Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1802 - Oxblood 'Stella' Dial

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces such as the Ref. 6036, the Ref. 8171, and the Ref. 6062, but it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of complicated Rolexes. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing one Rolex in particular: a Day-Date. The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige. Simply put, this one stuck.

The Day-Date was available for many years on a leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet like the example that we have here.

However, this isn't your run of the mill Day-Date...

The piece that we have here features a highly elusive dial that is part of a sub-family of Day-Dates produced with what collectors call, 'Stella Dials.' It is believed that these colorful dials were named after the famous artist Frank Stella to honor his vibrant paintings, or another theory: named after the Latin word for star which is also “Stella.” These dials are as rare as they are beautiful to behold and were sold for a very limited time, in part due to the complexity to produce them. They were handmade by artisans who painstakingly applied many layers of lacquer, which give these dials their iconic depth. The process was so complex, that many dials cracked during manufacturing leading to their rarity.

This example is a Reference 1802, indicating the presence of a smooth polished yellow gold bezel, rather than the more prototypical 'fluted' bezel found on most Day-Dates. It dates to circa 1973 and comes to us in very nice overall condition. The case has been lightly professionally refurbished and shows only light signs of wear throughout. This piece comes fitted to a 'rivet' Oyster bracelet which, we think, pairs nicely with the smooth bezel that comes exclusively on the 1802. Of course, the highlight of this piece is that rich, maroon 'oxblood' lacquered dial within. It remains in outstanding, virtually flawless condition, free of cracks or fractures, and has fully-intact Tritium plots. The plots themselves exhibit a light and even patina throughout, and the handset matches beautifully.

Never in short demand, Stella-dialed pieces have always been coveted as some of the more collectible vintage Rolexes, full stop.