Rolex Lady-Datejust

The Rolex Lady-Datejust celebrated its premiere in 1957. As the name suggests, this is the women's version of the popular Datejust, and differs from its famous counterpart only in its smaller size. The basic design, from the dial and date with a Cyclops lens to the waterproof Oyster case, is almost identical to that of the Datejust.

Until 2015, the Lady-Datejust had a diameter of 26 mm. Since then, models have measured 28 mm across. The case and bracelet are available in stainless steel or yellow, white, or rose gold. Two-tone versions combining gold and steel are also part of the collection, as are watches set with precious gems.

Another feature of the Lady-Datejust is that it is equipped exclusively with automatic in-house calibers, which are certified "Superlative Chronometer" and meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

Rolex currently offers the Lady-Datejust with a diameter of 28 mm, but you'll also find older models with a case size of 26 mm. Apart from the size, the main difference between the two versions is the movement inside: Depending on the production year, the Lady-Datejust 26 will be powered by the caliber 2030, 2135, or 2235, while the Lady-Datejust 28 is powered by the Rolex caliber 2236.

The Lady-Datejust is available in a wide variety of designs. You can choose between watches in stainless steel or various golds, as well as two-tone models in gold and stainless steel. The bezel can be fluted, polished, or set with diamonds, and bracelets are available in the sporty Oyster, characteristic Datejust Jubilee, or the President bracelet familiar to fans of the Rolex Day-Date. There are also countless dial designs in colors that include black, white, gold, silver, pink, salmon, purple, chocolate brown, and green.

Datejust 31 & Other Alternatives to the Lady-Datejust

Rolex offers a fascinating alternative to the Lady-Datejust, namely the Datejust 31. Watches in this collection have a diameter of 31 mm, which gives them a little more presence on the wrist. The Datejust 31 also has some dial designs that you won't find in the Lady-Datejust collection, like dials featuring finely crafted floral patterns.

Many ladies also opt for the standard Datejust with a diameter of 36 mm. This classic size makes it the ideal unisex watch that looks great on any wrist.

If you can do without a date display, you should definitely take a look at the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. This collection offers stainless steel timepieces with diameters of 28, 31, or 34 mm, and with dial colors that range from dignified to flashy.

The most affordable way to add a Rolex Lady-Datejust to your personal watch collection is by buying a vintage Lady-Datejust 26 in stainless steel from the 1970s, 80s, or 90s (ref. 69174, for example). Well-maintained specimens change hands on Chrono24 for roughly 4,400 USD. A Lady-Datejust 28 from the current collection, in mint condition with a stainless steel case, will set you back between approximately 8,800 and 11,000 USD, depending on the dial design and bracelet variant.

If you'd prefer a two-tone Lady-Datejust, plan to spend between 4,500 and 16,500 USD. Vintage models with a diameter of 26 mm represent the entry-level price segment here, while current references such as the 28-mm ref. 279171 with a green dial and diamond indices are at the upper end of the price range.

Lady-Datejust models in yellow, white, or rose gold command the highest prices, starting at around 11,000 USD for well-preserved vintage models and climbing to 33,000 USD or more for mint condition timepieces from the current collection. Watches with diamond-encrusted bezels require an investment of approximately 44,000 USD. "Iced out" or pavé models with diamonds on the dial, case and bracelet typically cost upwards of 110,000 USD.

What does the most affordable ladies' Rolex cost?

The most affordable Rolex Lady-Datejust on Chrono24 is the vintage ref. 69174, which you can call your own for around 4,400 USD. If you opt for a pre-owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date like the ref. 6916 instead, you'll only have to shell out about 2,700 USD.

Is the Rolex Lady-Datejust water-resistant?

Thanks to its Oyster case and screw-down crown, the Rolex Lady-Datejust is water-resistant up to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), making it suitable for swimming.

How does the Lady-Datejust differ from other Rolex models?

The biggest difference between the Lady-Datejust and other Rolex watches is its smaller diameter. At 26 or 28 mm, it's specially designed for narrow wrists. The design proportions, however, have been adjusted to make the Lady-Datejust almost indistinguishable from its larger Datejust counterparts.