Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Ref. 279173 'Silver Sunbeam Dial'
Dress Watch · Rolex (Independent). Tier: Luxury/Status. Rolex is the most recognized watch brand globally, known for reliability and prestige.
Period: Modern Luxury (2015-present). The Datejust 28 replaced the Datejust 26 in 2015/2016, introducing more refined case proportions and the 'Sunbeam' dial pattern which is a Hallmark of the modern era.
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent). Tier: Luxury/Status. Rolex is the most recognized watch brand globally, known for reliability and prestige.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding Calibre 2236. Features a Syloxi hairspring in silicon, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, 55-hour power reserve, and frequency of 28,800 bph.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 28mm, Thickness: 10.5mm, Lug-to-lug: approx 34mm, Lug width: 14mm. This size is the modern standard for ladies' luxury watches, wearing slightly larger than its predecessor due to the refined lugs.
Description
The Lady-Datejust 28 is the epitome of the classic feminine timepiece. This version features the 'Sunbeam' dial, which uses concentric circles to create a hypnotic visual depth. The Two-Tone 'Rolesor' finish balances the durability of steel with the warmth of gold, making it suitable for both daily wear and formal occasions.
Key Features
Fluted bezel in 18k gold; Sunbeam concentric dial pattern; Arabic numeral hour markers; Jubilee bracelet; Date window with Cyclops lens; 28mm case size.
Dial Description
Silver 'Sunbeam' dial with a concentric guilloché texture. It features applied 18k yellow gold Arabic numerals and baton hands. Date window at 3 o'clock with magnification.
Case Material
Yellow Rolesor (Two-Tone). A combination of 904L Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold. The mid-case is steel with high-polished gold bezel and gold crown.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops lens (2.5x magnification) over the date. In the provided image, the crystal appear clear but with minor surface dust.
Bezel Details
Fixed fluted bezel in 18k yellow gold. Fluting is a iconic Rolex design element intended to reflect light at varying angles. Condition appears excellent with sharp ridges.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system. 18k yellow gold crown with the Rolex coronet logo. No pushers.
Bracelet or Strap
Jubilee bracelet in Yellow Rolesor (ref. 63343). Five-piece links (three inner gold links, two outer steel links) with a concealed folding Crownclasp.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down fluted caseback in Oystersteel. It is typically brushed and void of engravings, consistent with Rolex standards for the Datejust line.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding Calibre 2236. Features a Syloxi hairspring in silicon, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, 55-hour power reserve, and frequency of 28,800 bph.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Safe for swimming and snorkeling, but ensure the crown is fully screwed down before water exposure.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in-house in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland. Rolex produces its own gold and movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 2016-2022. This specific dial and case reference (279) entered production in the mid-2010s.
Cultural Significance
The Lady-Datejust is one of the best-selling models in Rolex history. It has been worn by countless influential women, symbolizing professional success and timeless elegance.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The bezel remains sharp. There are minor hairline scratches visible on the gold center links of the bracelet. The dial is clean. The date wheel magnification looks authentic.
Value Estimate
MSRP: ~$9,500 - $10,500. Secondary market value: $7,500 - $9,000 depending on box/papers and bracelet stretch.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval of 10 years. Water resistance应该 checked annually if worn for swimming. Clean with a soft brush and soapy water to maintain the luster of the Jubilee links.
Similar Watches
Omega Constellation 28mm (features 'claws' and integrated bracelet); Cartier Ballon Bleu 28mm (more rounded design); Tudor Clair de Rose (more affordable sister-brand alternative).
Interesting Facts
The Datejust was the first self-winding wrist chronometer to display the date in a window on the dial in 1945. The Lady-Datejust was introduced in 1957 to bring this technical innovation to a smaller scale.