The Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 is part of a long history of Rolex Datejust models which Rolex has perfected over the years. Rolex launched the Datejust in 1945 crafted entirely with 18k yellow gold. It was the first automatic watch that featured a date. The model was powered by a reference 4467 caliber and it had a coin-edge texture added to the bezel. It didn’t have the word Datejust on the dial, but it did come with the first ever Jubilee bracelet.
There have been many models of Rolex Datejust that have come out over the last 76 years, even an OysterQuartz version that has since been discontinued.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust was launched in 1957 with all the attributes of the “men’s” Rolex Datejust, in a smaller size perfectly suited to a slender wrist. It was first launched with the 26mm size, and then came out with a 31mm size. The early model Lady-Datejust 26 came with a reference of 65xx and an acrylic crystal. It was powered by the early caliber 1135 and then by the 1166.
In the 1970’s the reference 69xx came out with a newer caliber 2035. However, in the 1980s the Lady-Datejust 26 was updated significantly with a caliber 2135 featureing a quickset feature and a sapphire crystal. The 26mm was updated again in 2000 with the 179xxx reference with a caliber 2245. This lasted until about 2015 when Rolex released the 28mm model. The petite model 26mm and 28mm could be considered as part of the same family lineage.
The Datejust 31mm which was launched in the 1960’s is considered a “Midsize” Lady-Datejust model. It also found several updates over the years – specifically in 1970, 1983, 1999, 2005 and 2018.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust is one of Rolex’s staple timepieces, appearing on such celebrities as Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Sophia Loren, Stevie Nicks, Chere and Victoria Beckham.
One of the great things about buying a Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 is that you could find an older model used stainless steel model for as low as $4,000, making it one of the lowest cost Rolex timepieces you can purchase today.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust 28mm – 2015
Rolex released a larger version of the Lady-Datejust for Baselworld 2016 – the Lady-Datejust 28mm. The 28mm essentially replaces the smaller 26mm case. The trend
The Lady-Datejust 28 (279381 RBR) pictured above comes in either yellow or Everose gold combined with Rolex’s 904L stainless steel alloy – a combination referred to as Rolesor by the watchmaker. This model features 46 brilliant diamonds on the Everose gold bezel with diamond hour markers. The dial has what looks like a hologram of clouds in the background, giving the timepiece an ethereal look. The version photographed above has a jubilee bracelet, but there are also versions available with an oyster bracelet.
The Lady-Datejust 28 is also available with a chocolate dial, in combinations of yellow gold and stainless steel, with or without diamonds. It is powered by a Rolex 2236 movement.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust 28mm – 2021
The modern Rolex Lady-Datejust 28mm has all of the exquisite designs found on other highly touted Rolex timepieces. The case is crafted from a solid block of highly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel or 18 ct gold. It is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet) and is marked as a superlative chronometer after extensive testing.
The Lady-Datejust comes with so many choices of materials including diamonds, 18 carat yellow, white or Everose gold. Some may be in the form of Rolesor combining Oyster steel and (white, yellow or Everose) gold. Rolex is notable since it has its own foundary and creates its gold alloys using the purest raw materials available.
Although Rolex is known for so many advances and precision enhancements it has made over the years, there is one area that Rolex may not receive enough credit. This is in the gem-setting. The Rolex gemmologists are some of the best craftsmen in the world, often embellishing the dials, the bezel or even the bands with the most precious stones available. This involves a meticulous art of selecting gems with the exact size and cut needed.
Today you can get a 28 mm, 31 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm Datejust to fit your specific sizing needs. The 28 mm comes with yellow gold with diamonds on the bezel and hour markers, a fully diamond bedazled yellow gold and white gold timepiece which has diamonds everywhere including on the band, a basic Oyster Steel Datejust, and two Rolesor models one that combines steel with yellow gold and the other with steel and Everose gold. The two entirely diamond encrusted Rolex Lady-Datejust 28’s are the newest models launched in 2021.
Rubber B has several band options for the Lady-Datejust 31mm including one that supports the original Rolex Oyster clasp, and one that comes with a tang buckle made from 316L steel. This only supports the 16mm lug space models.
