From across the room, the average person or even casual watch enthusiast wouldn’t peg this as a Rolex. Today, the brand is synonymous with sports watches: rugged tools, commonly in stainless steel, born from mid-century design. Although modern Rolex sports watches are more jewelry than ever, they’re worlds apart from this 1964 King Midas. The elegant gold watch was limited to just 1,000 pieces and, in many ways, marked the beginning of a new era for Rolex.
Why the Rolex King Midas Reigns Supreme
The Rolex King Midas is an exceptional timepiece, standing apart from the brand’s more familiar sports watches. Introduced in 1964, it was a bold departure from Rolex’s traditional designs, embracing an elegant and luxurious aesthetic. Named after the legendary King Midas, whose touch turned everything to gold, this watch was crafted to exude luxury.
The King Midas was not just a watch but a statement piece, embodying the height of luxury and exclusivity. Limited to just 1,000 pieces, this watch began a new era for Rolex, showcasing its ability to create robust sports watches and refined high-end jewelry timepieces.
Rolex King Midas Features:
King Midas Bracelet:
- Integrated Design: The classic King Midas bracelet is integrated with flat links that resemble tank tracks.
- Clasp Options: A double deployment clasp (ref. 9630 and ref. 3580) or a single fold-over clasp.
- Link Dimensions: The links on the very first ref. 9630 measures just under 4mm, nearly matching the case’s thickness.
- Engravings and Variations: References 9630 and 3580 utilize the same bracelet, distinguished by their large engravings, while many references that followed feature a slightly slimmer and lighter-weight integrated bracelet. Rolex also produced iterations of the King Midas on leather straps, although these models do not have the “King Midas” name.
King Midas Case:
- Unique Asymmetrical Case: The King Midas was introduced with a unique, asymmetrical case in solid gold, followed by other shapes such as square, hexagonal, and even a ladies’ size model called the “Queen Midas.”
- Case Thickness: The case is slim, measuring less than 5mm thick, while references with ribbed cases measure about 6mm thick.
- Varied Finishes: Depending on the reference, the case will be smooth, textured, ribbed, or even set with diamonds.
- Distinctive Crown Position: The crown is positioned on the left side of the case, a nod to King Midas, whose left-hand touch turned everything to gold.
King Midas Dial:
- Elegant Simplicity: The dial is elegant in its simplicity, featuring hour and minute hands and minimal text.
- Rolex Logo and Greek Lettering: The Rolex logo is at the 12 o’clock position. The first reference, 9630, features “ΜΙΔAΣ” (“Midas” in Greek letters) at 6 o’clock, which was replaced after 1972 by its successor ref. 3580.
- Geneva Distinction: Rolex added the distinction “Genève” to the dial just below the Rolex logo during this era. While most references feature plain dials, later examples include exotic stone dials and some encrusted with diamonds or decorated with white and yellow gold stripes.
King Midas Movement:
- Caliber 650: The first Rolex King Midas ref. 9630 is powered by the outsourced 17-jewel Piaget Cal. 650. It is hand-wound and features hours and minutes only.
- Transition to Caliber 651 and 1600: The following model in the series, reference 3580, also utilizes the Cal. 650. However, Rolex transitioned to Cal. 651 late in its production. The Caliber 651 powered several references within the King Midas series until Rolex replaced it with the in-house Cal. 1600.
- Upgrade to Caliber 1601: In the early 1980s, the movement was upgraded to the Caliber 1601.
Some Featured “King Midas” Users
Beyond its technical and aesthetic features, the Rolex King Midas has captured the hearts of some notable personalities. Elvis Presley famously wore a King Midas, which was later damaged in his hot tub and is now on display at Graceland. Rihanna showcased a modified King Midas in her pregnancy announcement photoshoot, highlighting the watch’s continued cultural relevance. These iconic figures demonstrate King Midas’s appeal across different generations and styles.
Rolex King Midas Price
The price of a Rolex King Midas can vary significantly based on the reference and condition of the watch. For later-era iterations of leather straps, prices start at around $7,000. Surprisingly, the original ref. 9630 can sell for as low as $11,000 and up to about $15,000. For a rare Rolex limited to just 1,000 pieces, this price might come as a shock. The King Midas is still considered a somewhat affordable collector’s item but has gained popularity over several years. If you’ve had your eye on the famed Rolex King Midas, now might be the time to invest before prices climb.
Here is a detailed breakdown of various reference numbers and their approximate prices:
| Reference Number | Model Name | Case Shape | Strap/Bracelet | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9630 | King Midas | Asymmetrical | Gold Integrated | $15k |
| 3580 | King Midas | Asymmetrical | Gold Integrated | $12k |
| 4315 | King Midas | Asymmetrical | Gold Integrated | $15k |
| 3581 | Cellini Queen Midas | Asymmetrical | Gold Integrated | $5k |
| 3584 | Cellini King Midas | Square | Gold Integrated | $10k |
| 3585 | Cellini Queen Midas | Square | Gold Integrated | $15k |
| 4012 | Cellini King Midas | Ribbed Rectangle | Leather | $6k |
| 4014 | Cellini King Midas | Rectangle | Leather | $5k |
| 4015 | Cellini King Midas | Ribbed Asymmetrical | Ribbed Integrated, Leather | $6,500 – $10,000 |
| 4016 | Cellini King Midas | Ribbed Asymmetrical | Leather | $8k |
| 4017 | Cellini King Midas | Asymmetrical | Leather | $8k |
| 4031 | Cellini King Midas | Asymmetrical, Diamonds | Leather | $5k |
| 4126 | Cellini King Midas | Hobnail Asymmetrical | Gold Hobnail, Leather | $6k |
| 4127 | Cellini King Midas | Hobnail Rectangle | Leather | $5k |
| 4151 | Cellini King Midas | Asymmetrical, Enamel Bezel | Leather | $9,500 |
| 4153 | Cellini King Midas | Asymmetrical, Enamel Bezel | Leather | $7k |
| 4312 | Cellini King Midas | Square | Milanese | $7k |
| 4313 | Cellini Queen Midas | Asymmetrical | Gold Integrated | $8k |
| 4316 | Cellini King Midas | Square | Gold Integrated | $8k – $10k |
| 4342 | Cellini King Midas | Hexagonal, Plain or Diamonds | Gold Integrated | $10k – $12k |
| 4344 | Cellini King Midas | Ribbed Asymmetrical | Ribbed Gold Integrated | $11k |
| 4609 | Cellini King Midas | Asymmetrical, Diamonds | Gold Integrated | $20k |
| 4611 | Cellini King Midas | Square, Diamonds | Gold Integrated | $15k |
| 4620 | Cellini King Midas | Square, Baguette Sapphires | Milanese | $26k – $30k |
| 4912 | Cellini King Midas | Two-Tone Gold Striped Asymmetrical | Leather | $10k -$15k |
| 5038 | Cellini King Midas | Tridor Gold Striped Asymmetrical | Leather | – |
| 5072 | Cellini King Midas | Asymmetrical | Leather | $5k |
| 9903 | Cellini Queen Midas | Asymmetrical | $5k |
Should You Invest in a Rolex King Midas?
Investing in a Rolex King Midas can be a wise decision for several reasons. First, its historical significance as one of the few limited-edition Rolex watches adds to its rarity and desirability. Additionally, the use of gold and its unique design makes it a standout piece in any collection. The King Midas Rolex also introduced sapphire crystal in Rolex watches, a feature that has become standard in modern timepieces. Combining these factors and its cultural significance ensures that the King Midas rolex will likely continue to appreciate over time.
The Best Watch Winder for Your Rolex King Midas
Single Watch Winder: The Perfect Companion for Your Midas Touch
Owning a Rolex King Midas is a privilege, and maintaining its pristine condition is essential. A high-quality single-watch winder can be the perfect companion for your luxurious timepiece.
This watch winder features a sleek black leather exterior and operates silently with Japanese motors. It offers flexible power options, allowing you to use an AC adapter or batteries, making it versatile for any setting. Additionally, independently adjusting the winder settings ensures that your Rolex King Midas remains in optimal condition.
Series 2 Watch Winder: Royalty Deserves Company
A Series 2 rolex winder box provides the perfect solution for those with multiple luxury watches. This lets you keep your King Midas and other prized timepieces, ensuring all are well-maintained and ready to wear.
This luxurious double-watch winder is perfect for collectors. It features a sophisticated carbon fiber design and acrylic glass that showcases the winders, adding an elegant touch to your collection. The MOZSLY® Double Watch Winder ensures that your Rolex King Midas and other treasured timepieces stay in excellent condition and are ready to wear while also serving as a stylish décor piece in your space.
Conclusion
The Rolex King Midas is a unique and historically significant timepiece in Rolex’s illustrious lineup. Its blend of luxurious design, cultural relevance, and limited production makes it a worthy investment and a cherished addition to any watch collection. If you’re considering adding a King Midas to your collection, explore its features and history, ensuring you appreciate the total value of this exceptional watch.
FAQ
1. How many Rolex King Midas were made?
The Rolex King Midas was limited to just 1,000 pieces.
2. How much does the Rolex King Midas weigh?
Upon its release, the King Midas was the heaviest gold watch on the market at approximately 200 grams.
3. What does King Midas value?
King Midas values typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the reference and condition.
4. What Rolex did Elvis wear?
Elvis Presley wore a Rolex King Midas, which is now on display at Graceland after being damaged in his hot tub.
