1978 Rolex Day Date Coral Stella Dial Ref. 1803

Coral Stella

The introduction of Stella dials in the early 1970s was a bold move by Rolex having produced more classical and conservative watches to date. The Day Date embodied the absolute top model of the range and was a sign of success, wealth and prosperity, presidents and celebrities at the time were wearing Day Dates, however the market was not really ready for vibrant and funky color dials and from what we know, these were not well accepted by the audience.

As a consequence Sales declined for these Tutti Frutti colored dials which were often replaced by conventional dials due to a more conservative audience in those days. The pre-dominant markets for Stella dials were Middle East and Asia.

The color range can be described mostly as fresh, vibrant and funky and we know why people love them today. Apart from the Oxblood color all other colors are really ‘colorful’, Green, Red, Orange, Blue, Turquoise, Salmon, Candy Pink, Coral, Seafoam, Lilac and Yellow, this should mostly conclude the range of dials. The value and desirability depend on the popularity of the color, the more exotic, the better. Assuming that a lot of these Stella dials had been destroyed, removed, returned to the factory, the number of Stella dials is not high, in fact it is frightening low. Especially if we are speaking about mint dials in impeccable condition.

The 1803 offered here bears the rare and vibrant Coral Stella dial, which rarity wise can probably be positioned in the upper 30% of the rarest Stella colors. This vivid coral hue is truly exotic and so striking that will turn every wrist to an attraction. The surface is super glossy and in close to perfect condition showing only very minimal wear from age. 
Further, to oppose the common sense, this is the more desirable version with baton indexes. Most Stella dials have been fitted with diamond indexes.

This super cool Coral Stella dial Day Date is the perfect Summer watch. The combination of the gold with the Coral color makes it pop and the watch cannot go unnoticed. The thick lacquer, that is especially known on the 4 digit references gives the color another boost, it look rich and strong, unlike the later flat Stella dials.
The watch is overall in very nice vintage condition retaining well defined dimensions and sharp edges, the bracelet is sharp and fully linked. A great opportunity to acquire a very unique Stella.