Rolex Cellini 18K YG King Midas ref# 9630 circa 1962. A distinctive and dramatic asymmetrical heavy gold model owing its design to none other than Gerald Genta of Royal Oak, Nautilus, and Pasha fame. Featuring a 28mm wide case with horizontal brushed finish, segmented hinged link design, and with double fold butterfly deployant clasp. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind ultra thin caliber 650 movement. With unique domed saw tooth design crown. This is an early first generation of this famed model, with dial signed MIDAS in stylized Greek style lettering and with the quite rare right hand, not left hand wind.

The round case back is secured by 4 screws.

The bracelet is large and will comfortably fit a 7 1/2” wrist. The case and bracelet are all unpolished and have sharp edges and show only occasional light surface scratches. The original champagne dial is in excellent condition with no issues whatsoever.

This watch was reputed to be the heaviest gold bracelet model produced by any company at this time. Aptly named after King Midas from ancient Greek history renowned to have the magical ability to turn everything he touched into gold. As a further nod to ancient Greek history when turned on it’s side, sitting on its flat base, the watch case reflects the classic geometry of the Parthenon, and the vertical bars of the bracelet, the columns of this iconic Greek temple. The domed saw tooth crown, with rays extending outward, symbolizes the overhead sun.

Recently fully serviced, in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. Guaranteed genuine and offered with our 1 year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation.

Note: only the first and second generations of the King Midas bear the name MIDAS on the dial. The 3rd generation is signed Cellini on the dial,  There are other Cellini models that are referred to more generally as King Midas, which have neither the distinctive asymmetrical case nor the MIDAS name on the dial, and of course are not as desirable as the current example.

As noted in the definitive essay on the model, the earliest versions of the 9630 did not have the KING MIDAS engraving on the edge of the case, and while this model is often seen with a the left hand wind, this example is designed as a right hand wind only. A pin extends from the top plate of the movement through a small cut out in the dial, and is secured with a small pin hole on the underside of the bezel. This pin keeps the round movement secure in the case, but also prevents the dial from being rotated 180 degrees to turn the watch into a left hand wind.

Click here for a definitive essay on the history and variations of the King Midas models,