There was a time in the late 1970s and 1980s when Rolex went through what you might call its stoned period. A series of Rolex classics with exotic faces - mother of pearl, onyx, coral, even meteorite - to appeal to wealthy collectors. The watch face you see here is one of the most desirable vintage watches of all. Not just that but the stone chosen is said to have healing powers. We’re sold already - because this rare example is now up for sale.
The Datejust one of the best classic watches for men and one of the best Rolex watches. Origins date back to 1945, when it was introduced to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. Simplicity of style with a self-winding mechanism and signature Cyclops lens over the date conceals the meticulous engineering for which Rolex is renowned, with more than 200 parts to each watch. When introduced, the Datejust revolutionised watchmaking as the first self winding watch to show the date on its dial. The Cyclops magnifier followed in 1954, again a first.
Bracelet and strap on this 1979 Datejust are in classy white gold and condition is described as excellent with the sort of light wear that offers what these days is regarded as desirable patina. But above and beyond all of this, it’s that dial that is the star of the show and the reason why you’d be considering this particular Rolex above all others.
The allure of stone dials
Stone dials were introduced to offer an extra exclusivity to the whole Rolex experience. Often they were made to special order. This one is an extremely rare Bloodstone Datejust, bloodstone being part of the jasper family of stones. It’s a stone also known as heliotrope, deep green shot through with vivid red of iron oxide. No two examples are alike.
When introduced, the Datejust revolutionised watchmaking as the first self winding watch to show the date on its dial. The Cyclops magnifier followed in 1954, again a first.
Crystal experts call bloodstone the sun stone or even Christ’s stone, with the mythology saying the stone was formed when Jesus Christ was crucified and his blood fell to earth. Bloodstone has been regarded across the ages for its reputed healing powers. Can it summon rain as the ancients believed? Rolex aren't saying, but it’s naturally an excellent story and adds to the aura of this remarkable watch.
What with all this rarity, the potential for healing and the sheer desirability of any vintage Rolex watch, you’re probably as keen as we are to have this Rolex White Gold Bloodstone Datejust on your wrist, ready for all and every occasion. Above all: it’s a Rolex, and you’re not going to find the person next to you at that swanky dinner party wearing one with a stone dial. And certainly not a bloodstone. Which brings us neatly to the price of this desirable exclusivity: strictly on application, vendors The Keystone tell us. Statistics show these rarely come up for sale, increasing values in the last few years suggest you’ll need at least £30,000. You might need to sell a car, but is that a Rolex? See you at the next healing circle.
