1990 Rolex Day Date Blue Stella Ref. 18238 (with papers)

Electric Blue

The introduction of Stella dials in the early 1970s was a bold and unexpected move by Rolex. Until then, the Day-Date had been the brand’s most classical and conservative model — a watch worn by presidents, world leaders, and celebrities as a symbol of success and status. Bright, playful colors were simply not what the market expected, and at the time these vibrant dials were not particularly well received. As a result, many Stella dials were later replaced with more traditional options, especially in Western markets, while the Middle East and parts of Asia became their main homes.

Looking back today, it’s easy to see why Stella dials have become so loved. The color Blue is unapologetically bold and expressive — from Oxblood to Green, Red, Orange, Turquoise, Salmon, Candy Pink, Apricot, Seafoam, Lilac, and Yellow. Apart from Oxblood, these are truly colorful dials, and their desirability often comes down to just how exotic the shade is. Given that many Stella dials were removed or returned to Rolex over the years, surviving examples are surprisingly few, making original Stella dials far rarer than most people realize.

The watch offered here features the Blue Stella dial, more specifically known as Electric Blue. It’s a color we don’t come across very often, and in terms of rarity it likely sits somewhere in the upper middle of the Stella spectrum. Cooler and more restrained than Turquoise, it has a crisp, modern feel that still remains unmistakably vintage. Each Stella dial was lacquered by hand, meaning no two are ever exactly the same — and gentle aging over time only adds to that individuality. This example is in excellent condition, with fully present luminous dots, matching hands, and the rarely seen gold print, a detail that adds further depth to the dial.

Adding to its appeal, this Electric Blue Stella is fitted with baton indexes, which — despite intuition — are generally and bizarrely more desirable than diamond-set versions among seasoned collectors. The watch itself is a beautifully preserved Day-Date ref. 18238 in yellow gold, showing a crisp, well-proportioned case and a strong President bracelet with only minimal stretch for its age. To top it all off, the watch comes with its original punched warranty certificate, making it a compelling opportunity for anyone looking to add a vibrant yet uncommon Stella dial to their collection.