Rolex 2274/8

'Rainbow', Reference 2274/8 | A yellow gold, diamond and multi-colored sapphire-set bracelet watch | Circa 1987 Rolex

Dial: champagne, diamond Calibre: cal. 1400 manual winding, 18 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold, diamond and multi-colored sapphire-set, snap-on case back Case number: 9’861’818 Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex bracelet and locking clasp Size: 20.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 160 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: yes Papers: yes Accessories: Rolex Guarantee, service card, service invoice dated March 2024 and presentation case Rolex 'Rainbow' – The Prismatic Outlier The “Rainbow” is a spectacle of craftsmanship, scattering multicolored beams of light across the sky. Designed circa 1980—likely by Jean-Claude Gueit, the mastermind behind the rainbow setting—this Rolex defies tradition, fusing high jewelry with avant-garde design. Forged in 18k yellow gold, the watch doesn’t stop at the iconic rainbow-set bezel. A “torsadé” effect bracelet twists around the wrist like a golden helix, while a diamond-set dial amplifies its luminous presence. The combination of textures, stones, and shapes makes this timepiece a true anomaly in Rolex’s portfolio—a rare, electrifying statement of audacity and artistry. Decades ahead of its time, the Rainbow remains a celestial phenomenon—an opulent fusion of technical mastery and fearless creativity, proving that even in Rolex’s world, some stars shine differently than others.