The Lady-Datejust is one of the best-known ladies' luxury watches, and it has been in the Rolex catalogue since 1957. Choosing one comes down to four decisions: size, metal, bezel and dial. We have 201 Lady-Datejusts and 335 Datejust 31s in stock, from $5,190.
By the numbers: Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult estimate Rolex's 2023 sales at CHF 10.1 billion, a retail market share of just over 30% and more than the next five luxury watch brands combined. Rolex does not publish its own figures, so these are analysts' estimates (swissinfo.ch, 14 March 2024).
1. Size: 28, 31 or 36 mm
- Lady-Datejust 28 mm: the classic small size. It replaced the 26 mm model in 2015; you will still find many 26 mm watches pre-owned.
- Datejust 31 mm: often called mid-size. It reads as more modern and has become the most requested ladies' size.
- Datejust 36 mm: originally the men's size, now worn by everyone. See Datejust 36 vs 41.
If you are between sizes, the larger one usually looks more current; the smaller one looks more like jewelry. Our watch size guide explains how to measure your wrist.
2. Metal
| Metal | Rolex name | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Steel with white gold bezel | White Rolesor | The most understated and the least expensive |
| Steel and yellow gold | Yellow Rolesor | The classic two-tone Datejust |
| Steel and rose gold | Everose Rolesor | Warmer, more contemporary |
| Full gold | Yellow, white or Everose gold | On the President bracelet; the top of the range |
3. Bezel
- Fluted: the signature Datejust bezel, always in gold.
- Smooth (domed): quieter and sportier.
- Diamond-set: adds a good deal to the price; check that the stones are Rolex's own setting, which the listing and papers will state.
4. Dial and bracelet
Dials range from plain silver and white to mother-of-pearl, with stick, Roman or diamond hour markers. The Jubilee bracelet (five small links) is dressier and hides scratches well; the Oyster (three flat links) is sportier; the President comes only on full gold watches.
What they cost
In our stock, the Lady-Datejust starts at $5,190 (typically $20,645) and the Datejust 31 at $6,995 (typically $19,140). Steel with a smooth bezel is the entry point; diamonds and full gold raise the price the most.
Pre-owned or unworn?
A ladies' Datejust is one of the safest watches to buy pre-owned: the design barely changes, so an older watch does not look dated. Check the reference, the bracelet's stretch on older Jubilees, and whether box and papers are included. Our guide to pre-owned, unworn and new explains the differences.
Shop the Lady-Datejust and the Datejust 31, or read the full Datejust buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Rolex Lady-Datejust?
The current Lady-Datejust is 28 mm. Earlier models were 26 mm. The Datejust 31 is the next size up.
Which ladies' Rolex holds its value best?
Steel and two-tone Datejusts in classic configurations (fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet) have the widest demand. No watch's future price is guaranteed.
Is the Lady-Datejust automatic?
Yes. Current models use Rolex's self-winding calibre 2236 with about 55 hours of power reserve.
Can you swim with a Lady-Datejust?
Yes. It has the Oyster case and a screw-down crown, and is water resistant to 100 m.
