ROLEX KING MIDAS

Maker: Rolex
Model: King Midas Cellini
Reference: 4143
Year: 1981
Serial: 6'9xx'xxx
Material: 18K White Gold / Famous Yellow Midas Strip surounded with 12 diamonds
Dial: Silver dial 3,6 & 9 O'clock Diamond indexes
Dimensions: 28mm
Crystal: Plexiglass
Clasp: Rolex Buckle & Original Rolex Strap
Box & Papers: None

The King Midas Cellini has graced the wrists of some of history's most iconic figures. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock & Roll, was gifted a King Midas after his performances at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1970. This watch, bearing the number 343, is now displayed at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. 

John Wayne, the legendary actor known as "The Duke," also owned a King Midas, numbered 557. His watch was sold in 2011 during the "The Personal Property of John Wayne" auction, fetching a price well over three times its pre-sale estimate. 

The King Midas even made its way onto the silver screen, adorning the wrist of Francisco Scaramanga, the villain played by Christopher Lee in the 1974 James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun." ^

Morning Clarity: The Art Collector’s Gallery Stroll

Outfit: Cream cashmere turtleneck, high-waisted charcoal flannel trousers, suede loafers, and tortoiseshell sunglasses.

Begin the day with soft light, warm coffee, and an early visit to the gallery district. The Rolex King Midas Cellini pairs beautifully with understated elegance—a reminder that true luxury is felt, not flaunted.

The cool tones of the white gold reflect off the cream knit, creating a harmonious dialogue between warmth and polish. The watch sits like a secret—only visible to those who truly observe. The sparkle of diamond indexes mimics sunlight bouncing off framed glass, catching eyes and stirring quiet intrigue.

Style Note: When layering minimal textures, let your watch be the punctuation. Nothing else needs to shimmer when the King Midas graces your wrist.

Afternoon Impact: Power Lunch in the City

Outfit: Navy double-breasted blazer, crisp white shirt with a Neapolitan collar, slim camel trousers, leather brogues, and a silk pocket square.

The King Midas Cellini thrives in the boardroom—not with brute force, but with intelligent restraint. While larger watches clamor for attention, the Cellini Ref. 4143 understands the elegance of pause. The 28mm size, seemingly modest, becomes a conversation piece once noticed: “What are you wearing?” becomes less about ego, more about story.

The yellow Midas strip, flanked by diamonds, peeks from beneath your cuff just as you reach for your espresso. Not loud, never brash—just a hint of golden confidence.

Style Tip: Pair with cooler suiting shades to let the warm gold accent sing. The watch bridges the gap between traditional formality and modern flair.

Evening Reverie: A Jazz Night Beneath the Stars

Outfit: Black linen open-collar shirt, tailored off-white trousers, braided leather sandals, and a vintage leather jacket casually draped over the shoulder.

There’s something cinematic about jazz—the improvisation, the mood, the tension. The King Midas Cellini is your companion here, its subtle Plexiglass crystal glowing under dim lights, as if catching echoes of a trumpet's last note.

With its diamond hour markers and silver dial, the watch dances just enough to match the rhythm of the night. It complements the effortless drape of linen and the casual unstructured jacket, proving that elegance doesn’t require formality—it demands feeling.

Creative Cue: Let the watch be your only jewelry. No rings, no chains. Just one piece speaking volumes in a room of soft music and candlelight.

Rolex King Midas Cellini Ref. 4143
18K White Gold | Diamond Accents | 1981

There are watches that mark time—and then there are those that mark eras. This Rolex King Midas Cellini, reference 4143, is decidedly the latter. Crafted in 1981, in the twilight of disco glamour and the dawn of minimalist modernism, this 28mm treasure is a rare expression of Rolex's daring design era.

Condition: Elegantly Preserved with Gentle Aging

This piece arrives in gently worn condition, its surfaces gracefully bearing the soft, honest patina of time. Far from detracting, the subtle signs of wear only deepen its allure—echoes of dinner parties, whispered conversations, and moments that deserved a finer timekeeper.

Case: Architectural & Refined

Rendered in solid 18K white gold, the angular case is both sculptural and sophisticated. Its lines remain sharp and well-defined, a testament to careful stewardship. Most notably, it features the iconic yellow Midas strip, embraced on either side by six diamonds per flank—twelve in total—glimmering with restrained opulence. There are light, superficial marks consistent with occasional wear, but no signs of abuse or polishing that would compromise its bold geometry.

Dial: Understated Luxury

The silver dial channels the Cellini spirit—refined, clean, and quietly extravagant. Three diamond indices at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock shimmer with intention, bringing balance to the minimalist canvas. The hands are sharp and retain their original finish, with no signs of corrosion or discoloration. There’s an undeniable serenity to this dial—pure, unfussy, and elegantly appointed.

Crystal: Original Charm

The plexiglass crystal remains intact, exhibiting light scuffing that’s consistent with age. These minor imperfections catch the light just so, lending the watch a vintage warmth that sapphire often lacks. For purists, it’s a detail worth preserving.

Movement: Quiet Confidence

Beneath the surface beats a Rolex mechanical movement—reliable, precise, and housed within one of the brand’s more unconventional silhouettes. While not freshly serviced, the watch is keeping time within an acceptable range and winds with buttery ease. A full service is recommended for everyday use, but as it stands, the watch runs with quiet assurance.

Strap & Buckle: Original Touches

Completing the package is the original Rolex strap, showing signs of light wear but remaining supple and wearable. The Rolex-signed buckle secures the watch with period-correct finesse, a detail that underscores the piece’s authenticity.

Box & Papers: Not Included

While it arrives without original box or papers, this watch carries something arguably more compelling: provenance through design, and charisma through craft.

In terms of performance, the watch excels; it was tested for accuracy, demonstrating a seconds per day (s/d) deviation of 1, with an amplitude of 301—illustrative of its superb mechanical precision.

The price includes Swiss VAT of 8.1%, which can be directly deducted for export, and the shipping cost comes with full worldwide insurance. Please note that the customer will be responsible for paying any customs duties in their country.

If you desire a complete service, we can provide it at an additional cost, with a warranty of at least one year for precision and accuracy (not for waterproofness).