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1990 Rolex Lady Datejust 69288 - 18K YG Roman Obsidian Stone Dial Diamond Bark Bezel

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Details
From Rolex's Most Ambitious Era
This is not a watch from the standard Rolex catalog. It's a piece of jewelry, produced during a time when Rolex created special-order configurations for its most discerning clientele. The reference 69288 represents the absolute peak of the Lady Datejust line, combining a solid gold President bracelet with a factory diamond-set bezel. This example goes a step further, featuring a dial cut from a solid piece of obsidian. These stone dials were exceedingly difficult to produce, with high failure rates, and were reserved for the brand's most exclusive offerings. This watch was built to compete not with other timepieces, but with the finest jewelry of its day.
Obsidian, Diamonds, And Bark Finishing
This watch is an exercise in rare and complementary textures. The dial is genuine obsidian, a volcanic glass with a deep, liquid blackness that can't be replicated with enamel or lacquer. This is framed by a factory diamond bezel with Rolex's intricate "bark" finishing, a texture that's repeated on the center links of the solid 18K yellow gold President bracelet. The case itself remains unpolished, preserving the original factory lines, and remnants of the original green caseback sticker are still visible. This combination of an exotic stone dial, factory gem-setting, and unified textural finishing makes this an exceptionally rare configuration.
An Unpolished Case And A Unique Dial
This Lady Datejust retains its original factory finishes, confirmed by an unpolished case and the visible remnants of its caseback sticker. The watch is in Very Good Vintage Condition, with some natural oxidation on the bracelet that's consistent with its age. Its obsidian stone dial features a fine crack, an inherent and natural characteristic of the fragile material. This detail is entirely unique to this watch, a geological fingerprint that ensures no other dial is exactly like it. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
Beyond The Everyday Datejust
The 69288 sits at the intersection of Rolex's technical mastery and its willingness to produce true jewelry pieces for a select clientele. These stone-dial configurations were never mass-produced, and the obsidian variant is among the rarest. The combination of a factory diamond bark bezel, matching bark-finished President bracelet, and an exotic stone dial makes this a showcase of the brand's goldsmithing, gem-setting, and lapidary capabilities. It appeals to those who seek Rolex's most exclusive and seldom-seen creations, a piece that functions as both a serious timepiece and a statement of uncompromising material craft.
Key Specs
Reference: 69288
Model: Lady Datejust
Year: 1990
Era: 1990s
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 26mm (Excluding Crown)
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Factory Bark with Diamonds
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold President with Bark Finish
Bracelet Length: Fits up to a 5.75-inch wrist
Dial: Obsidian Stone
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 71.8g
SKU: 1860
Fit & Customization
This watch should feel like it was made for your wrist from the moment you put it on. That's why we offer:
  • Strap Customization: Any two-piece strap swapped and custom-fitted in your choice of material, color, and length
  • Standard Bracelet Sizing: Precise link additions or removals to achieve your exact fit
  • Integrated Bracelet Sizing: A bespoke service few boutiques are equipped to handle
  • Custom Caseback Engraving: Personalize your watch with initials, dates, or custom text engraved on the caseback
Contact us about this item or your order, and we'll take it from there.