Rolex introduced glossy lacquer dials known as Stella dials on their Day-Date models in the 1970s and made them through the 80s. These lacquered dials had a high gloss finish and were available in a riot of colors, tones you wouldn’t expect to see on a Rolex.
Flamboyant, whimsical and in stark contrast to Rolex’s tool watch aesthetic, they were not popular initially but are highly collectible today. Some believed the name is a reference to artist Frank Stella, who specialised in bright colours. However, it is now widely accepted that Stella is the name of the Swiss company that provided the special lacquer to Rolex’s dial makers.
It is believed that these dials were originally produced for a few markets including the Middle East and Asia but found their way to other regions as well.