The Rolex Cellini Moonphase in Everose Gold: A Celestial Triumph of Elegance

In the pantheon of luxury timepieces, Rolex has long been celebrated for its rugged tool watches—icons like the Submariner and Daytona that dominate the spotlight. Yet, within the quieter corners of its catalog lies the Cellini collection, a lineage dedicated to understated sophistication and classical watchmaking. Among these refined offerings, the Rolex Cellini Moonphase Everose Gold, reference 50535-0002, emerges as a standout—a watch that marries timeless design with a rare celestial complication. Introduced in 2017 and discontinued in 2023, this model has quietly garnered a following among those who prize elegance over ostentation. But does it deserve the title of the best-looking Cellini? Let’s explore its intricacies to find out.

A Design Rooted in Renaissance Grace

The Cellini Moonphase is named after Benvenuto Cellini, the Italian Renaissance goldsmith and sculptor, a nod to its artisanal heritage. At 39 mm, the case is crafted from Rolex’s proprietary 18 ct Everose gold—a pink gold alloy that exudes warmth and subtlety, distinguishing it from the cooler tones of yellow or white gold. The polished case is paired with a double bezel, a hallmark of the Cellini line, featuring a domed outer edge and a delicately fluted inner ring. This interplay of textures lends the watch a refined depth, catching light in a way that feels both luxurious and restrained.

The white lacquered dial is a study in clarity, adorned with applied rose gold baton markers and a fine printed minute track. At 6 o’clock, the moonphase subdial steals the show—a blue enamelled sky dotted with a meteorite disc for the full moon and an empty ring for the new moon, tracked by a triangular pointer. A central blued hand with a crescent tip sweeps across the dial, indicating the date on a peripheral Arabic numeral scale. This layout is both functional and poetic, evoking the night sky in a way few modern watches achieve.

Yet, the design isn’t without debate. While many laud its celestial charm and balanced proportions—Hodinkee called it “perfectly proportioned” in their 2017 introduction—others critique the moonphase’s abstract pointer system. Unlike traditional displays that mimic the moon’s waxing and waning, this version requires interpretation, a point of contention for purists who argue it sacrifices intuition for innovation.

A Technical Marvel: The Calibre 3195

Beneath its elegant exterior beats the Calibre 3195, a self-winding mechanical movement developed in-house by Rolex. Certified as a Superlative Chronometer, it boasts a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day, surpassing COSC standards. The movement features a bidirectional Perpetual rotor, delivering a 48-hour power reserve, and incorporates a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations. At its heart lies the moonphase module, a technical feat accurate to 122 years—a lunar cycle tracked with such precision that it rivals the longevity of celestial bodies themselves.

This isn’t Rolex’s first foray into moonphases; vintage references like the 6062 and 8171 from the 1950s showcased similar complications. However, the 50535-0002 marks a triumphant return after a decades-long hiatus, unveiled at Baselworld 2017 as a modern ode to that legacy. The use of a meteorite disc—sourced from extraterrestrial fragments—adds a literal piece of the cosmos, elevating the watch beyond mere mechanics into the realm of storytelling.

Craftsmanship and Materials

Rolex’s mastery of materials shines through in the 50535-0002. The Everose gold case, cast in the brand’s own foundry, ensures a consistent hue and finish, while the domed sapphire crystal offers scratch resistance and a subtle magnification of the dial. The tobacco brown alligator leather strap, paired with an 18 ct rose gold folding clasp, complements the case’s warmth, though some owners note its stiffness could improve with wear. The meteorite moon disc, a rarity in watchmaking, introduces a textured, organic contrast to the polished surfaces, its crystalline patterns unique to each piece.

On the Wrist: Elegance Meets Versatility

With a thickness of approximately 13 mm, the Cellini Moonphase sits comfortably under a cuff, though it’s not as svelte as some ultra-thin dress watches. Its 50-meter water resistance makes it practical for daily wear, a nod to Rolex’s utilitarian roots even in its dressiest guise. Owners on forums like Reddit praise its versatility—one wearer described it as “a dress watch I can wear casually,” appreciating its departure from the brand’s sportier staples. However, the strap’s ergonomics and the moonphase’s readability remain points of discussion, with some preferring the simplicity of other Cellini models like the Time or Date.

Market Position and Value

Retailing at approximately $22,550 USD when new, the 50535-0002 now commands pre-owned prices between $20,000 and $30,000 USD, according to Chrono24 listings. The Cellini collection’s discontinuation in 2023, replaced by the Perpetual 1908, has sparked speculation about its future value. Limited production runs and the rarity of the moonphase complication suggest it could become a collector’s darling, much like its mid-century predecessors. Compared to peers like Patek Philippe’s moonphase offerings, it trades on Rolex’s brand equity and robust construction rather than the intricate hand-finishing of haute horlogerie.

A Comparative Glance

Within the Cellini family, the Moonphase stands alone with its complication, outshining the simpler Time, Date, and Dual Time models in complexity and visual intrigue. Against competitors—think Vacheron Constantin’s Patrimony Moon Phase or Patek Philippe’s Calatrava—it offers a distinctive modern twist on the moonphase, though its abstract display may not sway traditionalists. Its Everose gold case and meteorite detail, however, give it a unique edge in the dress watch arena.

The Verdict: Best-Looking Cellini?

Beauty is subjective, but the 50535-0002 makes a compelling case. Its warm Everose gold, celestial moonphase, and balanced proportions create a harmonious whole that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Critics of the moonphase display have a point—its pointer system lacks the visceral clarity of a waxing crescent—but this quirk only enhances its individuality. For those who value innovation alongside elegance, it’s arguably the pinnacle of the Cellini line. Discontinuation only sweetens the deal, promising future appreciation for those who act now.

In a world where Rolex is synonymous with rugged luxury, the Cellini Moonphase offers a quieter brilliance—a watch that whispers rather than shouts, yet commands attention with every glance at its starry subdial. Whether it’s the “best-looking” Cellini depends on taste, but it’s undeniably the most captivating.

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