Here we have a beautiful 1990 Rolex Cellini reference 4087. It has the tonneau shaped 18ct yellow gold case with the brushed bezel having the engraved dashes for the minute and hour markers. The dial is factory original with the champagne tone lightly brushed sunburst. It has the Rolex cornet at 12 with the diamond markers set at 3, 6 and 9. To the right is the original crown with the Rolex cornet logo. The case back has the brushed finish and is signed with the reference, serial number and defined hallmarking. Inside the case has further Swiss hallmarking and reference signing. The movement is the compact manually wound calibre 1602 which is adjusted to 20 jewels and is adjust to 4 positions. The watch comes on its original dark Brown Rolex genuine Crocodile strap, with the 18ct yellow gold Rolex cornet buckle. It is watch only with no box or paperwork.

The Cellini:
The Rolex Cellini showcases the more elegant side of Rolex, compared to its all-action sports models. After Hans Wilsdorfs death in 1960, the new era of management (under Andre Heiniger and Rene-Paul Jeanneret) heralded the transition towards the dress market, with the Cellini line officially launched in 1968. The line remained distinct within Rolex’ portfolio making exclusive use of precious metals. The line reflected the tastes and design trends of the time, while maintaining a focus on class and sophistication. Sadly, the Cellini line was phased out in 2022 with the line fully discontinued in March 2023.

The interest in the Cellini has increased in recent years, due to a combination of the lines ceased production and the switch in collectors taste to dressier watches, formed of precious metals.

The watch:
The reference 4087 stands out for its use of the bezel as a canvas for the hour and minute markers. The finely brushed finish radiates outwards, complimenting the lightly brushed sunburst finish to the dial. The dashes are engraved with the polished finish to provide contrast and depth. The large dashes stretch to the outside of the bezel, marking the hours, while the minute markers in-between are much shorter.

This tonneau case variation is rarely seen with the diamond markers, it is more commonly seen in the oval case. The dial is simple yet elegant. The finishing is flawless with the champagne tone dial having the lightly brushed sunburst which radiates in the light. There is a subtle gloss to the top of the dial which adds another layer of sophistication to the finish. At 12 o’clock the Rolex cornet logo is proudly applied in gold. Below is the ‘Rolex Geneve’ signing, with the ‘Cellini’ signing above 6 o’clock. The cornet logo is balanced with the square set diamond quarters at 3, 6 and 9. Below the diamond at 6 is the ‘Swiss’ signing.

The case is formed of 18ct yellow gold and is well proportioned for either a gent or a lady, measuring 27.65mm wide without crown and 31.65mm in length without the lugs. It is an ultra slim and comfortable watch with a depth of just 5.5mm.

It is a two-piece case which is well made and heavy for the size. It is the tonneau shape with the curved corners and sides. This provides the flowing canvas for the bezel finish. As mentioned above it has the radial brushed finish which complements the dial. The hour dashes are elongated with the short minute markers. It is a pleasing and novel way to tell the time, by using these bezel markers. The lugs are thin and straight with the downturn to the wrist, which along with the thin depth, makes it a very comfortable wear. The sides have the polished finish and to the right-hand side is the neat coin edge crown which has the raised cornet logo to the face. The case back mirrors the front in perfect symmetry with the tonneau shaped dished edge and matching flat face. The outside has the polished finish with the face having a light vertical brushing. The top of the case has the notch for opening with the reference signing ‘4087’. To the right-hand side is the clearly defined Swiss hallmarking. To the base is the E serial number with the ‘18k’ stamp. Inside it is signed with the Rolex name and the Swiss hallmarking for 18k gold. It has the poincon de maitre no. 29 which we have not been able to identify. It has the further reference signing below.

The watch comes on its original Rolex dark brown genuine Crocodile leather strap. It has the original Rolex buckle with the cornet, which is formed of 18ct yellow gold. It has the well-defined Swiss hallmarking to the underside.

The movement is the Rolex calibre 1602. It is a thin and durable manual wind movement, with KIF shock protection and a jewel count of 20. It has a frequency of 21,600 BPH, improving on the 1600 and 1601 movement. The service history is unknown, but the movement is well oiled and is keeping excellent time in line with specification. It has a daily variation of +10 seconds per day with an amplitude of 320 degrees and a 0.0 m/s beat error.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is in excellent original condition with no visible ageing or marking. There is a slight oxidised tone to the diamond setting surround.

Hands:
The hands are in excellent original condition with no visible marking.

Glass:
The glass is in excellent original condition with no marking.

Crown:
The crown is in very good original condition. It has the well-defined Rolex Cornet logo.

Case:
The case is 18ct yellow gold and is in good original, unpolished condition. It has some light marking to the bezel. The original brushed finishes are good.

Caseback:
The snap-on case back is formed of 18ct yellow gold and is in good condition for the age. The brushed finish is good and original, there is one slight scratch. The hallmarking is clearly defined.

Strap:
It comes on its original Rolex crocodile leather strap which is in good condition, with plenty of life. It features the 18ct Rolex deployment buckle which is in good condition, with well-defined logo and hallmarking.

Movement:
The movement is the Rolex calibre 1602. It is a thin and durable manual wind movement, with KIF shock protection and a jewel count of 20. It has a frequency of 21,600 BPH.

The service history is unknown, but the movement is well oiled and is keeping excellent time in line with specification. It has a daily variation of +10 seconds per day with an amplitude of 320 degrees and a 0.0 m/s beat error.

Case dimensions
Case width: 27.65mm
Case width with crown: 29.2mm
Case length: 31.65mm
Case length lug to lug: 38.5mm
Case depth: 5.5mm
Lug width: 16mm