Rolex Day-Date 1803 “Stella dial”

Rolex 18ct yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 1803 “Stella” brown tobacco dial . Case diameter 36mm. Water resistant to 100 meters. Automatic chronometer movement. Stella tobacco dial. Fluted bezel. 18ct President bracelet with concealed clasp. Watch Circa 1966. Box and service papers dated July 2013.

The enamelled dials are in fact defined “Lacquered Stella” and their name derives from the name of the supplier, Rolex is not famous for its imagination, Stella SA, located in Geneva and specialized in lacquered paints . In turn, this supplied the dial manufacturer, which was responsible for manufacturing from selected pigments.

The Rolex Stella dial is a fascinating chapter in Rolex’s history that unfolded during the 1970s. At the time, The resulting collection of colourful dials, which included shades like red, green, blue, yellow, and more, came to be known as the Stella dials.

Initially, Stella dials were not widely appreciated by consumers, leading to relatively low demand during their production years. However, in recent years, these dials have gained significant popularity among vintage watch collectors, with their bold and eye-catching colours becoming highly sought after.

Today, Rolex Stella dials represent a unique and collectible aspect of Rolex’s history, showcasing the brand’s willingness to experiment with unconventional designs and colours during a distinct era.