Rolex Datejust Lady-Datejust Review: Best Pieces in 2023

The Rolex Datejust and Lady-Datejust are among the most desired pieces in Rolex’s lineup. Durable Oystersteel cases, precious stones, and mouthwatering dials are part of the reason why. 

The Rolex Datejust first made its debut in 1945 and had an automatic movement. It was the first watch to boast a date-changing feature on the dial. It was also the first timepiece with the much-coveted Jubilee bracelet. 

The glamorous Lady-Datejust followed closely behind, first stepping into the limelight in a 28mm case in 1957. It’s a smaller, feminine version of Datejust. It presents some worthy features, including diamonds on the bezel and as hour markers in some of its timers.

Captivated? Well then, join us as we have a closer look at the best watches of both models in this Rolex Datejust Lady-Datejust review.

1. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 16013– Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold, Champagne Dial

Rolex Datejust 16013

  • Retail price: S$5,730
  • Market average: S$7,720
  • Secondary market average: S$9,571

They include a date window at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifier lens over it, Tritium-oated hands and lume plots, a self-winding Caliber 3035 movement, a Plexiglass crystal, a Jubilee bracelet, and water resistance to 100m.

  • Production Year: 1977-1988
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Champagne Rolex dial
    • Bracelet: Two-tonestainless steel five-piece link Jubilee bracelet with 18K Yellow Gold center links and a stainless steel Folding Oysterclasp
    • Bezel: Fixed, fluted 18K Yellow Gold
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 3035 movement with 27 jewels, a 50-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

It’s a rare and classic piece, increasing its desirability among watch connoisseurs. Moreover, its price increased by 5% between January 2022 and December 2022, with the numbers expected to rise higher in 2023.

About

The Datejust Ref.16013 is a vintage men’s timepiece that boasts a durable body and reliable movement. It has a 36mm two-tone case and Jubilee bracelet, with a champagne-colored dial shielded by a slightly-domed Plexiglass (acrylic) crystal. It’s more of a dress watch thanks to its luxurious look.


2. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234– White Rolesor, Bright Blue Dial

Rolex Datejust 126234

  • Retail Price: S$11,594
  • Market Average: S$14,840
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$15,144

The most impressive ones are an automatic Caliber 3235 movement, minute markers on the outer rim, Chromalight-coated hands and hour markers, a screw-down crown with a Twinlock double waterproofness system, water resistance to 100m, and a bracelet with a Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link.

  • Production Year: 2018
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Sunburst finished, Bright Blue
    • Bracelet: Oystersteel five-piece link Jubilee, with a Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link
    • Bezel: Fixed, fluted 18K White Gold
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

This Rolex model promises profit for your investment since it appreciates in value with time. Its value has risen by at least 10% in 2023 since its introduction in 2018.

About

This piece from the Rolex brand is a handsome men’s dress watch. It has a 12mm-thick Oystersteel case complemented by a fluted 18K White Gold bezel. Additionally, its Bright Blue dial shimmers in specific light conditions and is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Finally, it has a polished steel Jubilee bracelet that sits comfortably on the wrist.


3. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200- Oystersteel, Bright Blue Dial

Rolex Datejust 126200

  • Retail Price: S$9,928
  • Market Average: S$11,451
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$12,003

Some of its features are an Oyster bracelet, an automatic Caliber 3235 movement, a domed bezel, a screw-down crown and case back, a date aperture at 3 o’clock with the iconic Cyclops magnifying lens over it, and a water resistance to 100m.

  • Production Year: 2018
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Bright Blue
    • Bracelet: Oyster, with flat three-piece links and Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link
    • Bezel: Fixed, smooth, domed
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

It’s a durable watch with low availability. Plus, its price increased between July 2022 and January 2023 by 3%.

About

This piece is pretty similar to our previous choice, except that it’s more of a casual men’s watch due to its Oyster bracelet and domed bezel. It’s also impressively lightweight despite its monochrome steel makeup and is quite at home around most wrists.


4. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126331– Everose Rolesor, Chocolate Dial

Rolex Datejust 126331

  • Retail Price: S$18,856
  • Market Average: S$20,281
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$20,986

They include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial, an 18K Everose Gold bezel, 5-minute markers in Arabic numerals, a screw-down 18K Everose Gold crown with a Twinlock double waterproofness system, a date aperture at 3 o’clock with the iconic Cyclops lens, and a self-winding Caliber 3235 movement.

  • Production Year: 2018
  • Case Size: 41mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Chocolate
    • Bracelet: Oystersteel five-piece link Jubilee, with 18K Everose Gold center links and a Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link
    • Bezel: Fixed, fluted 18K Everose Gold
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency

Rolex watches’ value increases with time, and this one’s is no exception. It’s faring well on the financial front, with its price rising by 4% between 2021 and 2022.

About

The Rolex Datejust 41 126331 is a gentlemen’s luxury dress watch. It’s aesthetically pleasing with its 41mm Everose Rolesor case and bracelet, with the delicious chocolate dial providing a warm but noticeable contrast. It also boasts precise timekeeping thanks to its automatic COSC-certified Caliber 3235 movement.


5. Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Ref. 116264- Stainless Steel and White Gold, White Dial

Rolex Datejust 116264

  • Retail Price: S$10,194
  • Market Average: S$10,245
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$10,392

Let’s start with its 18K White Gold bezel with black 60-minute graduations. It also has an automatic Caliber 3135 movement, a date window at 3 o’clock- with the date numerals in red, a red seconds hand, water resistance to 100m, SuperLumiNova-coated hands, an Oyster bracelet with a Foldover Clasp, and an 18K White Gold screw-down crown.

  • Production Year: 2005-2018
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: White
    • Bracelet: Oyster, with flat 3-piece links and a Foldover Clasp
    • Bezel: 18K White Gold and rotating, with a 60-minute scale
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 3135 movement with 31 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

It’s a special tool watch which, like all other Rolexes, appreciates in value. Its price increased tremendously by at least 15% between 2021 and 2023 due to its rarity.

About

The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph ‘Thunderbird’ 116264 is a special (dress) watch. It gained popularity mainly because of its 60-minute rotatable bezel, which you can use to measure the elapsed time of an event for up to an hour.


6. Rolex Lady Datejust 26 Ref. 179173– Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold, Champagne Dial

Rolex Lady Datejust 26 179173

  • Retail Price: S$9,328
  • Market Average: S$9,031
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$9,348

Its main features are an automatic Caliber 2235 movement, 18K Yellow Gold Roman numerals, a Yellow Gold Jubilee bracelet with a Folding Crownclasp, an 18K Yellow Gold bezel, an 18K Yellow Gold screw-down crown, water resistance to 100m, and a date window at 3 o’clock.

  • Production Year: 2003-2008
  • Case Size: 26mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Champagne. Also available in mother of pearl
    • Bracelet: Stainless steel five-piece link Jubilee, with 18K Yellow Gold center links and a Folding Crownclasp
    • Bezel: Fixed, fluted 18K Yellow Gold
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 2235 movement with 31 jewels, a 48-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency

Its value increases every year by approximately 4%. This percentage could go higher in the coming years since the timepiece is getting harder to find.

About

This masterpiece is a ladies’ luxury watch suitable for the modern, elegant woman who prefers a sophisticated but less flashy timepiece. Its beautiful design complements just about any formal attire!


7. Rolex Lady Datejust Ref. 279171– Everose Rolesor, Rose-Color Dial

Rolex Lady-Datejust 279171

  • Retail Price: S$13,526
  • Market Average: S$14,240
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$14,860

Its most impressive features are its self-winding Caliber 2236 movement, an 18K Everose Gold screw-down crown with a Twinlock double waterproofness system, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens, water resistance to 100m, an Oyster bracelet with a Folding Oysterclasp, and an 18K Everose Gold bezel.

  • Production Year: 2020
  • Case Size: 28mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Rose-color
    • Bracelet: Oystersteel Oyster, with 18K Everose Gold center links and a Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link
    • Bezel: Fixed, fluted 18K Everose Gold
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 2236 movement with 31 jewels, a 55-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

Its average market price increased from S$13,066 on July 14, 2022, to S$14,240 on January 9, 2023.

About

The Rolex 279171 is an elegant ladies’ timepiece. It’s ideal for stylish women who don’t mind a flashy timer and want to be the center of attention in every formal gathering or event. Its sunburst rose-color dial is a great conversation starter.


8. Rolex Lady Datejust Ref. 279160– Oystersteel, Pink Dial

Rolex Lady Datejust 279160

  • Retail Price: S$9,195
  • Market Average: S$8,226
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$9,365

They include a beautiful pink dial, a domed bezel, water resistance to 100m, a self-winding Caliber 2236 movement, a date window at 3 o’clock, Chromalight-applied hands and index hour markers, and an Oyster bracelet with an Easylink 5mm extension system.

  • Production Year: 2021
  • Case Size: 28mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Pink
    • Bracelet: Oyster, with flat three-piece links and a Folding Oysterclasp with an Easylink 5mm comfort extension link
    • Bezel: Smooth, domed
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 2236 movement with 31 jewels, a 55-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

Its price increased by 3 percent between 2021 and 2022, with experts estimating that the figure will go higher before June 2023.

About

This is a lovely everyday timer from Rolex’s Lady Datejust collection. It oozes femininity and luxury with its tasteful sunburst pink dial and well-polished stainless steel case. Its solid body and reliable water resistance features make it every woman’s suitable daily companion.


9. Rolex Lady Datejust Ref. 279173- Yellow Rolesor, Champagne Dial

Rolex Lady Datejust 279173

  • Retail Price: S$13,126
  • Market Average: S$14,008
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$14,440

They are an automatic Caliber 2236 movement, a champagne dial, a Jubilee bracelet with a concealed Folding Crownclasp, water resistance to 100m, a solid screw-down case back, an 18K Yellow Gold screw-down crown, and an 18K Yellow Gold bezel.

  • Production Year: 2022
  • Case Size: 28mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Champagne
    • Bracelet: Five-link Oystersteel Jubilee, with 18K Yellow Gold center links and a concealed Folding Crownclasp. Also available with a President bracelet
    • Bezel: Fixed, fluted 18K Yellow Gold
  • Function: Instantaneous Date with rapid setting, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 2236 movement with 31 jewels, a 55-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

Its average market value rose from S$13,974 on July 14, 2022, to S$14,008 on January 9, 2023.

About

This is a luxury dress watch with all the right components for an unforgettable time at formal events. Its well-polished Yellow Rolesor Jubilee bracelet complements the slim 28 mm case of the same hue while amplifying the champagne dial’s stunning effect.


10. Rolex Lady Datejust Ref. 179174- Stainless Steel and Everose Gold, Pink Dial

Rolex Lady Datejust 179174

  • Retail Price: S$11,993
  • Market Average: S$10,647
  • Secondary Market Dealer: S$12,326

Its main ones are 18K Everose Gold hands and index hour markers with Chromalight lume, a warm pink dial, water resistance to 100m, a date window at 3 o’clock, an automatic Caliber 2235 movement, and an Oyster bracelet with a concealed Folding Oysterclasp.

  • Production Year: 2008
  • Case Size: 26mm
  • Materials
    • Dial: Champagne
    • Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster, with 18K Everose Gold center links and a concealed Foldover Oysterclasp
    • Bezel: Fixed, fluted, 18K Everose Gold
  • Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Mechanism: Automatic Superlative Chronometer Caliber 2235 movement with 31 jewels, a 48-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency

Its average market price increased from S$10,040 on July 14, 2022, to S$10,647 on January 9, 2023.

About

This is one of those luxury ladies’ watches that complete just about any outfit you wear. Its steel and Everose Gold case give it a formal appearance, while its Oyster bracelet throws a sporty feel into the mix. This Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust sits tight on the wrist without applying any extra pressure, thanks to its lightweight feature.


At a Glance

The table below summarizes the major points of the Rolex watches we’ve picked in the Rolex Datejust Lady-Datejust review above.

Model

Key Features

Launch Price

Current Original Price

Pre-Owned Price

Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013

  • Date aperture at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifier lens
  • Tritium-coated hands and lume plots
  • Self-winding Caliber 3035 movement

S$2,550

S$5,730

S$7,969

Rolex Datejust Ref. 126234

  • Automatic Caliber 3235 movement
  • Minute markers on the outer rim
  • Chromalight-coated hands and hour markers

S$6,760

S$11,594

S$13,926

Rolex Datejust Ref. 126200

  • Oyster bracelet
  • Automatic Caliber 3235 movement
  • Domed bezel

S$5,322

S$9,928

S$12,838

Rolex Datejust Ref. 126331

  • 18K Everose Gold bezel
  • 5-minute markers in Arabic numerals
  • screw-down 18K Everose Gold crown with a Twinlock double waterproofness system

S$11,117

S$18,856

S$19,010

Rolex Datejust Ref. 116264

  • 18K White Gold bezel with black 60-minute graduations
  • Automatic Caliber 3135 movement
  • Date window at 3 o’clock- with the date numerals in red

S$5,650

S$10,194

S$11,992

Rolex Lady-Datejust Ref. 179173

  • Automatic Caliber 2235 movement
  • 18K Yellow Gold Roman numerals
  • Yellow Gold Jubilee bracelet with a Folding Crownclasp

S$4,000

S$9,328

S$9,928

Rolex Lady-Datejust Ref. 279171

  • Self-winding Caliber 2236 movement
  • 18K Everose Gold screw-down crown with a Twinlock double waterproofness system
  • Water resistance to 100m

S$10,220

S$13,526

S$14,625

Rolex Lady-Datejust Ref. 279160

  • Pink dial
  • Self-winding Caliber 2236 movement
  • Oyster bracelet with an Easylink 5mm extension system

S$4,740

S$9,195

S$5,464

Rolex Lady-Datejust Ref. 279173

  • Automatic Caliber 2236 movement
  • Champagne dial
  • Solid screw-down case back

S$9,511

S$13,126

S$17,576

Rolex Lady-Datejust Ref. 179174

  • 18K Everose Gold hands and hour markers with Chromalight lume
  • Date window at 3 o’clock
  • Automatic Caliber 2235 movement

S$7,146

S$11,993

S$9,928

The most expensive timepiece on the list is the Rolex Datejust 126331. Meanwhile, the Rolex Datejust 16013 is the most affordable.

Our favorite feature is the Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116264 ‘s rotatable bezel with a 60-minute scale.

FAQs

1. Does a Rolex Lady-Datejust hold its value?

It does hold its value, with most of them appreciating in value with time. For example, the Rolex Lady-Datejust 179174’s average market price rose from S$10,040 in July 2022 to S$10,647 in January 2023.

2. What is the difference between Datejust and Lady-Datejust?

A Datejust is larger and designed for men, while the Lady-Datejust is more compact and designed with a woman’s wrist in mind.

3. How long is the wait for a Rolex Lady-Datejust?

The wait is usually three months to a year. However, it can be longer if the demand is higher than usual.

Final Word

Rolex Datejust and Lady-Datejust watches are unmatched titans among other Rolex pieces and beyond. They’re consistent in terms of quality and keeping precise time. And, they boast an array of admirable styles and sizes for today’s gentlemen and ladies.

Key Takeaways

  • Rolex Datejust and Lady-Datejust watches are among the most desired watches in Rolex’s lineup.
  • They’re worth investing in since most of them appreciate in worth with time.
  • There’s a Rolex Datejust and Lady-Datejust timepiece for even the pickiest watch wearer.

Looking to buy or sell your luxury watches? Watch Book is your one-stop destination for trading Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tissot, Sinn, Zenith, and other luxury timepieces. Find your next watch today or list your item for free!

Share the knowledge: