Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 6917 (Two-Tone)
Women's Luxury Dress/Tool Watch · Rolex (Rolex SA). Positioned in the high-luxury tier. Known as the gold standard for luxury watches and high manufacturing consistency.
Period: Vintage (1970s - early 1980s). Identified by the 'pie-pan' style dial and the 'T SWISS T' tritium designation.
Type
Women's Luxury Dress/Tool Watch
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA). Positioned in the high-luxury tier. Known as the gold standard for luxury watches and high manufacturing consistency.
Movement
Automatic, self-winding mechanical movement. Likely Rolex Caliber 2030, a high-beat movement (28,800 vph) featuring 28 jewels and a power reserve of approx. 42 hours.
Dimensions
26mm case diameter, approx. 10.5mm thickness, 33mm lug-to-lug, and 13mm lug width. This is a classic 'Lady-Datejust' size.
Description
An archetypal example of the Rolex Lady-Datejust from the vintage era. This model represents the transition of Rolex into a status symbol. Despite its small size, it remains a robust chronometer with a screw-down crown and Oyster case. The champagne and steel aesthetic is the most iconic 'two-tone' look ever produced.
Key Features
Fluted gold bezel, Cyclops magnifier, Oyster case construction, tritium dial markers, and the unique 26mm petite profile.
Dial Description
Champagne sunburst dial with applied yellow gold baton indices. Yellow gold baton hands with tritium lume inserts. Date window at 3 o'clock with a 1.5x/2.5x magnification Cyclops lens.
Case Material
Stainless steel mid-case with a 14k or 18k yellow gold fluted bezel. The finish shows heavy wear but was originally brushed lugs and polished sides.
Crystal Type
Acrylic (Plexiglass/Hesalite) with integrated Cyclops magnifier. The crystal shows significant scratching and age-related clouding around the edges.
Bezel Details
Fixed fluted bezel in yellow gold. The fluting has become rounded and worn down over decades of use.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Twinlock crown in yellow gold, featuring the Rolex coronet logo. The crown appears partially unscrewed or improperly seated in the image.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket stretch-link expansion bracelet. This is not an original Rolex 'Jubilee' or 'Oyster' bracelet; expansion bands were often added for pohodlie (comfort) but significantly decrease collectible value.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down stainless steel caseback. Specifically designed with a fine-toothed edge for the Rolex proprietary case-opening tool. Likely plain with no engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic, self-winding mechanical movement. Likely Rolex Caliber 2030, a high-beat movement (28,800 vph) featuring 28 jewels and a power reserve of approx. 42 hours.
Water Resistance
Originally 100 meters (330 feet). Due to age, crystal condition, and potential gasket rot, this watch should currently be considered non-water-resistant.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland. Features an in-house COSC-certified chronometer movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970 - 1983. The 'T SWISS T' marking and acrylic crystal are hallmarks of this specific era of production.
Cultural Significance
The 26mm Datejust was the definitive 'power watch' for women in professional environments during the late 20th century, representing both elegance and mechanical reliability.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition. The case shows heavy scratches; the bezel is rounded from wear; the crystal is heavily scratched. The aftermarket expansion bracelet is a detractor. The dial appears mostly intact but shows potential oxidation near the edge.
Value Estimate
$1,500 - $2,200 USD. The lack of an original Rolex bracelet and the significant wear considerably lower the value compared to mint examples with box and papers which exceed $3,500.
Care & Maintenance
Requires immediate full overhaul and pressure test given the age and visible wear. Avoid water contact entirely until seals and gaskets are replaced. Acrylic crystal can be polished with Polywatch, but replacement is recommended.
Similar Watches
Tudor Princess Oysterdate (more affordable alternative), Omega Constellation (contemporary rival), or the modern Rolex Lady-Datejust 28mm (larger case, sapphire crystal).
Interesting Facts
The Lady-Datejust was first released in 1957. It was the first female-dedicated chronometer with a date function. It remains the best-selling Rolex model series of all time in terms of unit volume.