Rolex Cellini Moonphase: New Moon Dance

Rolex Cellini Moonphase, Case ref. 50535. This 39mm wristwatch is equipped with the Manufacture Calibre 3195 automatic movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and features the moon phase display that is accurate for 122 years. It also comes with an adjustable folding crown clasp in 18K Everose gold, a first for a Cellini watch. Priced at CHF25,550. Photo: © TANG Portfolio / TimeWerke. Elfa / Timmy. BaselWorld 2017.

“Can I just have one more Moon dance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with you, my love?”

~ Chorus of Moondance (1970) by Van Morrison

Yes, Van Morrison’s Moondance of 1970 came to mind when we saw this Rolex Cellini Moonphase and yes, once again, Rolex has romanced fans of its dressy Cellini collection with this elegant piece.

And we also say “yes” to Van Morrison’s Moondance rhythm and blues song and would recommend listening to it as you read this article.

With this Cellini Moonphase, the Rolex Cellini collection which was re-launched in 2014, now has a wristwatch with the moon phase display.

The Cellini Moonphase, housed in an 18K Everose gold (case ref. 50535), is the first for this collection and the third model from Rolex featuring the moon phase indication.

The first Rolex to be equipped with the moon phase display was the Reference 8171 “Padellone” triple date with moon phase that was produced between 1949 and 1952.

What followed by the Reference 6062 “Stelline”, also featuring triple date with moon phase that was produced between 1950 and 1953. One extremely rare and valuable example is the Reference 6062 “Bao Dai”.

Both the Reference 8171 and Reference 6062 were equipped with self-winding movements. One major difference between the two is that the Reference 8171 has a snap-on case back while the Reference 6062 has a screw-down case back for water-resistance.

Powered by the brand’s in-house Calibre 3195 automatic movement, the Rolex Cellini Moonphase presented in 2017 at BaselWorld features the calendar date pointer where its central hand with a crescent moon tip will indicate the date found along the circumference of the dial.

The Cellini Moonphase does not feature the triple date calendar display (like its predecessors the References 8171 and 6062) but the point to note is that its moon phase display is accurate for 122 years and the mechanism is patented.

Another first for a Cellini model is that the Cellini Moonphase has a folding Crownclasp in 18K Everose gold.

Rolex Cellini Moonphase
Case ref. 50535
Superlative Chronometer certification
Introduced in 2017
Technical Specifications:

• Manufacture Calibre 3195 automatic movement
• 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
• Precision: +2 / -2 seconds a day, after casing
• 31 rubies
• Approximately 48 hours power reserve
• Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
• Rolex overcool
• Paraflex shock absorbers-Central hour, minute and seconds hands
• Moon phase display
• Double bezel, domed and fluted
• Screw-down, flared winding crown with Rolex emblem
• Blue enamelled moon phase disc, full moon in meteorite, rhodium-plated, silver moon and stars, pad printed
• Central calendar date pointer hand
• White lacquer dial, hour markers in 18K pink gold, hands in 18K pink gold
• 39mm diameter case in 18K Everose gold, polished finish
• Water-resistant to 50m (165 ft)
• Brown alligator leather strap
• Adjustable folding crown clasp in 18K Everose gold

Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai”: An important piece of history

Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai”. Once owned by Nguyen Phuc Vinh Thuy, otherwise known as “Bao Dai”, the last emperor of Vietnam who purchased this watch in Geneva in 1954. Featuring the triple calendar and moon phase display, this Rolex Reference 6062 in yellow gold is said to be one of only three black dial models known to exist with diamond markers. Of the three, this particular example features the diamond markers at the even hours. Offered for sale at Phillips’ “Geneva Watch Auction: Five” on 13 and 14 May 2017. Estimated value: in excess of US$1.5 million. Photo: © Phillips.

The Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai” earned itself the title of “the most expensive Rolex watch ever sold at auction” in 2002 when it first went under the hammer for around CHF370,000.

It went beyond its estimated value of between CHF200,000 and CHF250,000 indicated by auction house Phillips de Pury (now known as Phillips).

What is the Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai”?

The Rolex Reference 6062, produced between 1950 and 1953, is said to be the first Oyster-cased watch to feature the moon phase display.

It is said that the Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai” was presented at the 1953 Basel watch fair.

It is nicknamed “Bao Dai” because Nguyen Phuc Vinh Thuy (1913 to 1997), the 13th and last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, the final ruling family of Vietnam, purchased this rare and exclusive watch in 1954.

Nguyen Phuc Vinh Thuy was the son of Emperor Khai Dinh. In 1925, Nguyen Vinh Thuy was given the title “Bao Dai” or the “Keeper of Greatness” when he was made emperor of Vietnam following the demise of his father.

Bao Dai acquired the Rolex Reference 6062 in Geneva. He was there for peace talks between the French and the Viet Minh and purchased the Rolex Reference 6062 during a break.

Bao Dai is said to have kept his Rolex watch till his death in 1997.

What else is special about this Rolex Reference 6062 apart from its imperial provenance?

There are only three known Rolex Reference 6062 models with a black dial set with diamond hour markers featuring the triple calendar indications (day, date and month) and moon phase display.

Moreover, of the three, this is the only one known that has diamonds set on the even hours, making it an extremely rare and unique piece.

This Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai” will be offered for sale by auctioneer Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo during its auction on 13 and 14 May 2017 held at Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva.

The Rolex Reference 6062 is valued at more than US$1.5 million and many Rolex fans and collectors will be closely monitoring how this rare and important piece of history will fetch at auction a second time round