ROLEX DATEJUST "turquoise stella"

This 1989 Rolex Datejust reference 69178 features a 26mm 18k yellow gold case paired with a turquoise lacquered dial, commonly referred to as a “Stella” dial. The dial is accented with factory-set diamond hour markers. The watch includes its original box and papers, comprising a full set.​

The “Stella” dials were introduced by Rolex in the 1970s, characterized by their vibrant, high-gloss enamel finishes. These dials were primarily offered in Day-Date models and, less frequently, in Datejust references like the 69178. The term “Stella” is believed to originate from the dial manufacturer or possibly from the Latin word for 'star'. Initially aimed at markets in the Middle East and Asia, these colorful dials were not widely embraced at the time, leading to limited production and, in some cases, the destruction of unsold pieces. This rarity has since elevated their status among collectors.