This 1982 Rolex Datejust reference 6917 features a 26mm 18k yellow gold case and fluted bezel, paired with a vivid red lacquered dial, commonly referred to as a “Stella” dial. The dial is fitted with gold baton hour markers and matching hands. The watch is presented with its original box.The “Stella” dials were introduced by Rolex in the 1970s, known for their glossy enamel finishes and vibrant color palette. These dials were originally created for Day-Date models and appeared more rarely in Datejust references such as the 6917. The name “Stella” likely refers to the dial manufacturer or derives from the Latin word for ‘star’. These colorful dials were initially produced for select markets but had limited commercial success at the time, resulting in low production numbers and, in some cases, destruction of unsold pieces. Today, they are considered highly collectible due to their rarity and unique aesthetic.This watch features the earlier Datejust case style with drilled lugs, typical for the era, and remains a strong example of Rolex’s bolder design choices in the early 1980s.
