed from the sport-focused Oyster Professional lineup. The 39mm Everose gold case features a distinctive double bezel with a domed, fluted outer ring and a polished inner ring, creating an elegant frame for the white lacquer dial. The moon phase mechanism is accurate to within one day every 122 years, requiring correction only once per century. The date is displayed via a center hand with a crescent tip pointing to the date around the circumference of the dial. The Cellini line has since been discontinued, making the Moonphase particularly collectible as a limited chapter in Rolex's history. For collectors who appreciate Rolex but want something completely different from the sports watch mainstream, this rare complication watch is a true treasure.
In-Depth Review
# The Cellini Moonphase: Rolex's Understated Answer to Dress Watch Complexity
When Rolex introduced the Cellini Moonphase 50535 in 2017, it signaled a deliberate shift toward refined complications within the manufacture's most elegant collection. Unlike the sports-focused Daytona or GMT-Master II, the Cellini has always represented Rolex's interpretation of haute horlogerie restraint, and the 50535 exemplifies this philosophy through its marriage of astronomical function and dress watch aesthetics. The moonphase complication, rendered with exquisite detail against a white lacquer dial, combines with a subtle date window to create genuine complexity without visual chaos. Housed in a 39mm 18k Everose gold case with a fluted double bezel and powered by the in-house caliber 3195 movement—featuring 31 jewels and a robust 48-hour power reserve—this timepiece demonstrates Rolex's commitment to finishing and technical competence at the highest levels. The brown alligator leather strap anchors its identity as a formal occasion watch, while maintaining the 50-meter water resistance that characterizes the brand's engineering philosophy across all collections.
The Cellini Moonphase targets an affluent collector who views watchmaking as decorative arts rather than functional necessity. Its buyer typically owns multiple timepieces and seeks a sophisticated alternative to sports watches for evening wear, business engagements, and occasions demanding restraint. This watch appeals to those who appreciate Rolex's manufacturing prowess but find the brand's sports models too ubiquitous.
At $27,800 retail and currently trading around $30,000, this discontinued reference occupies a complex market position. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Moonphase commands significantly higher prices due to its
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Rolex 3195 |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 31 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 39.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 12.2mm |
| Case Material | 18k Everose Gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, fluted double bezel |
| Dial Color | White Lacquer |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 46.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 50m / 164ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Brown alligator leather strap |
| Clasp | Folding clasp |
| Weight | 105g |
| Complications |