One of the most elusive, rare and complicated Rolex watches is going to be sold. 

Phillips in their May auction is going to sell a very rare Rolex 6062 black star dial or ‘stelline’ (like the Italians call it). 

---

Lets start with the basics that you all know by now.

The 6062 is one of two complicated Rolex watches that Rolex ever made with two tone dials (the other being a 8171 Paddelone). By complicated we mean a triple calendar watch (which technically is not really considered a big complication, most other manufacturers made this with their eyes closed).

But Rolex being Rolex that concentrated mainly on functional tool watches – collectors today have to be satisfied with a triple calendar watch as their main complication. All familiar territory so far I assume.

Between the 6062 and the 8171 – many collectors clearly prefer the 6062 for various reasons despite it being smaller in size. For one it has a water resistant type case (thus the oyster designation). Secondly it has a more ‘sports or tool watch’ look to it – which many collectors appreciate. The case is different (screw down case back versus snap back for 8171) and dial layout is more compact. 

While collectors are quite familiar with the white (grainee) dial 6062 and its various versions, collectors are less familiar with the black dial version. That is because they are that much rarer. For example what versions of the black dial 6062 exist? Until recently I had no idea.

So I decided to look closer at the black dial 6062 reference and look at the various versions.

(Credit: Phillips watches).

---

To start off with, the black dial 6062 has an important difference to the white or normal 6062 version.

The dial is all black including the moon phase. If you see a moon phase that is blue with a black dialed 6062, is it likely (but not always the case) that it could be a replacement dial. I personally don’t like black moon phases it as I think moon phases should be blue – but that is my personal taste. Lets look at the different 6062 Rolex dial types.

The most famous 6062 is undoubtedly the ‘Bao Dai’ Rolex.

Not only was it owned by the last emperor of Vietnam (see pic below), it is also the most elegant black dial as it has five baguette shaped diamonds on the dial. Emperor Dai was well known for having expensive and fine taste. So naturally he had the most elegant triple calendar Rolex 6062. Black dial. Dart indexes. Diamonds.

And let us not forget this little but important detail:

The official chronometer written in the moon phase and not under the date window like all the other versions. But another version of the black dial diamonds exists- that with chronometer written under the date as is usual among 6062. I learned this subtle difference looking through my 100 superlative Rolex watches by Goldberger book in the office.

Lets go through all the various types of Rolex 6062 black dial that have been seen by the market.

1. Rolex 6062 Black dial, Star indexes, (main picture above) and the Phillips watch.
2. Rolex 6062 Black dial, Dart indexes, diamonds, Official Chronometre written in moon phase area. Bao Dai watch.
3. Rolex 6062 Black dial, Dart indexes, diamonds, Official Chronometre written below date window. Mondani watch.
4. Rolex 6062 Black dial, Spade indexes, Official Chronometre written below date window
5. Rolex 6062 Black dial, Pyramid indexes, Official Chronometre written below date window

(Credit all 6062 black dial pictures and main picture above: John Goldberger).

In terms of collectability and desirability the 6062 sits right at the top of the pyramid. It is the most complicated watch Rolex ever made in series (Rolex made a split second chronograph but only 12 pieces) and many argue the most beautiful. While all the 6062 are rare, the black dial versions are the rarest. It is not a surprise that the 6062 tend to achieve the highest prices of all Rolex sold at auction. Already in 2006 a black dial, with diamonds (the most rare 6062) sold for CHF 469’700 (see below). 

(Source: Mondani)

While the black dial is the most valuable there is also a hierarchy in terms of dial layouts. Irrespective of case variations. In order of collectability:

1. Dart indexes and diamonds as in the Bao Dai watch
2. Star dial or stelline
3. Spade dial
4. Pyramid dial
5. Dart dial
6. Explorer dial

(Credit: Pic 2 John Goldberger).

This is how I personally interpret the desirability together with observing the market prices for various dial layouts.

Some would argue with me putting the explorer dial last but I personally think it is the least attractive version for the 6062 – especially for the gold version (the steel version only came with explorer dial version and they remain HIGHLY collectible). The 6062 came in all different metals: Rose gold, gold and steel. In terms of metals it is clear that the rose gold is the most sought after. 

---

Let me show you some nice Rolex 6062 black dial pictures. 

We start with a superb pyramid dial with correct black moon. Notice the case that has turned kind of reddish gold in color. (Credit: Marcello – Christies watches). 

An original black dial 6062 should have a black moon phase (and not blue). (Credit: Marcello – Christies watches).

We look another black 6062 – this time a spade dial.

Notice the blue moon. Is is now widely accepted among the collecting community that correct and original black dials should have a black moon and that blue moons are later replacement dials. Even if this watch was not born with this dial – I much prefer the strong color contrast of the blue moon with the black dial. Just wonderful!

Here a black dial with star indexes being sold by Phillips in May 2016. The black mon is correct for this version (Credit: Phillips watches).

Below a fantastic picture of the star dial being sold by Phillips by J Goldberger.

The last picture shows a cool vintage Rolex ad for the 6062. (Credit: W. Schütz Rare & Fine).