Rolex 'King Midas' Ref. 4315
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 1970's
Maker / issuer
RolexThis 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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Asymmetrical wristwatch
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Cal. 651
- Adjustments
- 5 positions
- Bracelet type
- Integrated link bracelet
- Case material
- 18K yellow gold
- Serial number
- 4550
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case dimensions
- 28 x 28 mm
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
- Winding crown position
- 9 o'clock
Design
- Visible features
- • Asymmetrical case design • Winding crown located on the left side at 9 o'clock • Integrated bracelet structure • Brushed finish on case and bracelet links
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Reference
- 4315
- Serial number
- 4550
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Condition grading is an internal auction assessment
- Research required: Exact production date is unspecified beyond 'late 1970s'