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The Rolex Jubilee Dial – A Very Special Dial

The Rolex Jubilee Dial – A Very Special Dial

Featured Brand: Rolex

When it comes to Rolex, time doesn’t just tick by; it gracefully unfolds over the years. They’re particularly celebrated for their timeless designs that gradually evolve.

But, every once in a while, Rolex breaks free from tradition and introduces something exceptionally unique and special. In this case, the “Jubilee” dial.

If the elegant yet striking design has caught your eye, you’re not alone. This dial definitely deserves its praise, and we’re here to give you the full scoop.

What is a Rolex Jubilee Dial?

Under the Rolex lexicon, the term “Jubilee” holds special significance. It all began in 1945 when Rolex celebrated its 40th, or “Jubilee”, anniversary with the launch of the iconic Rolex Datejust watch. This event also marked the introduction of the Jubilee bracelet, featuring a refined five-piece, semi-circular link design – a dressier counterpart to Rolex’s Oyster bracelet.

Fast forward to 1985, Rolex had a double reason to celebrate – the Datejust’s 40th anniversary and Rolex’s 80th anniversary. To commemorate this dual jubilee, Rolex unveiled the special “Jubilee” anniversary dial.

The Jubilee dial is known for its repeated ‘ROLEX’ pattern that covers the entire dial. This design perfectly captures the 1980s, an era known for flaunting logos and luxury.

On occasion, the watch will only display the watch’s name, like “Datejust”, while others bear the standard “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” (SCOC) text above the 6 o’clock mark.

Which Rolex Models Have Jubilee Dials and When Were They Launched?

The Rolex Jubilee dial, which originally graced the Datejust, has found its way onto several Rolex models over the years. You’ll spot it on Lady-Datejust watches, the Rolex Day-Date, the Rolex President watches, and even certain Cellini references.

Here’s an approximate timeline of some of the most popular Rolex watches that featured the Jubilee dial:

1985Rolex releases their first monogrammed Rolex “Jubilee” dial on the Rolex Datejust.
1987Rolex Cellini 5112 featuring a white Jubilee dial with yellow-gold Roman hour markers.
1989Rolex Day-Date President 18349 featuring a silver Jubilee dial with 10 diamond hour markers.
1995Rolex Day-Date President 18238 featuring a black Jubilee dial with 18k yellow gold western Arabic hour markers.
2000Rolex Day-Date 118238 featuring a champagne Jubilee dial with 10 diamond hour markers surrounded by 18k yellow gold.
2001Rolex Lady-Datejust President 79178 featuring an 18k yellow gold Jubilee dial.

Materials, Colours, Patterns and Numerals of Rolex Jubilee Dials

The Jubilee dial was designed with versatility in mind, allowing it to complement a variety of Rolex watch models. You’ll find the Jubilee dial-style gracing watches made from a range of metals, including stainless steel, yellow gold, rose gold, and the ever-classic two-tone (a combination of stainless steel and gold).

But the versatility doesn’t stop there. Rolex also likes to play with colours with their Jubilee dial. From the subtle and timeless black and white to the classic champagne and silver Jubilee dial, it’s easy to find a design that matches your style. There are even vibrant blue and pink coloured options.

What really stands out is that the Jubilee dial isn’t static. Depending on how the light hits it, the monogrammed pattern can shift from subtle to striking, making any Rolex watch pop.

Rolex also branched out with index styles, ranging from the sparkle of diamonds to the clean lines of batons, the classic appeal of Roman numerals, and the modern touch of Arabic hour markers.

Is There a Connection Between the Jubilee Bracelet and the Jubilee Dials?

The relationship between the two is not merely coincidental. It all began with the Datejust watch’s debut in 1945, which was created to mark Rolex’s 40th-anniversary jubilee.

To celebrate this big milestone, Rolex introduced a brand-new bracelet style, the Rolex Jubilee bracelet; setting it apart from the iconic and long-loved Oyster bracelet.

When it was time to celebrate the Jubilee bracelet’s 40th anniversary and Rolex’s 80th, the classic Rolex Jubilee dial was born. The tie between the Jubilee dial and bracelet is more than just a shared name; it’s about commemorating milestones and embracing new styles.

Are Jubilee Dials More Valuable?

Rolex’s Jubilee dials are undoubtedly valuable, but it’s a bit like comparing apples to oranges when it comes to Rolex’s vast dial offerings. Some Rolex dials, such as the Mother of Pearl, Ice Blue, Meteorite, and Malachite dials, are incredibly rare and highly sought after, often commanding a premium above most other Rolex dials.

That said, Jubilee dials hold their own place in the world of valuable Rolex dials. They carry a unique charm and history that collectors and enthusiasts love, and given that the dial seems to be discontinued, it’s an incredibly special and rare find.

Are We Expecting More Jubilee Dials To Be Released in the Future?

At the time of writing this article, Rolex has pressed pause on producing watches with the Jubilee dial. As a hallmark for years, the dial has made way for a fresh collection of motif dials, including the palm and fluted dials on the Rolex Datejust 36 and 41 collections.

While there’s no official word on the return of Jubilee dials, Rolex always keeps us guessing. So, while we can’t predict the future, we can certainly look forward to the next Rolex innovation, whether it’s a Jubilee dial or something entirely new and exciting. Only time will tell!

How to Buy a Watch With a Rolex Jubilee Dial

Rolex exclusively offers new watches through its authorised dealers and boutiques, so if you want an older model or highly sought-after vintage Rolex reference, your go-to and only option is the pre-owned market.

More and more people are leaning towards reputable pre-owned luxury watch retailers these days. Not only do you skip the hassle of long waitlists but you also have the opportunity to snag discontinued and highly valuable Rolex models, such as one with a Jubilee dial.

Here at Global Boutique, we can help you find your perfect Jubilee dial Rolex with our dedicated watch-sourcing service!

FAQs

How much does a Rolex Jubilee dial watch cost?

The cost of a Rolex watch with a Jubilee dial varies significantly based on factors like the model, case material, production year, condition, dial colour, and hour markers. The Jubilee dial is also discontinued, meaning it’s highly valuable and can only be found on the pre-owned market, which can drive its price even higher.

Is a Rolex Jubilee dial watch a good investment?

Absolutely! The Rolex Jubilee dial, now marked as “discontinued”, has the potential to become a valuable collector’s item over time. It’s hard to predict its future value, but the fact that it’s already gained a sort of cult following could bode well for its long-term worth.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, the Rolex Jubilee dial – an iconic machined dial that has been a hallmark for years.

Rolex certainly knew what it was doing when it launched this dial during an era known for flaunting logos and luxury. The Jubilee dial is a departure from tradition, and there’s no doubt that it will continue to garner admiration.

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