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Wood You Believe It?
Rolex rarely does whimsy. But every so often, it does weird. And in the late ’70s through early ’80s, that weirdness came dressed in gold, stone, and—in this case—wood.
This is the Rolex King Midas Cellini ref. 4126, with a dial made from genuine burlwood. Not printed. Not textured. Real wood. Lacquered to a subtle sheen, the dial’s swirling grain plays with the light like a tobacco leaf caught mid-smoke, shifting from rich cedar to aged mahogany depending on the hour. There’s no lume, no fuss, just time told through warm, organic material that happens to have more personality than most humans.
Around it: a hobnail bezel, rendered in 18K yellow gold. The texture—an endless grid of tiny pyramids—catches light like a disco ball reimagined by a minimalist architect. And just when you think the case might conform, it tilts. Slightly trapezoidal, asymmetrical, and distinctly un-Rolex in the best way possible. The crown? Neatly tucked into the side wall, nearly flush. A small nod to restraint in a watch that otherwise leans proudly avant-garde.
Inside ticks the hand-wound calibre 1601, because automatic would’ve added thickness, and that would’ve broken the line. Rolex knew that. They cared.
Strapped to it is a minor miracle in itself: a new old stock, crocodile leather strap made specifically for the Cellini King Midas line, tapering asymmetrically to match the watch case. It still has its original gold foil printing—folded once (apologies) just to photograph it. The strap is a dark cognac that echoes the dial’s hues with eerie precision. Finished with a full 18K yellow gold Rolex coronet buckle, also original.
At 28mm, the case is compact, but in no way shy. There’s too much geometry, too much texture, too much thought here for this to ever be background noise. And being a 6M serial, it dates right to 1981, the tail end of Rolex’s most daring dial decade—when they were experimenting with stone, lacquer, and yes, tree trunks.
Rare? Undeniably. This reference, with this dial, in this condition, is an oddball from a brand known for control. And that’s why collectors chase it. Not because it screams Rolex, but because it barely does at all.
This watch is in excellent condition.
The case retains its original lines with light scratches throughout.
The serial numbers and hallmarks are originaly lightly engraved and have faded over time. They can still be seen on the case.
The dial, hands and crystal are in great cosmetic condition.
The leather strap is new old stock.
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