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1979 Rolex Lady Datejust 6917 President - 18K Yellow Gold Birch Wood Dial

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The Organic Dial In Solid Gold
During the 1970s, Rolex began experimenting with dials made from organic materials, a move that brought a new kind of expression to its classic models. This Lady Datejust is a product of that era, featuring a dial cut from a thin slice of birch wood. The natural grain means no two of these watches are ever identical. Paired with a solid 18K yellow gold case and President bracelet, the watch frames natural material in precious metal, a combination Rolex pursued for only a brief window.
A Full-Gold President With A Wood Dial
The 26mm case is rendered entirely in 18K yellow gold, from the characteristically sharp fluted bezel to the links of the President bracelet. This all-gold execution provides the weight and substance expected from a precious metal Rolex. The defining feature is the birch dial, which is documented in the warranty papers. These organic dials were fragile and difficult to produce, making clean, well-preserved examples like this one particularly sought-after. It's the combination of a classic, all-gold construction with an uncommon, natural dial that makes this piece stand out.
Birch Grain Intact, Bezel Still Sharp
The birch wood dial shows its natural vertical grain pattern clearly, with no cracks or discoloration. The case shows honest wear consistent with very good vintage condition, and the fluted bezel remains well-defined. The 18K yellow gold President bracelet has some stretch consistent with its age, but feels secure. This example is fitted with its original crown and retains its tritium lume plots, as is correct for the period. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
The Alternative To The Standard Gold Dial
The birch dial offers a distinct alternative to the champagne or silver configurations that define most gold Lady Datejusts. It's warmer and more textured, a choice that signals an appreciation for material over pure convention. The wood dial was a brief experiment in Rolex's catalog, produced for only a few years before being discontinued. This watch provides a way to wear a foundational model that feels personal and unique, standing apart from the more common configurations without abandoning the core appeal of the reference.
Key Specs
Reference: 6917
Model: Lady Datejust
Year: 1979
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 26mm (Excluding Crown)
Bezel: Fluted 18K Yellow Gold
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold President
Bracelet Length: Fits up to a 6-inch wrist
Dial: Birch Wood, Date Indicator
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 65.9g
Includes: Warranty Papers
SKU: 1818
Fit & Customization
We want your watch to fit the day it arrives, so its next chapter starts the moment you put it on, and that's why we offer:
  • Any two-piece strap swapped out and customized in the material, color, and length you want
  • Links added or removed on a metal bracelet
  • Integrated bracelets resized, which few dealers will take on
Contact us about the listing or your order and we'll take it from there.