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1976 Rolex Cellini 3805 - Grey Dial

Details

This is Rolex thinking differently

The Cellini line was where Rolex stepped away from utility and let form lead. This Ref. 3805 from 1976 is a clean example of that shift. Rectangular proportions, a slim manual wind movement, and white gold execution, all without the visual language people usually associate with the brand. The case shape does the work, keeping it elegant without feeling small.

Why this configuration matters

White gold Cellinis from this period are far less common than their yellow gold counterparts. It changes the entire feel of the watch. The grey sunburst dial plays off the metal in a quieter way, picking up light without trying to dominate it.

This combination sits firmly in late 1960s design thinking. Subtle, deliberate, and unconcerned with trends. It is Rolex exploring restraint through material rather than size.

What you need to know before wearing it

The case shows light wear consistent with age. The grey sunburst dial has a bit of smudging consistent with age. The watch is fitted with a non-original leather strap. The manual wind movement is functioning as intended after passing by our test bench. 

Why this watch still works

This is a Cellini for someone who understands Rolex beyond sports models. It is design driven, refined, and a little unconventional in the best way.

It works as a dress watch or as a quiet daily piece for someone who values proportion, material, and period correct design over recognition. Exactly what a white gold Cellini should be.

Every watch we offer has been authenticated and mechanically looked over to ensure immediate usability.

Bracelet extension, cutting, or sizing is available upon request through our professional in-house jewelers.

Key Specs

Reference: 3805

Model: Cellini

Year: 1969

Movement: Manual wind

Case Size: 31 × 35mm

Bezel: 18k white gold

Bracelet: Leather strap aftermarket

Dial: Grey Sunbust with spotted patina

History

The Cellini line — named after Renaissance goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini — is Rolex's dress watch offering, and it operates on entirely different logic than the sport and tool watches the brand is famous for. No date window, no rotating bezel, no crown guards. Just case, dial, and movement.

Introduced in the late 1960s, Cellini watches are exclusively 18-karat gold and are powered by manual-wind movements. The collection covers an extraordinary range of case shapes across its history: round, oval, rectangular, cushion, asymmetric, and the distinctive Cestello oval — all sharing a commitment to slim proportions and refined finishing that stands apart from anything else in the Rolex catalog.

References span from the early 3800-series oval cases of the late 1960s and early 1970s through the square 4233 Danaos of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Dials range from brushed champagne and silver sunburst to red and blue vignette, white Arabic, and foil patterns that no longer exist in current production. For collectors who want Rolex craftsmanship without the sport-watch aesthetic, Cellini is the answer — and it remains one of the most underappreciated categories in the entire vintage Rolex universe.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!