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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Asymmetrical wristwatch

Rolex 'King Midas' Ref. 4315

Partially verified

This Rolex 'King Midas', reference 4315, is an asymmetrical left-handed wristwatch produced in the late 1970s. The watch is constructed from 18K yellow gold and features a two-body, shaped case measuring 28 x 28 mm with a thickness of 5 mm. The case finishes alternate between polished and brushed surfaces, with 'King Midas' engraved on the band and a winding crown positioned at 9 o'clock. It is equipped with a sapphire crystal and a screwed-down case back. The watch is presented on an integrated 18K yellow gold link bracelet with a deployant clasp, achieving an approximate overall length of 175 mm. The brushed champagne dial is adorned with yellow gold baton hands. The watch houses the manually-wound Caliber 651 movement, which features 18 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance adjusted to five positions.

Front view of the Rolex 'King Midas' ref. 4315 showing the brushed champagne dial with 'Cellini' signature and integrated gold bracelet.
Front view of the Rolex 'King Midas' ref. 4315 showing the brushed champagne dial with 'Cellini' signature and integrated gold bracelet. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Asymmetrical wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
4315
Catalogue / lot identifier
172
Source-reported date
late 1970's
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4550

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Rolex 'King Midas' model is defined by its distinctive asymmetrical geometry. The two-body case is crafted from 18K yellow gold and measures 28 mm square, with a slender profile of 5 mm thickness. The construction incorporates both polished and brushed finishes, emphasizing the structural angles of the design. A notable feature is the engraving of 'King Midas' on the case band.

The dial is finished in brushed champagne and features yellow gold baton hands, maintaining a monochromatic appearance. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and includes a screwed-down case back to protect the movement. As a left-handed configuration, the winding crown is positioned at the 9 o'clock side of the case, a feature that dictates the overall orientation of the watch on the wrist.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, shaped, solid, polished and brushed, King Midas engraved on the band, screwed-down case back, winding-crown at 9, sapphire crystal.”
  • “Brushed champagne. Yellow gold baton hands.”

Movement Specifications

The internal mechanism is the Rolex Caliber 651. This movement is rhodium-plated and decorated with fausses cotes, a detail visible when the case is opened. The caliber utilizes 18 jewels and operates with a straight-line lever escapement. It features a monometallic balance wheel, which the manufacturer adjusted to five positions to optimize timekeeping accuracy.

Technical functions of the caliber include a shock absorber system and a self-compensating flat balance spring. The movement is signed, aligning with the branding found on the exterior components of the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 651, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Bracelet and Condition

The watch is attached to an integrated 18K yellow gold link bracelet, which serves as a continuation of the case design. This bracelet terminates in a deployant clasp, allowing for secure fastening. The overall length of the ensemble is approximately 175 mm.

The dial is described as 'As new', and the hands are identified as original to the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “integrated 18K yellow gold Rolex link bracelet and deployant clasp.”
  • “Approx. overall length 175 mm.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3 Good Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 1-01 As new HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production range for the 'King Midas' series within the late 1970s?
  • Are there distinct variations in the link geometry of the integrated bracelet for this specific reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex 'King Midas' Ref. 4315
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold wristwatch”
Case dimensions28 x 28 mm“Dim. 28 x 28 mm.”
MovementCal. 651“M. Cal. 651”
Winding crown position9 o'clock“winding-crown at 9”
CrystalSapphire“sapphire crystal”
Serial number4550“No. 4550”
Adjustments5 positions“monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions”
Bracelet typeIntegrated link bracelet“integrated 18K yellow gold Rolex link bracelet”

Visible details

  • Asymmetrical case design
  • Winding crown located on the left side at 9 o'clock
  • Integrated bracelet structure
  • Brushed finish on case and bracelet links

Research qualifications

  • Condition grading is an internal auction assessment
  • Exact production date is unspecified beyond 'late 1970s'

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

"King Midas" Rolex, No. 4550, Ref. 4315. Made in the late 1970's. Fine and elegant, asymmetrical, left-handed, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with an integrated 18K yellow gold Rolex link bracelet and deployant clasp.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record dfffded5a0

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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