Take a look at any Rolex collection, and chances are that you will spot at least one reference with a Rolex champagne dial. While this elegant dial variation is more commonly found on dress references, Rolex also includes them as an option for their line of sports watches as well. Depending on the year made, the champagne dial is available in a wide range of hour markers and hand options, including luminous baton or stick hour markers and vintage dauphine or standard straight hands. One of the earliest instances of a Rolex with the iconic golden dial dates back to sometime between the 1930’s and early 1940’s. Over 70 years later, the champagne dial is still just as sought-after by collectors, proving its timelessness.
Rolex Champagne Dial on a Vintage
All-gold Rolex watches are a natural pairing with the Datejust champagne dial, as its hue blends in seamlessly with the rest of the case and bracelet. The dial that is featured with the vintage Rolex Datejust 6605 that is showcased here gives this particular mens watch an exquisite style and is an excellent option for any collector who seeks a memorable and valuable timepiece. It’s common to see vintage dials, such as this ref. 6605, topped with applied yellow gold dagger hour markers and Dauphine, or Alpha, hands. Also referred to as a “Pie Pan” dial, the face on this ref. 6605 is characterized by edges that slope down slightly around the outer rim, similar to the shape of a pie pan.
A Modern Classic
If it’s a bold and powerful Champagne dial/watch that you seek, then the two-tone Yellow Rolesor Rolex Datejust II 126333 may be the perfect option for you. This men’s dress watch is a newer addition to the Rolex line and features a larger 41mm Oyster case. The two-tone finish on the case and bracelet offers a subtle elegance that pairs well with the matching champagne dial. The champagne coloration that accompanies this mens reference features every modern luxury that the Rolex brand has to offer, including a jump date magnified by a Cyclops lens and 18 karat yellow gold baton hour markers and hands filled with highly visible Chromalight lume. Visibility is paramount on the Datejust II, as is apparent from the larger size of the dial to the blue luminescent display.
The Everyday Tool-Watch
When the Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph, or Thunderbird, entered the market in 1945, it was the first official Rolex tool watch. Its ability to straddle the line between a dress and a sports watch has attracted collectors for over 70 years. This particular two-tone ref. 116263 is ideal for collectors who prefer a sportier dress watch dial. The red seconds hand pops against the champagne dial and coordinates with the red date wheel and red font featuring the “Turn-O-Graph” name just below the central hands. Lume dots above each hour marker as well as hands filled with lume plots offer a highly legible reading.
Sophisticated, elegant, and rich, the champagne dial is a popular choice among luxury watch collectors. Whether you’re in the market for a casual dress reference, a striking statement piece, or a functional tool-watch, there is sure to be a Rolex with a champagne dial to suit your individual style.
