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1996 Rolex Lady Datejust 69178 - 18K Yellow Gold Cachalong Stone Diamond Dial

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Details
The Rarity Of A Cachalong Dial
Within the established framework of the Lady Datejust, Rolex occasionally produced executions that elevated the reference into the realm of gemology. This is one of them. The centerpiece is its cachalong dial, a rare and milky-white variant of common opal, which provides a serene, porcelain-like canvas. When paired with the warmth of solid 18K yellow gold and the fire of diamond indices, the watch transcends its role as a timekeeper. It becomes an object of material artistry, representing the peak of what the Lady Datejust could be when Rolex decided to treat the dial as a jewel in its own right.
A Collector-Grade Configuration
This watch is a cascade of features that collectors seek. The reference 69178 is executed entirely in 18K yellow gold, from the 26mm Oyster case and fluted bezel to the iconic President bracelet. The dial is the main event: a cachalong stone set with ten brilliant-cut factory diamond hour markers. What makes this example truly exceptional for its age is the preservation of its original green Rolex sticker on the caseback, a detail that's almost always lost to time and wear. The bracelet links remain tight, another key indicator of careful ownership.
Crisp Bracelet, Preserved Sticker
The 18K gold President bracelet shows some light oxidation between the links, a natural and expected occurrence for a watch of this age. The bracelet itself remains tight and well-defined, showing minimal stretch, and the remarkable survival of the factory caseback sticker confirms this example's Very Good Vintage Condition. All components, from the dial to the fluted bezel and crown, are clean and correct. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
A Choice Driven By Rarity
A gold Lady Datejust is a classic choice. This particular execution, however, rewards a closer look. The cachalong stone dial is a quiet signal of rarity, a feature that separates this watch from thousands of others that look similar at a glance. Its appeal lies in that subtlety, combined with the undeniable evidence of its preservation in the form of the caseback sticker. It's a watch that satisfies the desire for a recognized classic while delivering the deeper satisfaction of owning a truly scarce and collector-grade example.
Key Specs
Reference: 69178
Model: Lady Datejust
Year: 1996
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 26mm (Excluding Crown)
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold President
Bracelet Length: Fits up to a 6-inch wrist
Dial: Cachalong Stone, Diamond Indices
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 73.7g
Includes: Original Box and Warranty Papers
SKU: 1878
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.