Rolex Lady-Datejust 6702 - ‘Tropical’ Gilt Dial - Rare Decoreted 18k White Gold

Introduced in 1945 to commemorate Rolex's 40th anniversary, the Datejust stands as one of the brand's most enduring and iconic creations. It made horological history as the world's first self-winding wristwatch with an automatically changing date, a feature now taken for granted but groundbreaking in its era. This innovation set the modern standard for date complications and helped cement the Datejust as a cornerstone of Rolex's identity. In 1957, Rolex unveiled the first version of the Datejust designed specifically for women: the Lady-Datejust. Capturing all the elegance of the original model in a more refined 28 mm case, it delivered a perfect blend of sophistication, design, and technical excellence. Later, Rolex introduced an even smaller 26 mm case size, which quickly became a favourite among women drawn to a timepiece that felt as precious and delicate as fine jewellery. Within this smallest size category, reference 6702 stands out as one of the most elusive. Produced in exceptionally limited quantities, it is distinguished by a highly unusual decorative finish on the bezel, a relief pattern echoed on the three centre links of the Jubilee bracelet. This distinctive treatment lends the watch a uniquely ornate and luxurious character unlike any other Datejust of its era. The present example, dating to 1967, is made all the more remarkable by the material choice: 18k white gold, an understated yet exquisitely refined metal that significantly heightens its rarity. The dial further enhances its desirability: a galvanic, or "gilt," execution that adds additional charm, with its lustrous gold text contrasting beautifully against the warm, grey-toned sheen of the white-gold case. Over time, the original black surface has aged to a stunning chocolate-brown hue while still immaculately retaining its mirror-like glossy finish and visual depth. Such attractive and desirable ageing is exceedingly rare, made even more impressive by the dial's superb state of preservation, given the inherent delicacy of gilt dials. Completing the ensemble, the watch is accompanied by its original warranty and, most impressively, the original Attestation de Chronomètre printed in Italian, a highly uncommon survival that adds yet another layer of collectability to an already exceptional piece. A rare white-gold jewel of mid-century Rolex design, this reference 6702 represents one of the most charming and seldom-seen interpretations of the Lady-Datejust lineage, in a remarkable state of preservation.