877
Rolex
Ref. 16008
Datejust “Obsidian”, Only Known Example
An extremely rare, well-preserved and the only known yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date, smooth bezel, obsidian dial and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- The only known Datejust ref. 16008 with obsidian dial
- Ultra rare Datejust reference with smooth bezel
- Well-preserved case with patina and crisp hallmarks
- Undergone a movement overhaul at Rolex in 2026 and under guarantee until July 2028
While precious metal references of this era are typically encountered with fluted bezels (such as the reference 16018), the present reference 16008 is distinguished by a smooth bezel that lends a sleek, understated aesthetic to the yellow gold case. What elevates this piece to extraordinary levels of rarity is its factory obsidian dial. Crafted from natural volcanic glass, obsidian is revered for its deep, glass-like luster and subtle natural striations. Unlike other known Rolex obsidian dials that feature applied Roman numerals, this pristine example is completely unadorned apart from the date aperture and applied coronet at 12 o’clock, leaving the volcanic glass surface entirely uninterrupted.
Preserved in remarkable condition, the obsidian dial is completely free of cracks or fissures, while the 18K yellow gold case retains sharp edges, crisp hallmarks and a warm, natural patina. Following a complete movement overhaul by Rolex Japan in June 2026, the watch remains under official service guarantee through July 2028. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the only known example of a reference 16008 fitted with an obsidian dial—offering hardstone Rolex collectors an extraordinary, singular acquisition opportunity.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.