This is a truly exceptional example of the 1976 Rolex Cellini King Midas reference 4316, one of the most historically significant and striking designs ever produced by Rolex. The King Midas line first appeared in 1962 and was aptly named after the mythological Greek king whose touch turned everything to gold. Conceived by the legendary Gérald Genta before his iconic work on the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the King Midas was inspired by the ancient Greek Pantheon, the temple of the gods. The result was a watch unlike anything else Rolex had ever produced: architectural, bold, and unapologetically luxurious.

Crafted entirely from solid 18k gold, the King Midas was the heaviest gold watch of its era and also the most expensive Rolex model of its time, costing roughly 40% more than a Day-Date. Its unique design and hefty price tag attracted an exclusive clientele, including celebrities, artists, and collectors who appreciated its daring style and rarity. It was a watch made not for the masses, but for those who wanted something extraordinary.

This particular example stands out for its unpolished case, which remains in excellent condition and is full of beautiful, natural gold patina. The sharp edges and original finish have been perfectly preserved, showing only minimal signs of age without any heavy wear or refinishing. The original integrated bracelet is in mint condition and fits up to a 7-inch wrist, maintaining its crisp structure and luxurious feel. All numbers and hallmarks are fully visible.

The original gold pyramid dial is a masterpiece in itself, giving the watch a strong visual identity and depth. It remains in beautiful condition, free of any scratches or notable wear, and is complemented by the original crystal. The movement is original and has been recently serviced by us, ensuring excellent performance and reliability for years to come.

What truly elevates this piece is the inclusion of its original King Midas presentation box, an item that is extraordinarily rare to find today. These round Greek-inspired boxes are highly collectible on their own. This example still retains its original interior, which shows only minimal wear, though the original stand is missing. The exterior of the box shows tape marks from the previous owner, who had preserved it by sealing it with tape over the years. Once removed, the tape left a distinctive pattern across the outside surface, giving it a unique character and sense of history.

Finding a King Midas 4316 with its original box in this kind of unpolished, well-preserved condition is extremely uncommon. This watch embodies everything that makes the King Midas line so special: bold design, precious materials, rich mythology, and true rarity.

My thoughts on this piece are that it represents a golden era of Rolex creativity. It is not just a watch but a piece of design history, a wearable sculpture that tells the story of when Rolex broke away from convention to create something avant-garde and unforgettable. For serious collectors and enthusiasts, this is an extraordinary opportunity to own a genuine icon in superb condition with its rare original box and freshly serviced movement.