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Lot Essay
Rolex introduced glossy lacquered dials known as 'Stella' dials on their Day-Date and Datejust models in the 1970s and produced them through the 80s. These lacquered dials had a high gloss finish and were available in a riot of colors, and were in tones that one would not expect to see from the traditional manufacture.
Flamboyant, whimsical, and in stark contrast to Rolex’s tool watch aesthetic, they were not initially popular but have been largely collectible today. Some believed the name is a reference to artist Frank Stella, who specialized in bright colors. However, it is now widely accepted that Stella was the name of the Swiss company that provided the special colored pigments to Rolex’s dial makers.
To make the beautiful 'Stella' dials, the pigments were mixed by hand, and then meticulously applied layer after layer until a deep rich gloss coating had built up. This tedious process was executed by legendary dial manufacturer Stern Frères. Furthermore, it is believed that these dials were originally produced for a few markets including the Middle East and Asia, but found their way to other regions as well.
Flamboyant, whimsical, and in stark contrast to Rolex’s tool watch aesthetic, they were not initially popular but have been largely collectible today. Some believed the name is a reference to artist Frank Stella, who specialized in bright colors. However, it is now widely accepted that Stella was the name of the Swiss company that provided the special colored pigments to Rolex’s dial makers.
To make the beautiful 'Stella' dials, the pigments were mixed by hand, and then meticulously applied layer after layer until a deep rich gloss coating had built up. This tedious process was executed by legendary dial manufacturer Stern Frères. Furthermore, it is believed that these dials were originally produced for a few markets including the Middle East and Asia, but found their way to other regions as well.