Need help with authenticating...Stella Dial?

[Blu L]

Interested in purchasing this Oyster, but not quite sure if the dial is original or if the watch is the real deal. Any help would shed some light to my decision. Thank you all in advance...

[PVR]

Super. Duper. Fake

[Hramez]

Cheap fake , the cyclops is a clear fake ,
Also the date number , the print on the bracelet..



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[Richard Carver]

Stellas were only available on 4 digit and some early 5 digit ref Day Dates. Not Dates, DateJust, 6694s or anything else. There are a lot of repainted dials being called Stella but they are designed only to separate noobs from their cash.

The watch itself looks OK, lugs are a bit thin but a pretty ordinary Date all told. The date wheel is not centered. probably from a poor installation of that dial. Painting Rolex dials has gone on since they invented paint and is no great sin unless someone is trying to rip you off. Can't really tell about the bracelet from that pic.

If that is being presented to you a a Stella I wouldn't trust that seller enough to buy anything and would move on.

1972 1802

[Blu L]

Thank you so much everyone for your help and explanation! Much is appreciated!!! I was skeptical of the model, but I'm not too familiar with the Stella's history(Love them and still learning)...Thanks, again!

[Blu L]

Beautiful watch, Richard!

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Stellas were only available on 4 digit and some early 5 digit ref Day Dates. Not Dates, DateJust, 6694s or anything else. There are a lot of repainted dials being called Stella but they are designed only to separate noobs from their cash.



The watch itself looks OK, lugs are a bit thin but a pretty ordinary Date all told. The date wheel is not centered. probably from a poor installation of that dial. Painting Rolex dials has gone on since they invented paint and is no great sin unless someone is trying to rip you off. Can't really tell about the bracelet from that pic.



If that is being presented to you a a Stella I wouldn't trust that seller enough to buy anything and would move on.

That is wrong. There were many lady datejusts offered with stella dials and there is an ivory 16014 stella datejust with roman numeral markers just off the top of my head. Not all stellas were on day/dates.

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

That is wrong. There were many lady datejusts offered with stella dials and there is an ivory 16014 stella datejust with roman numeral markers just off the top of my head. Not all stellas were on day/dates.

Lots of things are called Stellas because they become worth more money, be careful my friend. :)

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Lots of things are called Stellas because they become worth more money, be careful my friend. :)

If not stella, then what would they be called from the factory?

[Richard Carver]

Stellas weren't called Stella from the factory, it's Italian for little star. The great Italian vintage Rolex collector community named the dials. I have no clue what lady DJ color dials are called but what made you decide a white boiler gauge dial 16014 was a Stella?

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Stellas weren't called Stella from the factory, it's Italian for little star. The great Italian vintage Rolex collector community named the dials. I have no clue what lady DJ color dials are called but what made you decide a white boiler gauge dial 16014 was a Stella?

Stella dials are solid enamel which I believe that 16014s dial is as well.

[Richard Carver]

And enamel Daytonas are Stellas?

[Richard Carver]

I realize actual knowledge is not highly prized among todays vintage owners and I've almost stopped sharing for that reason.

Stella is a specific term applied to a defined range of refs. They are colorful enamel painted dials found on 4 digit ref Day Dates. They extend into the 5 digit ref DDs briefly. Any attempt to expand the definition is merely an attempt to steal money.

Anything that adds value to a vintage Rolex will be perverted by those who wish to steal money. A gilt dial is a specific term that describes a process of achieving gold fonts on certain dials from the 50s and 60s. A dial with gold paint is not a gilt but those wishing to steal money will happily tell the ignorant it is in order to dare I say it, steal money.

Tropical dials are those who have changed color due to age and possible exposure to the sun or maybe it was just bad paint. These became valuable due to their beauty and of course, any crappy water damaged POS dial instantly became 'tropical' as a means to steal money from noobs.

I realize times have changed, the type of people in the hobby has changed. There is simply no real curiosity or even respect for knowledge. There was a thread recently wondering where all the experts have gone and the truth is no one really wants to learn so why bother?

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I realize actual knowledge is not highly prized among todays vintage owners and I've almost stopped sharing for that reason.

Stella is a specific term applied to a defined range of refs. They are colorful enamel painted dials found on 4 digit ref Day Dates. They extend into the 5 digit ref DDs briefly. Any attempt to expand the definition is merely an attempt to steal money.

Anything that adds value to a vintage Rolex will be perverted by those who wish to steal money. A gilt dial is a specific term that describes a process of achieving gold fonts on certain dials from the 50s and 60s. A dial with gold paint is not a gilt but those wishing to steal money will happily tell the ignorant it is in order to dare I say it, steal money.

Tropical dials are those who have changed color due to age and possible exposure to the sun or maybe it was just bad paint. These became valuable due to their beauty and of course, any crappy water damaged POS dial instantly became 'tropical' as a means to steal money from noobs.

I realize times have changed, the type of people in the hobby has changed. There is simply no real curiosity or even respect for knowledge. There was a thread recently wondering where all the experts have gone and the truth is no one really wants to learn so why bother?

Great post Richard!

[robbrum]

Thx for your explanation Richard.

[springer]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Stella dials are solid enamel which I believe that 16014s dial is as well.

As Richard mentioned, that white dial you posted in this thread has been called a boiler gauge dial since I've been around - I've never, ever heard anyone refer to it as a "Stella."

[Mr.Rolex1]

Sorry its fake

[77T]

I’d only add to Richard’s well worded explanation that the source of “stella” was also attributed to artist Frank Stella due to his painting in 1967.



You can decide for yourself.

The truth is Rolex rolled out these Stella dials only on 1803’s in the early ‘70’s and they didn’t last long.

Maybe it was a desire to be relevant to new cultural trends. They became popular in some markets. But not so much in the staid European and North American markets.

Later, Rolex added dashes of color to all sorts of models. Lady DJ’s, Beach Daytona’s, OP’s and even DD’s again (Basel 2013 with blue, cherry, chocolate, green and cognac).

So - all Stella’s are colorful, but not all colorful dials are true original Stella’s.


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[Tools]

Keep up the great input Richard.

There are still plenty of members who read and learn, and don't bite on the new wave obsessions.

[Gmt21]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I realize actual knowledge is not highly prized among todays vintage owners and I've almost stopped sharing for that reason.

Stella is a specific term applied to a defined range of refs. They are colorful enamel painted dials found on 4 digit ref Day Dates. They extend into the 5 digit ref DDs briefly. Any attempt to expand the definition is merely an attempt to steal money.

Anything that adds value to a vintage Rolex will be perverted by those who wish to steal money. A gilt dial is a specific term that describes a process of achieving gold fonts on certain dials from the 50s and 60s. A dial with gold paint is not a gilt but those wishing to steal money will happily tell the ignorant it is in order to dare I say it, steal money.

Tropical dials are those who have changed color due to age and possible exposure to the sun or maybe it was just bad paint. These became valuable due to their beauty and of course, any crappy water damaged POS dial instantly became 'tropical' as a means to steal money from noobs.

I realize times have changed, the type of people in the hobby has changed. There is simply no real curiosity or even respect for knowledge. There was a thread recently wondering where all the experts have gone and the truth is no one really wants to learn so why bother?

It takes time and effort to continue educating but please know this work is appreciated!

[OttawaSteve]

Originally Posted by Tools

Keep up the great input Richard.

There are still plenty of members who read and learn, and don't bite on the new wave obsessions.

Yes please continue. I very much enjoy learning something besides how many people can whine about supply issues. As someone new to TRF and Rolex, I appreciate the effort and I search out this kind of post.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

...the truth is no one really wants to learn so why bother?

Tough day at the office? Lots of us are here to learn from people with specialist knowledge like you.

Don't lose heart - your input is massively valuable. #carverforpresident

[springer]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’d only add to Richard’s well worded explanation that the source of “stella” was also attributed to artist Frank Stella due to his painting in 1967.



You can decide for yourself.

The truth is Rolex rolled out these Stella dials only on 1803’s in the early ‘70’s and they didn’t last long.

Maybe it was a desire to be relevant to new cultural trends. They became popular in some markets. But not so much in the staid European and North American markets.

Later, Rolex added dashes of color to all sorts of models. Lady DJ’s, Beach Daytona’s, OP’s and even DD’s again (Basel 2013 with blue, cherry, chocolate, green and cognac).

So - all Stella’s are colorful, but not all colorful dials are true original Stella’s.


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I thought the 2013 re-issues for the Day-Dates were considered Stella dials.

[77T]

Originally Posted by springer

I'd like to add that Rolex did a re-issue of the Stella dials for the Day-Date during 2013 I believe.

Yeah, I mentioned that in my post that you quoted (blue, cherry, chocolate, green and cognac)




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[springer]

Originally Posted by 77T

Yeah, I mentioned that in my post that you quoted (blue, cherry, chocolate, green and cognac)




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Thanks Paul, yes I saw your post, read it, and was a little confused.

[77T]

Oh I misunderstood - yep I’d say Rolex was doing a Stella throwback since I believe the colors were only available with the DD on a strap.


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[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I realize actual knowledge is not highly prized among todays vintage owners and I've almost stopped sharing for that reason.

Stella is a specific term applied to a defined range of refs. They are colorful enamel painted dials found on 4 digit ref Day Dates. They extend into the 5 digit ref DDs briefly. Any attempt to expand the definition is merely an attempt to steal money.

Anything that adds value to a vintage Rolex will be perverted by those who wish to steal money. A gilt dial is a specific term that describes a process of achieving gold fonts on certain dials from the 50s and 60s. A dial with gold paint is not a gilt but those wishing to steal money will happily tell the ignorant it is in order to dare I say it, steal money.

Tropical dials are those who have changed color due to age and possible exposure to the sun or maybe it was just bad paint. These became valuable due to their beauty and of course, any crappy water damaged POS dial instantly became 'tropical' as a means to steal money from noobs.

I realize times have changed, the type of people in the hobby has changed. There is simply no real curiosity or even respect for knowledge. There was a thread recently wondering where all the experts have gone and the truth is no one really wants to learn so why bother?

Thanks for this. I’m here to learn and I’m deeply grateful for the knowledge shared by those who have it.

[miamiclay]

I have not heard the 2013 color Day-Dates referred to as Stella dials.

While I think the more recent ones are a great look, to my eye the brushed metallic colors of the 2013 releases don’t look anything like the solid gloss lacquer surfaces of the Stellas.

And Mr. Carver, please keep the good info coming - Plenty of us are here to learn!
.
.

[dgdjr]

Miss you RC. A breath of fresh air :)

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by springer

I thought the 2013 re-issues for the Day-Dates were considered Stella dials.

I wouldn't call these new sunburst ones Stella dials. Yes, they're colored, but Stella is the old enamel dial with flat colors. And they still elude my collection.