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1988 Rolex Cellini 5042 - 18K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial

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Details
The Other Side Of The Crown
The Cellini line has always been Rolex’s canvas for pure dress watch design, a departure from the rugged utility of the Oyster case. Named for the Florentine goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, these watches prioritize elegance and precious materials. This Reference 5042 from 1988 is a perfect example of that philosophy, executed in solid 18K yellow gold. What sets it apart is the dial, a complex piece of mother-of-pearl that has been treated with a geometric guilloche pattern, creating a honeycomb effect. Paired with diamond and Roman numeral indices, it’s a demonstration of layered craft that is rarely seen on Rolex models.
A Study In Preservation And Detail
This example is notable for its exceptional state of preservation. The original caseback sticker remains intact, a clear indicator that the watch has seen very little wear since it was produced. The dial is a focal point, showcasing multiple techniques from the factory. The mother-of-pearl base provides an iridescent canvas for the precise geometric engraving, which in turn frames the factory-set diamonds. This level of detail, combined with the integrated 18K gold beaded bracelet, makes the watch feel more like a piece of jewelry than a simple time-telling instrument.
Excellent, With Minimal Signs Of Time
This piece is in excellent condition. The case, dial, and integrated bracelet are in top form. The only signs of use are some light marks on the caseback. The original factory caseback sticker is still present. The intricate mother-of-pearl dial is clean, and the 18K yellow gold beaded bracelet is structurally sound. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
An Elegant Departure
This Cellini is for the person who appreciates Rolex craftsmanship but wants something more refined and less common than a sports model. It is an exercise in late-80s elegance, executed with a level of dial work that commands a closer look. Winding the manual movement each day creates a tactile connection to the watch, a ritual that grounds the owner in the simple mechanics of timekeeping. It’s a confident and sophisticated choice that works because it doesn't rely on the same design language as the rest of the brand's catalog.
Key Specs
Reference: 5042
Model: Cellini
Year: 1988
Movement: Manual
Case Size: 32mm
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold Beaded Bracelet
Bracelet Length: Fits 7.55-7.8in
Dial: Mother of Pearl with Geometric Guilloche, Diamond Indices and Roman Numerals
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 84.8g
SKU: 1652