A dial that has been highly attractive and collectible in recent time, is the Onyx dial for one of Rolex's most prestigious and iconic watch models, the Day-Date in 36mm. Onyx is a mineral and a variety of chalcedony. It exists in a number of different colors. For the Onyx dial, Rolex has chosen to only use the completely black parts of the stone, which gives the impression of having a perfectly deep black lacquered finish on the dial. The minimalistic impression that the all-black Onyx dial gives, combined with its fine details in yellow gold that matches the stunning 18K yellow gold case is a modest and timeless choice of dial.
First presented on the Day-Date 18038, the Onyx dial has continuously been available up until the discontinuing of the 36mm Day-Date 18238, in 2000. It has since 2000 only been available as a service dial for the classic Day-Dates and also extremely sought after, with now a limited supply controlled by Rolex which is called "Exchange Only" - which means that you can't order it unless you already have one that needs replacing due to damage. The onyx dial for the Day-Date 36 is a representation of what the Day-Date is all about. The dial is sleek, it's striking, it is elegant, and it is truly timeless.