Aside from innovation, finishing, and extraordinary history, sometimes the really exciting part of a watch is its dial. In this article, we’re not just talking about the blue Rolex dial. For decades, the Rolex brand has been creating special variations on several of its replica watches with dials that are completely different from traditional ones. In some cases traditional techniques are used, in other unconventional materials are used, and either way, the end result is very special.
First, you see a familiar fuzzy dial from Rolex — a linen dial. Its name is very self-explanatory because the texture applied to the dial is very similar to what you see when looking at linen fabric. This pattern has emerged in Rolex CEO and dates only the pattern back to the 1960s.
For the 40th anniversary of the Datejust in 1985, Rolex unveiled what was the starting of an ongoing series of specially patterned dials using the Rolex name in a stylized repeating font. In some cases, the all-over pattern can be quite bold and overpowering, but in other instances, it can be incredibly subtle. Without looking too close, you would almost mistake certain Rolex Jubilee dials for more natural patterns – precisely what makes me a huge fan of the more under-the-radar examples.
Stone dials are now ubiquitous in watchmaking, and products like malachite and aventurine have become surprisingly popular. That said, when was the last time you saw a wood dial? There have certainly been some here and there, but overall they are miles rarer than most other material dial options. Most can be found on Rolex watches from the 1970s and 1980s, and when combined with a yellow gold case and bracelet, it is about as quintessential ’80s as it gets.
The early to mid-2000s Cellini Prince models are a very particular breed for many reasons, being the last of the hand-wound Rolex watches out there, and the only ones fitted with a sapphire crystal display back. That said, their dials are also exceptional in a lot of cases. The 18k yellow gold example uses a gold plate with an old-school hobnail pattern that also appears on the bridges of the movement. The choice of the dial is very suitable for its rectangular art deco style case, although it has a very old/traditional atmosphere, it is still very cool. This fake watch isn’t for everyone, but it’s sure to impress any self-respecting watch lover.
Last but not least, we have one of the strangest Rolex dial – flower dials. These are still in current production and are rarely promoted by Rolex as a brand. Provided in a 36mm case, these things are simply strange considering the unisex standards. Flower patterns with a bit of cartoon/graphic are carved on the sundial and clocks with or without diamond time markings can be found at 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock.
