Jeweler Jade Trau Just Unveiled a Collection of Customized Vintage Rolex Cellini Watches

In case you’re doing some last-minute Mother’s Day shopping, New York City-based jeweler Jade Trau has just launched a series of customized and restored vintage Rolex Cellini watches. The designer started her career as a diamond buyer before launching her own line of jewelry, so naturally many of the 10 pieces come accented in diamonds. This is the second round, after the first series was so successful it sold out. All the watches come are from the ’70s, equipped with caliber 1600 movements, and offered on exotic watch straps in pops of color like red, pink, and green.

This time, Trau says she was able to play around a bit having already learnt the process with the first collection. “I wanted to experiment with different concepts, so we have one larger dial—a men’s sized watch which is a fan favorite in the studio!” Trau tells Robb Report. “We also have two white gold timepieces which I personally would grab if I had a few more available. Honestly though, the process from sourcing until I’m completely finished with the final service takes more than eight months.” The timepieces range from cushion-shaped cases to oval to traditionally round and most have been satin-finished. “We go through a few steps to achieve that finish and to be honest we use a variety of brushes depending on the size and shape of the piece,” says Trau. “It’s a meticulous process.”

The capsule collection is a fun way for the designer to exercise her gem setting and jewelry prowess in a new setting, rather than a byproduct of a watch obsessive. “I love and admire watches, but I’m by no means an expert,” she says.  “I have more than a handful, but they range from items I’ve patiently waited on a waitlist for to my grandmother’s vintage jaeger Le-Coultre for which I’m currently trying to have a malachite dial cut.” She adds that she didn’t keep one of her capsule releases for herself, but she’s taking a trip to Japan soon to do some more watch sourcing.

The watches are available now on the Jade Trau website and range in price from $11,500 to $12,900. If you want one, you better act fast. A few have already sold and we expect, just like her last drop, the others won’t be in stock for long either.