The Rolex “Stella” Day-Date is one that is admired by many due to its fruitful offering of vibrant dial colors and its unique glossy luster. These vivacious glossy lacquered dial-fitted Day-Date’s are among one of the most collectable vintage Rolex timepieces today. From a lustrous turquoise blue to a bright pastel pink, it was the first time in the history of the firm that such whimsical, spirited array of dial colors were introduced in a wristwatch.

Introduced in the exciting period of the 1970s and produced for roughly a decade, these colorful lacquered dials were manufactured by a company called Stella, based in Châtelaine and Geneva, the firm supplied Rolex’s dial makers at the period with special types of lacquer that resulted in the name it proudly deserves. The present example ref. 18038 features a rich and desirable burgundy Stella dial. While some Day-Dates feature diamond-set hour markers to elevate its luxurious appeal, to have a dial set with baguette-cut diamonds only is of uber rare occurrence. Contrasted beautifully against a yellow gold case that have gained an attractive patina near the crown, the timepiece retains its superb strong case with original factory finishing, hallmarks behind the lugs are crisp and deep, the luminous plots have aged beautifully and evenly into a warm yellow that matches perfectly with the yellow gold case. Bearing a 8.42m case serial, the present Stella dates back to 1984, rare and sought after the “Stella” Day-Date adorned with baguette-cut diamond-set indexes is an exceptional specimen form the 80s.