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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#91 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: spore
Posts: 48
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#92 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: 33139/95460
Posts: 1,339
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Quote:
Has anyone else seen others resembling this agate, or is “Agate” listed as a dial option in other years? BTW, while checking that sheet, I noticed a stone dial option listed as “Siberite.” It’s not listed as such among the photos, but apparently it is a type of rubellite from Siberia. The list I have shows Siberite, but not Rubellite, so I’m assuming that the Rubellite photo on page 1 is what Rolex was calling Siberite. . |
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#93 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: David
Location: australia
Posts: 20,186
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Every type of stone used for a Rolex dial
Describes as Sandstone dial ? Paint or stone ?
Not in my catalogues I don’t have them all though and of course , opinions ? ![]() Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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watches many |
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#94 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,792
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Interesting! This appears to have the excessive serifs in "Oyster Perpetual" that I'm often skeptical of. The nonstandard-length hour markers would also make me lean towards aftermarket. It looks pretty cool though!
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#95 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: 33139/95460
Posts: 1,339
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Quote:
Are the short hour markers the same size/shape as those smaller ones which are used (seemingly only) on wood dials? (Even if they are, iirc I’ve not seen these markers used on any other stone dials.) If forced to guess, I’d guess it is actual sandstone, but aftermarket. |
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#96 |
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Marikina
Posts: 2,561
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Can these special dials still be ordered? How?
Would like a lapis or turquoise dial for a DD40. |
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#97 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: 33139/95460
Posts: 1,339
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I don’t think any are available for DD40 - Maybe MOP.
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#98 | |
TechXpert
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Earth
Posts: 23,564
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Quote:
A few dials like onyx are still available through RSC (if you happen to own a reference in which it was offered). Lapis and tiger eye only for lady DateJust. |
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#99 | |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 41,439
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Quote:
As others replied, not for the DD40. But even if you had a modern DD36, you couldn’t either. If a Lapis dial DD is your quest, these are a couple of options. Hunt for a vintage DD already shod with that dial. Buy a loose Lapis dial on secondary market and then hunt a DD that it would fit. Some of the vintage dealers here could assist on those options. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Does anyone really know what time it is? |
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#100 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Marikina
Posts: 2,561
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Thanks 77T, SearChart and miamiclay.
I saw some of the DD36 lapis/turquoise. Anyway, my hunt for the DD40 wont be for anothee 6 years. Maybe Rolex will produce one by then. I was thinking, maybe theyre not making for larger dials since materials are just small. |
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#101 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,792
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Current DD36 stone options are pink opal:
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#102 |
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Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: 33139/95460
Posts: 1,339
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Here’s a “sandstone” being offered by Christie’s, idk if it’s the same watch as above or not.
Some things look the same (e.g., 24 minute mark, first O in CHRONOMETER, white fleck under F in CERTIFIED), some look different (e.g., lume on dial and hands, black dots and damage in dial lume appear absent here). Maybe it’s been relumed (or even just very different lighting or filters)? I expect those with sharper eyes (& more expertise) will be able to supply a definitive answer ... . . |
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#103 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: NY
Posts: 676
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Quote:
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#104 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: Joseph Lin
Location: TWN
Watch: Rolex sd
Posts: 3
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Excellent work. Well done. I had no idea there were so many.
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#105 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Real Name: Andy
Location: Nags Head, NC
Watch: Rolex 16613lb
Posts: 66
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Thanks for sharing!!
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk |
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#106 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Texas
Posts: 11
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Wow! I had no idea there were so many. Awesome post
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#107 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 12
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Excellent work. Well done. I had no idea there were so many.
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#108 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,792
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Eisenkiesel debuted at Watches & Wonders 2021:
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#109 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: NY, NY
Posts: 460
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Amazing thread - Rob, Great work (then and now)!!!
In addition (very sadly) the RG DD 40 w/the specialty dial is going to be a huge premium over MSRP - maybe as much as 20K - because Rolex will make very few (just like the WG Meteorite w/diamond baguettes)..... |
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#110 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: GVA/SMV
Watch: DD/DAY/GMT
Posts: 129
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Awesome compilation. Stone dials in excellent condition are hard to find...
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time is precious ♛16018 purple roman / ♛16710 sel faded / ♛18038 ruby baguette / ♛18238 myriad gray / ♛18248 blue roman / ♛18248 stick champagne / ♛18349BIC stick white / ♛116505 ivory |
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#111 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,792
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New falcon's eye dial released today. Never heard of falcon's eye before:
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#112 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Cranston, RI
Posts: 26
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Fantastic post, thank you for sharing your knowledge
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#113 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 6
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Many unusual and beautiful options but I have always held the black opal to be on another level. It may be too flamboyant and/or feminine for me to enjoy wearing regularly but is both the most fascinating (well, meteorite is also a contender) and most beautiful to me (second has to go to Lapis Lazuli.) The black opal is also extremely elusive as I have only seen two or three genuine examples in over 20 years of casual collecting.
Regarding the differences between the Aventurine used by Rolex and that used by Omega on the vintage 18k MegaQuartz (and some recent Speedmasters) that Swearengen points out. The more sparkly Omega version is a man made variety of decorative glass that also comes in black and a sort of burnt orange color. That orange version is often called “Goldstone” and it has gone in and out of fashion many times in the several hundred years since it was first created. Rolex used a natural stone that shares the Aventurine name because of its iridescent glitter like appearance that is evocative of the glass version. I’m not sure which came first but it’s not by coincidence that they share the name. The natural version is typically some shade of green but obviously also appears in blue tone as well. The “confetti” or “glitter” dials found on a few Day-Dates and Datejusts from the 70s and mentioned by CrownCollection above is, as far as I can tell by studying under magnification, is actually some sort of fancy paint. I’ve seen a few colors but most commonly black or brown with bright colored tiny glitter like flecks that sparkle in bright light. Usually three or more colors appear on each dark background color as opposed to being monochromatic like a metallic bass boat or something. Also the dots of color and TINY, much smaller than any other type of metallic paint I remember seeing elsewhere. They are so small that in low light or from a distance it can be hard to tell you’re looking at anything more than a plain black or other color dial. These dials are also surprisingly rare as I have only seen a handful of them in person. Coincidentally, I believe Omega may have made some dials that were similar but usually less colorful. Stone dials are extremely difficult to make as they must be paper thin. The cases are not unique to the watches fitted with these dials nor are the movements thinner so the metal dial and the stone layer combined but be no thicker than a standard painted metal dial. This extremely thin stone is not only very difficult to polish without breaking it but the finished dials are also extremely delicate. Any broken crystals risks ruining them and even reasonably careful watchmakers crack them during service all too often. Applying any force on the rim while removing them or reinstalling them can easily have catastrophic consequences. Their usual technique of slipping a screwdriver between the dial and the movement to lift them is not safe as many have learned the hard way. Thanks to “Powerfunk” and all who have contributed to this thread. It is one of the most fascinating dial subjects if you ask me. |
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#114 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,792
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Quote:
Your theory about confetti dials being fancy paint is interesting. I've always suspected they are just a product of damage/aging, especially because I've seen dials like this that we know are the result of moisture + oven: ![]() I've never had the benefit of seeing one up close though! |
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#115 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: USA
Posts: 394
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Just when I thought I knew a lot about Rolex. Thanks for the post. There absolutely fascinating. Human engineering is a marvelous thing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#116 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2022
Real Name: Daniel Bork
Location: Toronto, Canada
Watch: Rolex 228238
Posts: 27
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Great informative thread 🙏🙏
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#117 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC/South Fl
Watch: Rolex, Patek
Posts: 3,606
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Amazing compilation…thank you
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#118 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Singapore
Posts: 13
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Chanced upon the thread and was wondering if any expert opinions on rarity of Pyrite dials for DayDates?
I see there are more Onyx, Lapis Lazuli dials on the market than Pyrite dials. Does it make it rarer? Thanks for sharing in advance |
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#119 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,792
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Yes, pyrite is much rarer imho
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