Name: 1995 Rolex President Lady-date-just Lapis Dial 18k Gold Model 6978
Brand: Rolex
Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)

About the Item

When the original Datejust made its first appearance in celebration of Rolex’s 45th anniversary, it instantly became iconic. Figures as revered as Martin Luther King Jr., President Eisenhower, Winston Churchill, and even the Dalai Lama have sported this classic timepiece at one time or another, as have celebrities such as Rihanna, Daniel Craig, Michael Jordan and Jennifer Aniston. It has appeared on the wrists of the iconic Paul Newman, Christian Bale, and Bill Murray in the films The Color of Money, American Psycho, and Lost in Translation, respectively. It is a timepiece that telegraphs class and sophistication the second it catches the eye. The Lady-Datejust brings all of that, along with an air of elegance. This timepiece features a case that shares its 18-karat yellow gold composition with arguably Rolex’s most elite bracelet: The President. Forged only from the most precious metals and originally intended to be included exclusively with the Day-Date, it earned its name in 1965 after it was worn by Lyndon Johnson, inspiring Rolex to take out a full-page print ad capitalizing on how often it had proven to be the watch of choice for several American presidents. Also of special note, is the mesmerizingly blue dial which is crafted from wafer-thin lapis, a semi-precious stone that is mined throughout northern Afghanistan, and is said to have properties that heal, protect, and help those who possess it to speak their truth. This original dial was made in a limited quantity and considered a collectors piece. It may have been manufactured in 1995, but this watch is perfect for the 21st Century woman with the kind of strength and ambition that can only be fully complemented by a piece that is — truly — Presidential. Additional Information: Maker: Rolex Model: 6978 Year: 1995 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Lapis Lazuli Case Measurement: 26mm Movement: Automatic Weight: 69.93g Size: 6.5 Condition: Pristine Vintage Made in Switzerland Stephanie Windsor guarantees the proper functioning of your watch mechanism for ONE year from the purchase date. Our watches are guaranteed to be of the period, material and manufacturer stated. Any damage due to accidents and/or wear and tear from use is excluded from this warranty. Stephanie Windsor is an independent watch dealer and is not authorized, endorsed, sponsored by, associated with and/ or affiliated with the original watch maker brand. Stephanie Windsor only sells pre-owned, vintage and refurbished watches that are subject to one or more of the following: Repair and replacement of damaged or worn parts or the replacement of the original watch crystal. The original maker of the watch is not under any obligation to service watches by Stephanie Windsor.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Yellow Gold,18k Gold
Stone:
Lapis Lazuli
Stone Cut:
Round Cut
Weight:
69.93 g
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1995
Condition:
very good pre-owned condition.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1661110927952

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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