The present Day-Date is distinguished by its highly attractive and intact Onyx dial with gilt printing. An uncommon reference 18168, which was originally fitted with a baguette-set bezel. The latter bezel has been replaced by the standard fluted bezel following a service.

While Rolex offered a range of Day-Date models with stone dials, including lapis lazuli, marble, various hardstones, opal, coral and malachite, the black onyx dial is perhaps the most recognizable for its unadorned starkness. With its endless black, absence of hour makers and minimal printing to the surface, examples fitted with this particular version take on an almost abstract quality where time rather than being specific becomes an approximate value.