The Rare and Valuable Rolex Datejust Buckley Dial

The Fascinating History of the Rolex Datejust Buckley Dial

The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic luxury watches in horology. First introduced in 1945, the Datejust pioneered the date function on a wristwatch. Over the years, Rolex has produced many unique and special dials for the Datejust. One of the rarest and most coveted is the Rolex Datejust Buckley dial.

The Story Behind the Buckley Dial

The Buckley dial gets its name from John Buckley, a Rolex executive in charge of their US operations in the 1950s and 60s. According to the story, Buckley imported a small number of Datejust watches with distinctive dials handmade by Swiss dial supplier Stern Frères.

These exclusive dials featured broad Roman numeral hour markers with an interesting font that resembled the number “6”. Most notably, the dials lacked any minute markers around the periphery. This clean and minimal design gave the Buckley dial a unique and instantly recognizable aesthetic.

Key Characteristics of the Coveted Buckley Dial

There are a few key attributes that characterize a Rolex Datejust Buckley dial:

• Roman numeral hour markers with the stylized “6” font
• No minute markers on the dial periphery
• Typically in silver with a white gold fluted bezel
• Found only on vintage Datejust models from the 1950s and 60s

These traits make the Buckley dial stand out from standard Datejust models. Over the decades, the subtle Buckley design has become hugely popular among Rolex collectors and enthusiasts.

The Buckingham and the Buckley - What's the Difference?

There is often confusion between the Rolex Buckingham dial and Buckley dial. While they share similarities, there are a few key differences:

• The Buckingham has Roman numerals with a standard font - no stylized “6”
• The Buckley is always silver, while the Buckingham comes in various colors
• The Buckingham has hashes marking the minutes

In a sense, the Buckingham can be considered a more common version of the Buckley. But the Buckley design is much more rare and unique.

The Allure and Value of Buckley Dial Datejust Models

It's believed that only a few hundred Buckley dial Datejusts were ever produced. That scarcity has made them highly coveted by Rolex collectors. Models in good condition often sell for astronomical prices at auction.

In 2012, a white gold Rolex Ref. 6098 with a Buckley dial fetched over $113,000 at auction. And prices have only risen since then as more collectors vie for these rare timepieces.

Why Are Buckley Dials So Valuable?

There are a few reasons why Buckley dials command such high prices compared to standard Datejust models:

• Very small numbers were produced, making them extremely rare
• Their unique aesthetic is recognizable even among Rolex enthusiasts
• Stories of the exclusive watch made for a Rolex executive intrigue collectors
• Prices realized at auction continue to reach record highs

In the world of watch collecting, provenance and rarity drive up values. The Buckley dial embodies both.

Where Can You Find a Rolex Buckley Dial?

Finding a Datejust with the actual Buckley dial is challenging. Most come up for sale at high-end watch auctions like Christie's and Philllips. For example, Phillips has sold Buckley dials for over $250,000 at recent auctions.

Some collectors and dealers also offer them for private sale. But they often list them for six figures given the incredible demand. If you don't want to pay an astronomical price, replicas of the Buckley dial also exist.

The Legacy of the Datejust Buckley Dial

The Rolex Datejust Buckley dial has cemented its place in watchmaking history. When it first appeared in the 1950s, no one could have imagined its future collectability and value. Now it stands shoulder to shoulder with other icons like the Paul Newman Daytona.

In the years ahead, the Buckley dial's allure will likely only intensify. As more collectors enter the market and supplies remain low, prices are forecasted to keep rising exponentially. The Buckley represents a pinnacle for Rolex rarities that generates tremendous passion in the watch world.

FAQs

What are the key traits of a Buckley dial?

A Buckley dial has stylized Roman numerals, no minute markers on the periphery, and is typically silver colored. It's only found on certain vintage Datejust models from the 1950s-60s.

How many Rolex Buckley dials were produced?

It is estimated only a few hundred Datejust watches were ever fitted with the rare Buckley dial.

Why is the Buckley dial so valuable?

The extreme rarity, unique aesthetic, and origin story have made the Buckley dial highly coveted. Auction prices have reached over $250,000 for Buckley dial Rolexes.

What's the difference between a Buckingham and Buckley dial?

While similar, Buckinghams have standard numerals and minute markers, unlike the minimalist Buckley design. The Buckley dial is also far more rare.