When most think of stone dials, they think of the Day-Date, the pinnacle of Rolex luxury. But in the 1970s, a handful of collectors opted for something more restrained, yet equally captivating: the Datejust.
This 1977 yellow gold example is fitted with a Lapis Lazuli dial of breathtaking depth and vibrancy. Without the day aperture, the dial becomes an uninterrupted field of pure precious stone. More stone, more substance, more soul.
An Unusual Harmony of Color and Craft
The Lapis Lazuli dial of this Datejust is rich in color, alive with movement, and full of character. Its surface reveals a mesmerising play of shades: deep and lighter ocean blues blending into veins, punctuated by a few delicate golden pyrite inclusions that shimmer under changing light. It feels like staring into a wild, stormy sea.
What makes this configuration even more exceptional is not only the stunning dial itself, but the unusual combination in which it appears: a yellow gold Datejust paired with a yellow gold rivet Oyster bracelet. Most Datejusts were delivered on Jubilee bracelets or on President bracelets, making this sporty pairing incredibly rare. The rivet Oyster, with its vintage taper and exposed pins, adds a slightly rugged edge to an otherwise refined watch.
Condition and Character
After nearly fifty years, this Datejust tells a story of genuine wear. The case and bracelet show signs of use, but the kind of honest wear that adds personality without compromising form: light scratches and surface marks, but nothing extreme.
The Lapis Lazuli dial is flawless. Its vivid, swirling pattern remains free from cracks, hairlines or any other imperfections. The contrast between the lived-in warmth of the yellow gold and the vivid, untouched lapis is striking.
A perfect example of why we love Lapis Lazuli at Collectors Gallery Dubai: alive, individual, and powerful.
- extrasLapis Lazuli Dial, Rivet Oyster Bracelet
- year1977
- reference1601
- modelDatejust
