Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Ref. 279173 'Champagne Dial'
Luxury Dress Watch / Complication Watch (Date) · Rolex (Independent). Tier: Luxury/Status. Known for extreme reliability, prestige, and high resale value.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present). Identified by the high-polish finishing, the improved 28mm case size which updated the older 26mm standard, and the high-precision Jubilee bracelet execution.
Type
Luxury Dress Watch / Complication Watch (Date)
Brand
Rolex (Independent). Tier: Luxury/Status. Known for extreme reliability, prestige, and high resale value.
Movement
Automatic, self-winding Mechanical Calibre 2236. Features a Syloxi hairspring (silicon), approx. 55-hour power reserve, and is a COSC certified Superlative Chronometer.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 28mm; Thickness: ~10.5mm; Lug-to-lug: ~34mm; Lug width: 14mm. This size is specifically designed for a feminine wrist profile.
Description
The Lady-Datejust is a quintessential classic of female horology. This specific Rolesor execution combines the durability of steel with the prestige of gold. It features the iconic fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet, creating a jewelry-like presence on the wrist that is equally suitable for professional settings and formal evening wear.
Key Features
Fluted gold bezel, Cyclops magnification lens, Jubilee bracelet, and the 'Champagne' sunburst dial which is a hallmark of the Datejust line.
Dial Description
Champagne sunray-finish dial. Applied 18ct gold hour markers (likely Roman numerals or baton indices based on reflection). Includes a date window at 3 o'clock and gold baton hands.
Case Material
Yellow Rolesor (a combination of Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold). The bezel, winding crown, and center links of the bracelet are gold, while the middle case and outer links are steel.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens over the date for 2.5x magnification.
Bezel Details
Fixed fluted bezel in 18ct yellow gold. The fluting is a signature Rolex design element, originally functional for screwing the bezel onto the case but now purely aesthetic.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Twinlock double waterproofness system, 18ct yellow gold, featuring the Rolex coronet logo.
Bracelet or Strap
Jubilee bracelet with five-piece links. Constructed in Yellow Rolesor (steel and 18ct yellow gold) with a concealed folding Crownclasp.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down steel caseback with typical Rolex fine-fluting on the edges for specialized opening tools. No engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic, self-winding Mechanical Calibre 2236. Features a Syloxi hairspring (silicon), approx. 55-hour power reserve, and is a COSC certified Superlative Chronometer.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Highly reliable for swimming and snorkeling, though most owners keep it dry due to its dressy nature.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured and assembled in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland. Features an in-house developed and manufactured movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-present. The Ref. 279XXX series replaced the 179XXX series in 2015, introducing the 28mm case size.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of achievement and timeless style. It has been worn by countless influential women across politics, sports, and entertainment, cementing it as the most recognizable luxury woman's watch in history.
Condition Notes
Appearance suggests Excellent condition. Sharp fluting on the bezel indicates minimal polishing; the Jubilee bracelet shows no visible 'stretch' or sag in the photo posture.
Value Estimate
MSRP approximately $10,000 - $11,000 USD. Pre-owned market value typically ranges from $8,500 to $10,500 depending on box/papers and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 10 years. Rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt or chlorine. Clean with a soft brush and soapy water to maintain the shine of the gold links.
Similar Watches
Tudor Royal 28mm (more affordable alternative), Cartier Ballon Bleu (different design language), Omega Constellation (competitor with integrated bracelet).
Interesting Facts
The Lady-Datejust was the first ladies' version of the Rolex date-chronometer, released in 1957. It remains the best-selling model in the entire Rolex catalog by volume.