In homage to Benvenuto Cellini, sculptor and goldsmith to Renaissance popes and kings, Rolex created a watch collection that bears the master's name. Watchmaking has evolved from being the domain of a single craftsman to a collaboration of skilled specialists. Every Rolex is a symphony of know-how and artistry.
In 1928 Rolex created the Prince, which achieved great success and earned a place in horological history for its chronometric precision.
With its avant-garde rectangular shape and the outstanding performance of its movement, the Prince was and remains a watch of distinction.
Discontinued at the end of the 1940s, the Prince had elevated Rolex to the peak of elegance and precision. It was the first watch, produced in large quantities, to obtain chronometric certification. Although it was set apart by the precision of its timekeeping, its real success is due more to its rectangular shape and elegant, sophisticated dials.
The Prince features a manually-wound mechanical movement – the 7040 calibre – specially developed and manufactured by Rolex. Rectangular in shape, it uses all the space to ensure precision and performance and to give free rein to the decoration of the bridges with designs identical to those on the dial.
The aesthetic aspects of the movement are as important as its chronometric performance. In fact, they are entirely designed and manufactured in concert with the dial, case and bracelet, and are visible through the transparent caseback.