For most women, the choice is between three sizes of Rolex Datejust. The Lady-Datejust 28 is the classic, jewelry-like size and suits wrists under about 6 inches. The Datejust 31 is the modern middle size and suits most wrists from 5.5 to 6.5 inches. The Datejust 36 is the original men's size, now widely worn by women who prefer a larger watch. If you are unsure, the 31 mm is the safest choice.
There is no rule that a woman must wear a "ladies' watch", and plenty choose the 36 or even the 41. This guide explains how the three sizes differ, apart from the diameter. We have 201 Lady-Datejust, 335 Datejust 31 and 241 Datejust 36 watches in stock.
The three sizes at a glance
| Lady-Datejust | Datejust 31 | Datejust 36 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 28 mm | 31 mm | 36 mm |
| Current references begin | 2791 | 2782 | 1262 |
| Movement | Caliber 2236 | Caliber 2236 | Caliber 3235 |
| Power reserve | About 55 hours | About 55 hours | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 meters | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Bracelets | Oyster, Jubilee, President | Oyster, Jubilee, President | Oyster, Jubilee |
| Best for wrists | Under 6 inches | 5.5 to 6.5 inches | 6 inches and over |
All three are the same watch in what matters: the waterproof Oyster case, the date with its Cyclops lens, Rolex's Superlative Chronometer certification, and the same range of bezels and dials.
Lady-Datejust 28
The Lady-Datejust has been the classic women's Rolex since 1957. The current 28 mm case, introduced in 2015, replaced an earlier 26 mm one, and it wears like a fine bracelet as much as a watch.
It is made in steel, in Rolesor, which combines steel and gold, and in full gold, very often with a diamond-set bezel or diamond hour markers. It is also the size in which the President bracelet, otherwise reserved for the Day-Date, is offered on gold models.
It suits small wrists, and anyone who wants a watch that sits like jewelry and stays out of the way.
Keep in mind that the date and the dial are small. If you want to read the time easily at a glance, look at the 31.
The Lady-Datejust references we stock most are 279135RBR and 279175, both in Everose gold. Our Lady-Datejust buying guide covers the whole range.
Datejust 31
The 31 mm is the size many women settle on. It is clearly a watch and no longer a bracelet with a dial, but it remains slim and light. The date is easier to read than on the 28, and the proportions suit both a fluted and a smooth bezel.
It is offered in the widest variety of the three: steel, Rolesor in three colors of gold, and full gold, on Oyster, Jubilee or President bracelets, with a very large choice of dials. Steel versions with a fluted white gold bezel, such as the reference 278274, are the most popular, and we have 30 of them in stock.
It suits most wrists, and it is the easiest size to wear every day, from the office to an evening out.
Datejust 36
The Datejust 36 is the size the model was born in, in 1945. For decades it was a man's watch; today it is truly unisex, and the fashion for larger watches has made it a common choice for women.
On a slim wrist it reads as a confident, slightly oversized watch. It has the larger caliber 3235, with a power reserve of about 70 hours, and the most legible dial of the three. It is not offered on the President bracelet.
It suits wrists of 6 inches and more, and anyone who likes a watch with presence or wants one a partner could also wear.
The most stocked reference is the 126234, in steel with a fluted white gold bezel: 43 in stock at the moment.
How to choose by wrist size
Measure around your wrist just above the wrist bone with a tape measure or a strip of paper.
| Wrist | Classic fit | Modern, larger fit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5.5 inches | 28 mm | 31 mm |
| 5.5 to 6 inches | 28 or 31 mm | 31 mm |
| 6 to 6.5 inches | 31 mm | 36 mm |
| Over 6.5 inches | 31 or 36 mm | 36 mm |
Two things change how a size looks:
- The bezel. A fluted or diamond bezel catches light and makes a watch look a little larger. A smooth bezel looks quieter.
- The bracelet. The five-link Jubilee tapers and looks finer. The three-link Oyster looks sportier and slightly bigger.
Each product page on our site has a Real size button that shows the case at its true size on your screen, and our guide to choosing your watch size explains the measurements.
What else to decide
Once the size is settled, three choices define a Datejust:
- Metal. Steel is the least expensive. Rolesor adds gold to the bezel, crown and center links. Full gold is a different price level.
- Bezel. Smooth, fluted or set with diamonds.
- Bracelet. Oyster or Jubilee, or President on gold models in 28 and 31 mm. Our guide to Rolex bracelets compares them.
The reference number records all of this. The last digit before any letters gives the metal, and the letters RBR mean a bezel set with diamonds. Our guide to reading Rolex reference numbers explains the code.
Diamonds: factory or aftermarket?
Many pre-owned ladies' Rolex watches have diamonds, and it matters who set them. Diamonds set by Rolex are part of the reference and are recorded on the warranty card. Diamonds added later by a jeweler are called aftermarket, and they lower the value of the watch, however good they look. The listing states what a watch is set with; ask us if you want confirmation before you buy.
What to check before you buy
- The size, from the reference and the listing.
- Box and papers. The warranty card shows the reference and date of sale.
- Bracelet length. Ask how many links are fitted and what wrist size the watch fits; a jeweler can remove links, but adding them costs money.
- Condition. Each listing says whether the watch is new, unworn or pre-owned.
You can browse the Lady-Datejust, Datejust 31 and Datejust 36 watches we have in stock, and read our ladies' luxury watch buying guide for alternatives from other brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular Rolex Datejust size for women?
The 31 mm is the size most women find easiest to wear every day. The 28 mm is the classic choice for small wrists, and the 36 mm for a larger look.
Is a 36 mm Datejust too big for a woman?
No. It is widely worn by women, especially on wrists of 6 inches or more. On a smaller wrist it gives a deliberately oversized look.
What is the difference between the Lady-Datejust and the Datejust 31?
The size, 28 mm against 31 mm. They use the same movement and offer the same kinds of bezel, dial and bracelet.
Does the Datejust 36 have a different movement?
Yes. The 28 and 31 mm sizes use the caliber 2236; the 36 mm uses the larger caliber 3235, with a longer power reserve.
Can I get a President bracelet on a Datejust?
On gold versions of the 28 and 31 mm sizes. The 36 mm is offered on Oyster and Jubilee bracelets.
Are your Rolex watches authentic?
Yes. Every watch is checked by our specialist before it ships. We are an independent retailer and are not affiliated with Rolex.
