One of the most mysterious works by Rolex is not a Submariner or a Daytona. Instead, it is the sculptural-gold-encased mystery of the Rolex King Midas. This incredible watch is a deviation from the typical Rolex. It appears aggressive, is burdensome, and employs a design that is more of a modern art than a watch-making. Due to that, it is still among the most enigmatic Rolex designs ever made.
It is a cult favorite among collectors. It is not common, has a low visualization, and is filled with profound charm to whoever admires the non-conventional luxury. It provided a new perspective on Rolex watch identity and demonstrated the brand’s desire to go bold with designs.
This guide tells the origin of the watch, how the watch was designed, its rarity, and its present value. It also discusses the reasons why this exceptional work remains appealing to connoisseurs who desire something unique and highly expressive.
What Is the Rolex King Midas?
The King Midas watch is a product in the Rolex Cellini line. Not sports tools, but elegant dress watches are a line of the company. But King Midas is the only one in Cellini. It is dramatic, complex, and pictorial. It is not like any other Rolex design.
The watch was launched by Rolex in 1969 and was made until the late 1970s or early 1980s. Since there is still no complete documentation, professionals continue to argue about the precise years of production. The King Midas name is used to refer to the mythical king who changed everything he touched into gold. The watch could not have been matched with a better reference, as all the pieces are made in solid 18k gold.
The main characteristics are:
- Angular and asymmetric case
- Wedge-shaped silhouette
- Embossed bracelet strap.
- Manual-wind, usually Caliber 1600 or 1610.
- Minimalist dial
- No rotating bezel, no complications.
The design takes simplicity to the limit. It is almost devoid of ornamentation with clean lines and a pure form.
There are a lot of such searches as Queen Midas Rolex; however, Rolex has never produced such an item. The term is used on the Internet as a result of anonymity or wishful thinking. The only official names that this model has are the name King Midas.
Rolex Midas: Design Origins & the Gérald Genta Connection
Rolex has not substantiated the designer, but there is a strong indication that it is Gérald Genta. Genta designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. He adored daring forms, clean geometry, and unconventional proportions. Due to these common features the King Midas was thought to have, several of the collectors would assume that Genta was involved in the development of this masterpiece.
The timeline supports this theory. The Midas arrived in 1969. The Royal Oak appeared in 1972. The Nautilus followed in 1976. King Midas can therefore be seen as a pioneer attempt in the thoughts that came to characterize the luxurious sports watches of Genta.
The watch did not have conventional round cases. Instead, it adapted a wedge form based on the ancient Greek temple architecture. It was aesthetically and futuristically looking. Another peculiar detail came with the crown that was placed on the left side. The case also blended perfectly with the bracelet, enhancing the sculptural impression.
This was the time when numerous brands experimented with forms of avant-garde. Omega crafted the “TV Watch.” Patek experimented with elliptical designs. But King Midas still seems the bravest of the company. It is an impressive combination of the mid-century modern style and luxury watchmaking.
Rarity & Production Numbers
King Midas is one of the models that Rolex has hardly produced. The majority of scholars estimate that there are fewer than 1,000 pieces in all versions. The fact that the number in itself is a big portion of its attraction. Since Rolex made a limited number of products, only a small number of the products are still in the market today.
The model is defined in two key sources:
Ref. 3710 – Yellow Gold :
- The more widespread version.
- Still extremely rare
Ref. 3711 – White Gold :
- Manufactured in greatly smaller quantities.
- It is thought to be one of the most exclusive precious-metal Rolex watches.
Each of the examples was designed in solid 18k gold. Rolex never produced a stainless steel. This causes the watch to become heavy, warm, and very luxurious. This, however, was also a problem in the seventies. With the increase in the price of gold, most of the owners melted watches into raw gold. As a result, fewer King Midas works remained.
Rolex also maintained minimal service records. Serial data is not suitable for the contemporary tracking standards. Accordingly, authenticity should be keenly examined by the old dealers. Case shape, weight, bracelet style, and movement details should be fully consistent.
This low production, high melt-rate, and minimal documentation add to the mythical rarity of the watch.
Rolex King Midas Price: What It Sells For Today
Rolex King Midas price is monitored closely by collectors due to the ever-growing market performance. Scarcity drives demand. And so is the fascination with weird vintage.
Current Market Ranges:
- Ref. 3710 (Yellow Gold): $30,000–$50,000+
- Ref. 3711 (White Gold): $80,000–$120,000+
- Celebrity-associated or museum-grade work: More.
Value is more influenced by condition than by other Rolex models. Price can be significantly lowered due to an elongated bracelet, excessive polishing of a case, or replacement parts. Full sets in boxes, papers, and original documentation may fetch a high premium.
Auction Performance
The examples of King Midas have been sold by major auction houses at significant prices. Phillips, Christie, and Sotheby’s have reported sales of over 60,000 dollars on authentic works. Watches having high provenance are taken seriously. This King Midas was a famous piece of Elvis Presley, and it brings culture and historical interest.
Reasons for High Value :
- Genuine rarity
- Complete construction of solid gold.
- Supposedly related to Gérald Genta.
- Younger collectors are interested in unique pieces.
- Increasing demand for unusual and unique Rolex designs.
Nevertheless, one should be careful. There are numerous “Frankenwatches in the market. Other sellers will sell plated gold or deceptive works. Fraudsters ought to look into movement, case reference, and bracelet authenticity at all times.
Is the King Midas a “Real” Rolex?
The King Midas is a real Rolex, all right. It, however, defies the standard brand image. Rolex established its brand name on the strength of Oyster-cases, precision of the chronometer, and sports watches. King Midas does not fit such characteristics. It lacks water resistance. It has a dress watch movement powered by a manual winding movement. It is not a utilitarian form of a case shape but an artistic one.
Nevertheless, this contrast is value-added. King Midas demonstrates that Rolex used to venture into creative risks. It indicates that the company did not just perfect tool watches. It also created art-inspired watches that currently seem ahead of their time.
The watch has a daring character that most collectors like. It is not based on complications and technology. Instead, it glorifies design and form. To some buyers, this is more significant compared to a general-purpose sports model.
Nowadays, the watch is a must-have product for people who desire something unique, expressive, and historical. It is the artistic peak of Rolex in the Cellini series. It is rendered charismatic by that identity much more than it has any functional use.
Where to Buy (and What to Watch For)
Due to the lack of supply, serious customers have to select credible sources. The safest places include:
- Phillips Auction House
- Christie’s
- Sotheby’s
- Veteran vintage selling merchants of rare Rolex.
- Reliable watch galleries that have highly verified processes.
There are a few important details that buyers must always look at.
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Lack of an integrated bracelet.
- Wrong angles or percentages of cases.
- Replaced movement parts
- A smoother case, which has lost its edges.
- Suspiciously low listings
- Unfinished paper or doubtful story.
The watch does not have much documentation, and therefore, special attention is vital. Request movement photos. Ask for caseback images. Demand weight measurements since the solid-gold building ought to be of known standards.
A valid dealer is one who is open to questions. They are also supposed to give authenticity assurances or expert inspection evidence. Since high-end consumers favor this model, sellers will need to provide clear evidence.
To purchase a King Midas, one needs time, research work, and confidence. The person who acts with caution can have a treasure of rarity.
The Bottom Line
Rolex King Midas Cellini is considered to be one of the most innovative and daring products of Rolex. It violates the principles of the design language of the brand, as well as the expectations of luxury watches. It does not emphasize functionality but draws attention to artistic style and sculptural power. It is one of the instances when Rolex took a risk.
Rare, narrated, and style-conscious collectors regard the King Midas as a golden masterpiece. It is still one of the secrets of connoisseurs who do not go with the mainstream trends. This model stands out in a world where there are mainstream sports watches, as it is different in feel.
The watch, despite its tendency to suggest confusion, particularly in trying to find the wrong search term, Queen Midas Rolex, the actual legacy of the brand is potent and strong. The King Midas is a substantial reward to those who want exclusive beauty and haunting history.
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