Rolex King Midas, diamond set, ref: 4315 produced in 1976
The Rolex King Midas first appeared in the early 60’s and was designed by the legendary Gérald Genta. It was made to look like the Greek Pantheon, and when turning the watch on its flat side, the triangular case section resembles the temple roof, while the bracelet grooves represent the columns. It was given the name ‘King Midas’ honoring the myth that everything he touched with his left hand turned to gold. Hence the crown is on the left hand side.
The King Midas was the heaviest gold watch of its day and the most expensive Rolex model. Most were produced in yellow gold, with only a small proportion in white gold.
This 3rd series piece, differed from the 1st series in several ways. The bracelet was slightly reduced in thickness and also there was the introduction of the single fold clasp. Also, there was the addition of screws to the underside to aid with bracelet removal and link changes. The upgraded caliber 651 is consistently used in the ref. 4315 with the dial normally featuring ‘Cellini’ branding. However, unusually this dial features the original ‘Midas’ branding.
Condition:-
This piece is in superb condition, having been cared for extremely well for almost 50 years. The case and bracelet show very few signs of use, with no significant marks at all and retain their factory brushing. The bracelet has full links and suffers from no stretch at all, with the clasp closing perfectly. The crown works as it should do.
It is unknown if this piece left the factory with its diamond set bezel, being a ref. 4315, as most diamond set variants were ref. 4309. But suffice to say, it has been executed in a way one would expect from Rolex. Perhaps the original owner decided to get Rolex themselves to set the bezel with diamonds when they purchased it??
The original dial, printing, coronet and handset are perfect, and the sapphire crystal has no damage.
This is a hefty piece, at almost 150g gross.
Movement:-
There is no service history with this watch. However, the manual wind Rolex cal. 651 movement is running very strong indeed and won’t require a service anytime soon.
I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, and will offer a 1 year extended warranty. Please don’t expect this piece to be waterproof. It will not be covered by the guarantee.
Rolex King Midas, diamond set, ref: 4315 produced in 1976
The Rolex King Midas first appeared in the early 60’s and was designed by the legendary Gérald Genta. It was made to look like the Greek Pantheon, and when turning the watch on its flat side, the triangular case section resembles the temple roof, while the bracelet grooves represent the columns. It was given the name ‘King Midas’ honoring the myth that everything he touched with his left hand turned to gold. Hence the crown is on the left hand side.
The King Midas was the heaviest gold watch of its day and the most expensive Rolex model. Most were produced in yellow gold, with only a small proportion in white gold.
This 3rd series piece, differed from the 1st series in several ways. The bracelet was slightly reduced in thickness and also there was the introduction of the single fold clasp. Also, there was the addition of screws to the underside to aid with bracelet removal and link changes. The upgraded caliber 651 is consistently used in the ref. 4315 with the dial normally featuring ‘Cellini’ branding. However, unusually this dial features the original ‘Midas’ branding.
Condition:-
This piece is in superb condition, having been cared for extremely well for almost 50 years. The case and bracelet show very few signs of use, with no significant marks at all and retain their factory brushing. The bracelet has full links and suffers from no stretch at all, with the clasp closing perfectly. The crown works as it should do.
It is unknown if this piece left the factory with its diamond set bezel, being a ref. 4315, as most diamond set variants were ref. 4309. But suffice to say, it has been executed in a way one would expect from Rolex. Perhaps the original owner decided to get Rolex themselves to set the bezel with diamonds when they purchased it??
The original dial, printing, coronet and handset are perfect, and the sapphire crystal has no damage.
This is a hefty piece, at almost 150g gross.
Movement:-
There is no service history with this watch. However, the manual wind Rolex cal. 651 movement is running very strong indeed and won’t require a service anytime soon.
I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, and will offer a 1 year extended warranty. Please don’t expect this piece to be waterproof. It will not be covered by the guarantee.
Brand: Rolex
Model: King Midas
Serial: 425****
Reference: 4315
Year: Circa 1976
Dial: Silver
Lug width: N/A
Material: Solid 18k White Gold. Diamonds.
Dimensions: N/A
Movement: Manual Wind, Rolex Cal. 961
Strap/Bracelet: Integrated solid 18k
Box/Papers: N/A
