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1973 Rolex Cellini 4012 - 18K Yellow Gold Blue Foil Dial

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Details
The Artistic Side Of The Crown
The Cellini collection has always been Rolex's canvas for experimentation, a space where the strict design codes of the Oyster case did not apply. This reference 4012 comes from a particularly creative period in the early 1970s when the brand explored unconventional materials and textures. The blue foil dial is a perfect example of this brief, artistic departure from the norm, offering a visual depth and color that standard lacquer dials could never achieve. It represents Rolex at its most expressive.
A Dial With Unique Character
What makes this example special is the texture of its blue foil dial. The surface has developed a light, even speckling over time, a natural evolution of the material. Paired with a ribbed 18k yellow gold case, the entire watch presents as a confident and unusual piece of vintage design.
A Well Preserved And Honest Example
Condition is graded as very good. The 18k yellow gold case is well-preserved, appearing unpolished with its ribbed texture still defined. The blue foil dial is in excellent shape, showing the light, even speckling consistent with its age. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
For The Confident Collector
This is a watch for someone who appreciates the less-traveled roads of the Rolex back catalog. It is refined, elegant, and entirely different from the tool watches that define the brand for most people. The manual-wind movement invites a daily ritual, a moment of connection with a beautifully crafted machine from a more daring era of watch design. It works for anyone who values artistry as much as engineering.
Key Specs
Reference: 4012
Model: Cellini
Year: 1973
Movement: Manual
Case Size: 26x32mm
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Ribbed
Strap: Leather
Dial: Blue Foil
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
SKU: 1502

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Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

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4 months ago

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