Rolex

1970 Rolex Cellini 18K YG (Ref. 3833) "Saudi Arabia King Faisal" Dial W/ Box & Papers

Rolex created the Cellini line in the 1970s to be the platform for their premier dress watch models and avant-garde designs. The most notable Rolex to come from the Cellini line is the enigmatic "King Midas", but many of the other designs fly under the radar and are considered by many to be underrated timepieces, a term rarely used in correlation with the Crown. This underrated perception makes for a great value proposition within the Cellini line that offers the recognized quality and craftsmanship of Rolex, without the recognizable Oyster case. 

A rare fusion of refined elegance and historical significance, this Rolex Cellini reference 3833 is a standout example of the brand’s lesser-seen dress watch offerings, elevated further by its exceptional dial—custom-made with the signature of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.

Presented during the 1970s as an official state gift from the Saudi royal court, these pieces were produced in extremely limited numbers, reserved exclusively for dignitaries, diplomats, and individuals of high esteem. The applied Arabic script on the dial reads “Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” the former monarch and key modernizing figure of Saudi Arabia, making this not just a luxury timepiece but an artifact of geopolitical and horological relevance.

The ref. 3833 is housed in a slim, classically shaped– round 18k yellow gold case, featuring clean lines and classic Cellini proportions. Powered by a manually wound cal. 1600 and paired with a minimalist silver sunburst dial, its restrained aesthetic stands in stark contrast to the bold symbolism of the customized dial text.

SPECS

Stock # RLXCLN3833KF
Brand Rolex
Style Cellini
Model 3833
Serial 28XXXXX
Size Men's
Material 18K Yellow Gold
Dial Silver "Saudi Arabia King Faisal" Logo
Millimeters 31
Strap 2pc Brown Alligator Leather Strap

 

CASE & BRACELET

The wonderful 18K yellow gold case exhibits light signs of honest use with evidence of being lightly polished in the past. The case retains its original Rolex signed crown. The case back retains its original factory Rolex coronet engraving and serial number, though they have slightly faded from previous wear and polishing. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc brown alligator leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original and beautiful silver sunburst dial is adorned with King Faisal's signature above 6 o'clock and the emblem of Saudi Arabia below 12 o'clock. The dial itself is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no damage and only nominal aging at the very edges of the dial. The original yellow gold hands are in excellent condition.

ACCESSORIES 

The watch comes with the original inner and outer boxes, Cellini hang tag, Rolex Guanatee pamphlet which remains unfilled out, and the gift envelope. The outside of the envelope reads "His Excellency, Dr. Muhammad Sharif Al-Eid, Director of Alumni in Alexandria" and the card reads "By Order of His Majesty King Faisal, with compliments, from the Chief of Royal Protocol. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.