[2025 Edition] 5 Rare Vintage Day-Date & Datejust Dials for "Must-See" Watch Enthusiasts

Today, we will be bringing you a selection of 5 rare vintage Day-Date and Datejust dials that are a must-see for watch enthusiasts [2025 Edition] .

Rolex's Day-Date and Datejust have had numerous dial variations throughout their long history, and vintage models in particular have many rare dials. The unique designs and materials that set them apart from regular dials, as well as the special edition dials that are unique to vintage models, are all things that any watch lover would want to see at least once.
This time, we have carefully selected five rare dials from the models handled by Commit Ginza. Please enjoy until the end!

If you are interested in any of the watches, please register your interest in them now.

① "Datejust" "Ref.1603"

The Datejust "Ref. 1603" features a "red eye" dial, which is rare even in the vintage market.

The "Red Eye" dial from the 1970s is a rare dial that at first glance appears black, but when viewed through a magnifying glass, countless tiny red, green, and yellow specks emerge. This subtle but eye-catching detail makes it different from the regular Datejust, giving it the unique character that only a vintage dial can offer.
The case size is 36mm, and it is equipped with the Cal.1570 automatic movement, which is a representative and famous movement of vintage Rolexes. Another appeal of the Ref.1603 is that it uses an engraved bezel instead of a fluted bezel.
Combined with the rarity of the dial, this model is also extremely valuable as a collection item. The "Datejust" with a "Red Eye" dial is extremely rare on the market, making it a special piece that any collector would want to own at least once .

② "Datejust" "Ref.16000"

A hidden rare model from the 1980s, the Datejust Ref. 16000, features a "boiler gauge" dial.

This model was produced from around 1978 to 1988, and while the majority of Datejusts from the 1980s have fluted bezels, this is a rare model equipped with a smooth bezel.
The "Boiler Gauge" is a design that features a railway minute circle on the inner circumference of the dial and Breguet numeral indexes. As the name suggests, the design is reminiscent of industrial measuring instruments, which sets it apart from other dials. The "Boiler Gauge" is available in white, ivory, and blue colors, but this model has a glossy white dial with enamel coating, and is secretly popular among collectors. The rare "Ref. 16000" among vintage Datejusts features a "boiler gauge" dial that exudes a retro atmosphere and is sure to tickle the hearts of collectors .

③ "Datejust" "Ref.16030"

The Datejust "Ref. 16030" is equipped with a rare "Blue Buckley" dial.

Compared to the previous model "Ref.1603", this model is equipped with "Cal.3035" which adds a quick change function to the movement, making it more practical. The dial is a rare "Blue Buckley" dial, which is rare among the "Buckley" dials that have been gaining popularity in recent years. It has a unique color with a slight green tint, creating a nice atmosphere unique to vintage items.
The "Buckley" dial is a dial used on the "Datejust" and "Day-Date" watches manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by large printed Roman numerals. "Buckley" is said to be derived from the name of John Buckley, a religious leader who was also a Rolex collector.
The "Blue Buckley" is very rarely available on the market and is considered a particularly rare variation of the Datejust, making it a true collector's item .

④ "Day Date 36" "Ref. 18038"

The Day-Date 36 "Ref. 18038" is equipped with a jet black "onyx" dial.

This "Ref.18038" is a model that appeared in the late 1970s, and compared to the previous model "Ref.1803", the windshield has been changed from plastic to sapphire crystal, and the calendar has a quick change function. The biggest feature of this model is the dial made of the natural stone "onyx", and the simple design without even indexes or minute scales gives it a special feel that sets it apart from the general "day-date". By eliminating all unnecessary decoration, the unique glossy texture and luster of "onyx" stands out, making it one of a kind. It is very popular among collectors, and the price of "onyx" dials is rising in the second-hand market. The color contrast between the shine of the 18K yellow gold and the deep, jet-black "onyx" dial is also very beautiful, making it a collector's item with a low circulation in the vintage market .

⑤ "Day Date 36" "Ref. 18038"

The Day-Date 36 "Ref. 18038" is equipped with a "wood" dial that has a unique expression created by nature.

The greatest appeal of this "wood" dial is that it is made of natural wood, so the grain pattern and color of each one is different. Among the "wood" dials, the "birch" dial, which uses birch wood for the dial, is characterized by a beautiful, bright and glossy wood grain, with fine white spots that are resistant to wear and tear, and is a perfect match for the 18K yellow gold case. The unique texture of the natural material gives it a special presence that is different from the general "Day-Date", and what's interesting about this dial is that each one has a different expression. In addition, the dial surface is coated, and the combination of the beautiful wood grain and black letters creates a finish that exudes a sense of adult calm.
The case size is 36mm, and the movement is equipped with the Cal.3055 with a quick-change function, making it extremely practical.
The "wood" dial has a luxurious feel, but the natural materials give it a unique look, making it a rare model that is rarely seen on the market .

summary

What did you think?

There are many unique dials for vintage Day-Date and Datejust watches, and they have a charm that cannot be found in current models. The five watches introduced here are equipped with rare dials that are not widely available on the market, and one of the great attractions of these watches is that you can enjoy the individuality of each one. Why not get your hands on a special watch with a one-of-a-kind dial and experience its beauty for yourself? If you are interested in any of the models we carry, please feel free to contact us.