Replica stone dial Datejusts, especially those rendered in white gold like this example, catered to a uniquely specific type of buyer in the mid-1970s. At the time, this was not the pinnacle of the Rolex catalogue—the Day-Date had already claimed that crown. Choosing both a stone dial and a precious metal like white gold came with a steep price premium over the standard model. In fact, the retail cost of such a piece would often exceed that of a typical Day-Date.
Opting for white gold was, in many ways, a counterintuitive decision. It meant paying significantly more for a replica rolex watch that, at a glance, could be mistaken for stainless steel. That financial logic didn’t resonate with most buyers in 1978, which is precisely why surviving examples are exceedingly rare today. And while the rationale may not have made sense then, with hindsight, this is arguably the most captivating category of Datejust replicas ever produced.
The 16019 reference (with the 9 denoting white gold) is where you’ll generally find these exceptional stone and wood dials. Buyers willing to pay that level of premium usually wanted something more distinctive. The majority of examples feature burlwood, with some in lapis and even fewer in onyx. Red jasper versions do exist, though they are virtually mythical. A green jasper, or bloodstone dial, remains undocumented as of now. It wouldn’t be shocking if fewer than 50 white gold stone dial replicas are known to exist today.
Due to this scarcity, white gold stone dial replicas now command towering premiums. For instance, a lapis dial Datejust replica in yellow gold fetched $57,000 at auction last year. The example at hand? Asking price: $200,000. It sounds absurd until you consider just how rare these pieces really are possibly not even four times less common than their yellow gold counterparts. Markets tend to act irrationally when true rarity is involved, but the beauty here is undeniably compelling.
This particular replica is especially attractive. The case has had a gentle polish, maintaining its integrity. It’s seen some wear, which only adds to its charm. Crucially, the dial is flawless, with no visible hairlines—a vital detail in stone dials. Its provenance is solid, coming from a respected Malaysian source.