Rolex Lady-Datejust Watches
Big Watch Buyers offers a curated selection of authenticated, pre-owned Rolex Lady-Datejust timepieces in the New York Diamond District. Browse our full Rolex collection or explore the Lady-Datejust lineup below.
The Women's Datejust: 60 Years of Defining Elegance
Rolex introduced the Lady-Datejust in 1957 — twelve years after the men's Datejust established the date-window format that would define the modern wristwatch. The ladies' version carried every technical innovation of the original (automatic movement, date window, Oyster case) into a smaller case designed for women's wrists. Over the following decades, the Lady-Datejust became the most gifted luxury watch in the world — the watch that husbands present, that mothers pass to daughters, that marks promotions and milestones. Its ubiquity is not a weakness but a strength: the Lady-Datejust is the most liquid women's luxury watch on the secondary market, with more buyers and more consistent pricing than any competitor. The current generation (28mm and 31mm) uses the caliber 2236 with the Syloxi silicon hairspring, delivering Superlative Chronometer accuracy in a case that sits gracefully under any cuff.
The Lady-Datejust by the Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Years in Production | 68 (1957–present) |
| Current Sizes | 28mm, 31mm |
| Movement | Cal. 2236 (Syloxi silicon) |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Annual Production | Highest of any Rolex ladies' model |
| Pre-Owned Liquidity | #1 women's luxury watch worldwide |
The Lady-Datejust Lineup
Lady-Datejust 28 (Ref. 279160 / 279174 / 279138) The modern standard. 28mm with caliber 2236. Available in steel with white gold fluted bezel (279160 — the most popular), steel with smooth bezel (279174), and steel-yellow gold two-tone with fluted bezel (279138). The 28mm replaced the 26mm in 2015, adding 2mm of dial space and the new caliber. The fluted bezel version is the Lady-Datejust that most women picture — the one that catches light from every angle and reads unmistakably as Rolex.
Lady-Datejust 31 (Ref. 278274 / 278273 / 278238) The bolder proportion. 31mm with caliber 2236. The 31mm is for women who prefer more wrist presence or who find the 28mm too delicate. Available in steel with white gold fluted bezel (278274), steel-yellow gold two-tone (278273), and full yellow gold (278238). The 31mm is also the preferred size for women with wrists over 6.5" who want the Datejust aesthetic without the men's 36mm/41mm bulk.
Lady-Datejust Gold & Diamond The statement Lady-Datejust. Available in full yellow gold, Everose gold, and white gold with diamond-set bezels, diamond-pavé dials, and the President bracelet. The gold Lady-Datejust is the single most gifted gold watch for women and holds value more consistently than any other women's gold watch on the market.
28mm vs. 31mm: Which Size?
| 28mm | 31mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist Range | 5–6.5" | 6–7.5" |
| Dial Presence | Classic, understated | Bold, contemporary |
| Fluted Bezel Impact | Subtle sparkle | Stronger light play |
| Pre-Owned Steel/WG | $5,000–$7,500 | $5,500–$8,000 |
| Best For | Daily elegance | Statement presence |
Pre-Owned Pricing Guide
| Model | Retail (approx.) | Pre-Owned Range | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28mm Steel/WG Fluted (279160) | $8,050 | $5,000–$7,500 | 7–38% |
| 28mm Steel Smooth (279174) | $6,850 | $4,500–$6,000 | 12–34% |
| 28mm Two-Tone Fluted (279138) | $11,550 | $6,500–$9,000 | 22–44% |
| 31mm Steel/WG Fluted (278274) | $8,850 | $5,500–$8,000 | 10–38% |
| 31mm Two-Tone (278273) | $12,550 | $7,000–$10,000 | 20–44% |
| 31mm Yellow Gold (278238) | $30,150 | $16,000–$22,000 | 27–47% |
| 28mm Everose Gold Diamond | $35,750 | $18,000–$26,000 | 27–50% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Fluted bezel or smooth bezel?
A: The fluted bezel is the Lady-Datejust's signature — the element that makes it instantly recognizable as a Rolex from across a room. The smooth bezel is more understated and sportier. On the Lady-Datejust, the fluted bezel (in white gold on the steel model) is the overwhelming market favorite and the one that holds value best. Unless you actively dislike the fluted look, it is the correct choice.
Q: Is the Lady-Datejust a good gift?
A: It is the gold standard of luxury watch gifts — the most commonly gifted luxury watch in the world. The reason is simple: it is universally appropriate, it holds value, and it is immediately recognizable. A Lady-Datejust in steel with white gold fluted bezel works for a 25th birthday or a 50th anniversary with equal ease.
Q: How does the Lady-Datejust compare to the men's Datejust 36?
A: The Lady-Datejust 31mm is very close in size to the men's Datejust 36mm — the primary difference is the bracelet (President on the 31mm vs. Jubilee/Oyster on the 36mm) and the dial proportions. Many women wear the men's 36mm successfully; many men with smaller wrists wear the 31mm. The Lady-Datejust is not exclusively for women — it is a smaller Datejust.
Sell or Trade Your Lady-Datejust
Our specialists provide transparent valuations for every Lady-Datejust reference. We understand the nuances: case size (28mm is more liquid than 31mm), bezel type (fluted commands a premium over smooth), metal (steel/WG is most liquid, gold holds best), dial color, diamond setting quality, and the presence of the original box, warranty card, and hang tags. Walk into our 47th Street showroom for an immediate appraisal, or use our fully insured Parcel Pro shipping label for a remote evaluation with same-day payment.
Visit Us in the Diamond District
Our showroom: 20 W 47th St., Suite 401, New York, NY 10036. Walk-ins welcome.
Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat–Sun Closed | Phone: +1 (646) 429-9412
Looking to Sell Your Rolex Lady-Datejust?
Get the highest market value for your Lady-Datejust — with immediate same-day funding.
GET A CASH OFFER IN MINUTES
WhatsApp: +1 (646) 429-9412