Rolex Stone Dial Watches: Why Collectors Are Hunting for These Models

Rolex introduced the Day-Date 36 several years ago which comprised an attractive selection of ornamental stone dials. Some of these dials include the fiery orange carnelian 18k yellow gold, finely crystallized green aventurine in 18k Everose gold, and turquoise in 18k white gold. The Rolex luxury watches with Presidential bracelets were spectacular, attracting collectors and enthusiasts. Atlanta Luxury Watches is more than just a watch store that offers quality timepieces from leading brands, but also a trusted source of pertinent information on various products. Let’s delve into the reasons collectors are hunting Rolex models with stone dials to help you make informed decisions.

Rolex’s Legacy of Stone Dials

Rolex has been using stone dials since the 1970s, meaning the Day-Date models are not the first ones to integrate this unique design. However, Rolex stone dials gained popularity in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s because of their luxurious feel and bright colors. You can find stone dials on Roles Datejust and Day-Date models; not to mention the occasional Daytona which featured colorful stones, such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, carnelian, tiger’s eye, and onyx among others.

Unlike the previous utilitarian luxury watches Rolex built its reputation on, the stone dial watches showed the brand’s fanciful side: fun, groovy, and electric. By the early 1990s, the bohemian vibe that contributed to the popularity of stone dial watches fell out of favor.

A Resurgence in Collector’s Interests

Over the past several years, vintage Rolex timepieces with colorful stones have made a comeback via secondary channels, as collectors and enthusiasts look for wristwatches that stand out. This has resulted in a drastic increase in the interest in rare and unique pieces, with stone dials being the favorites. As the market shifts toward unique designs, the demand for stone dials will only increase.

This is especially true for another highly sought-after style that emerged in the 70s called Stella Dials. These luxury watches were named after the Swiss firm responsible for supplying the special pigment used on Rolex dials. The colorful lacquer dials come in different shades, such as green, blue, yellow, red, corals, and mauve. If you want a Rolex watch with these colorful dials, it might be near impossible since they are rare.

Other Brands that Embrace Stone Dials

Other Rolex is the go-to brand for timepieces with stone dials, other brands also adopted this design to make their luxury watches flashy. Piaget is a great example, as it incorporated gemstones in the ‘60s and ‘70s, earning a cult-like following among collectors. Besides the brand’s chic stone dial pieces, jewelry watches are also in demand, representing a time when watchmakers prioritized texture, form, and design over function.

A New Era of Colorful, Gemstone-Set Watches

In the past year, we have seen a return to the "design-first philosophy." Collectors and Rolex watch enthusiasts appreciate the use of genuine gems, whether stones only noticeable among collectors, that create a subtle difference on the dial, or eye-catching glints of color, stone dials offer watch lovers another way to express who they are and what they stand for.

Now that you know why modern watchmakers are infatuated with color, you can make an informed purchase that meets your design preferences and style. From Bulova, which introduced a Super Seville collection of stone dial timepieces to Sylvain Berneron, which featured tiger’s eye and lapis lazuli dials, our watch store has something for everyone.

Contact us at Atlanta Luxury Watches to learn more about unique designs that are making a comeback to inform your purchases. Schedule a consultation today and access a vast catalog of top-tier pieces from your favorite brand.