Rolex Ladies' Cellini watches

Rolex Cellini for Ladies

Those who say quartz watches are of lesser quality than mechanical ones ought to check out the beautifully crafted and classically elegant ladies models in the rolex cellini collection.
While it is true that most Rolex wristwatches have a mechanical movement, one of the particularities of the Cellini line is that its women's models - named Cellissima, Quartz, and Orchid -- are ticking exclusively with an electronic mechanism.

Rolex Cellissima

 Let's talk about the Cellissima watches first, for if I were a woman (though not necessarily a "lady") they would probably be my favourite Rolex models. Why? Because these 18-carat white gold timepieces are gracefully elegant and have that "eternal" look that never gets outdated. Though some watches- sports or other functional models, for example - can be rough around the edges, there is nothing even remotely harsh about the Cellissimas.

To the contrary, two models with the tonneau-shaped cases have soft and fluid lines, and look like they were designed to blend with any wrist snugly and comfortably. One model has a pale-pink dial with Roman numerals, a bezel set with brilliants, and a green leather strap with a gold folding clasp. The other one has a white dial, a polished bezel, brilliants-encrusted end-pieces - parts that join the case to the bracelet - and a blue leather strap with a folding clasp.

Despite the use of brilliants, both watches have a decidedly reserved, rather than sumptuous, look. I think it is because the leather straps are in muted colors, imparting a discreetly elegant look to the timepieces.

I like to think of the third Cellissima model as the "rebel," because its design is much bolder than its sisters': a round silver "Jubilee" dial with diamond hour markers, bezel and end-pieces set with brilliants, and a bright pink leather strap. Again, I think the higher "flashiness" quotient of this watch has a lot to do with the color of the strap - there is just no way you can call hot pink "subdued."

You will like the tonneau-shaped Cellissima models if you favour dressiness that is not overly conspicuous. If you prefer "loud" timepieces, then the one with the pink strap will not go unnoticed.

Cellini Quartz

The lone model in the Quartz line is different from its Cellissima kin. With a champagne dial and a very intricate "Damier" bracelet - rather than leather straps -- this 18-carat yellow gold wristwatch is smooth and sleek. Although all-gold watches sometimes tend to be a bit overwhelming, especially for yours truly, the unfussy design and soft lines of the Quartz model imbue a classic simplicity to it.
The Rolex Cellini Quartz features Arabic numerals framed by a champagne dial.

Cellini Orchid

Now that I have talked about the discreet elegance of the Cellissima and quartz watches, let me take a rather drastic detour. I say "drastic" because the design of the third women's wristwatch in the Cellini line, the Orchid, is in total contrast with the fluid softness, classic simplicity and clarity of the other models.

This audacious and glitzy 18-carat yellow gold watch with a distinctly "Baroque" look has a white mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds, and a bezel and bracelet set with brilliants. The craftsmanship of this timepiece is superb, but you really have to be seriously enamored of an exaggerated opulence to wear this watch in public. No doubt it is a head-turner - and probably a fender-bender as well - but it is rather inconsistent with my personal preference for less adorned watches.

I hasten to add that those who like the bejeweled dial and bezel, but think the ornate bracelet is just too much, might be happy to know this model is also available with a leather strap.

Does it matter that these elegant timepieces are powered by a quartz movement? If you are a by-the-book traditionalist who believes that beauty comes from within, then you may prefer a mechanical wristwatch. But as far as I am concerned, a beautiful Rolex watch will never ...er... tick me off.