1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 18k Yellow Gold "Onyx" Dial 16008

An extremely rare and desirable 1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 18k yellow gold reference 16008 aka "smooth bezel" with a crazy rare "Onyx" dial in perfect condition, no cracks and no hairlines with correct no lume hands.

In the 1970s, Rolex introduced a strikingly luxurious variation of the Datejust by fitting select models with exotic hard stone dials, among the most coveted being the deep black onyx dial. These rare onyx Datejusts, typically housed in 18k yellow gold cases, exude a bold, minimalist elegance—characterized by a glossy, jet-black surface with no hour markers, allowing the rich stone to speak for itself. The absence of lume and textural contrast emphasizes the purity and depth of the onyx, creating a sharp visual harmony with the warm gold case and applied gold crown at 12 o’clock. Each dial, cut from a single slab of natural stone, made every piece subtly unique and required exceptional craftsmanship due to the fragility of the material. Produced in very limited numbers, these onyx dial Datejusts remain highly prized today, admired for their rarity, opulence, and the perfect fusion of natural beauty and Rolex precision.

All our watches are thoroughly inspected by our expert watchmaker and come with a 3 months guarantee. However, since this particular piece has been fully serviced, it includes a 1-year mechanical guarantee.