Rolex Day-Date 1803 'Stella'

First-generation "Stella Dial" in Vibrant Green – Made for a White Metal Day-Date

It’s hard to imagine what the Rolex design team was thinking when they created the wildly colorful Stella dials for their flagship Day-Date—perhaps a bit of psychedelic inspiration? These high-gloss dials were a dramatic departure from Rolex's typically conservative aesthetic. And that might explain why they weren’t initially a hit. After all, the Day-Date was a watch for the well-heeled—presidents, business tycoons, and high society types—hardly the crowd you’d expect to see wearing neon-colored timepieces.

But that initial lack of popularity is exactly what makes Stella dials so collectible today. Few were made, and rarity is a quality collectors prize dearly.

The name "Stella" comes from the Swiss lacquer supplier Stella S.A. Interestingly, “Stella” isn’t just a nickname among enthusiasts—Rolex themselves referred to these as “Lacquered Stella” dials in internal documentation, including master catalogs. While the glossy, richly pigmented surface may evoke the feel of enamel, the production process was less artisanal and more scalable—though it still required serious craftsmanship.

The lacquer was hand-mixed, resulting in subtle variations in color even among dials of the same shade. Put two green Stellas side by side, and you’re likely to spot nuanced differences. And this particular vivid green version? It’s the kind you might only come across once in a lifetime—like now.

The varnish was applied by a skilled professional using a spray gun, layering coat after coat—each needing to dry fully before the next could be added. This painstaking process ended with a transparent sealing layer, hand-polished to achieve the signature glossy finish. We're thrilled to report this dial remains pristine, with no flaws, and its bold black graphics are crisp and undamaged. The creamy tritium plots are intact and beautifully complement the applied baton markers. Both the markers and the coronet are in white gold, matching the white metal 18xx case—making it significantly rarer than its yellow gold counterparts.

This 1803 dates to 1973 and is in exceptional condition, featuring strong lugs, a sharply fluted bezel, and a tight President bracelet with minimal stretch. Among collectors, the 4-digit Day-Dates represent the golden era of Stella dials, thanks in part to the iconic "pie-pan" profile, which adds visual depth and character. On early Stella examples like this one, you’ll even notice a charming "bathtub" effect around the day and date apertures, where the lacquer pools slightly—an endearing quirk of early production.

If you've grown weary of Rolex's more restrained, utilitarian designs, the Stella dials offer a bold, refreshing alternative. Their audacious colors and scarcity have made them one of the most exciting frontiers in vintage Rolex collecting—and this vivid green gem is a perfect example of why.