Not only is Rolex incredibly imaginative in their use of precious materials, they are the true precursor to the gem-set trend which has blossomed in recent years. It has adorned their sports models with a variety of materials ranging from emeralds, rubellite, pavé work and even meteorite, and as early as the 1980s (Daytona references 6269 and 6270), when adorning a sports watch with gems was bordering on horological blasphemy. Heavy and luxurious, the present watch is representative of this category. Born with a black dial with diamond markers - both contrasting with and reprising the bezel style - it was recently upgraded by Milan Rolex retailer “Pisa” with the current diamond pavé dial with black Arabic numerals. Remarkably, the purchase is fully documented as not only the consignor provided the invoice and description of interventions, but also the original correspondence with Pisa underlining the fact that the original dial would be given back to the client.

This underlines the importance of the client: not only Rolex does not agree to selling their dials to anyone - especially vintage dials such as the present one - but they are even more strict about the restitution of the original dials to clients. Furthermore, the present dial with black Arabic numerals is much more rare than the already very scarce version with blue Arabic numerals. A small stylistic difference which however has a remarkable impact on the timepiece as it imparts it a fully monochromatic black and white attire. With only hints of wear, the case is preserved in excellent condition with crisp and legible hallmarks beneath the lugs, all original factory finishes, both dials are flawless, and the watch is accompanied by its original box and Rolex Garantie. An additional exotic touch to this remarkable watch can be found on the Garantie: it was sold in Portofino on December 29, 2004.