Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 179173-METDO Meteorite Diamond Fluted Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster

The Rolex Lady-Datejust is one of the most storied women's timepieces in horological history, introduced in 1957 as the feminine counterpart to the iconic Datejust that had debuted on Rolex's wrist a decade earlier. Over the decades it has remained the definitive luxury dress watch for women, combining Rolex's uncompromising technical standards with jewellery-grade aesthetics. The 26mm case size — a hallmark of the classic Lady-Datejust proportions — sits with refined elegance on the wrist, and reference 179173 represents a particularly sophisticated chapter in that lineage by pairing stainless steel construction with lavish yellow gold accents.

The defining feature of the 179173-METDO is its meteorite dial. Cut from genuine Gibeon or Muonionalusta iron-nickel meteorite that travelled through space for billions of years before landing on Earth, every slice reveals a unique crystalline Widmanstätten pattern formed during the meteorite's extraordinarily slow cooling process. No two meteorite dials are alike, which means the watch on your wrist is, in the most literal sense, one of a kind in the universe. Rolex finishes the dial surface with characteristic precision, preserving the natural silvery grey tones and structural lines of the meteorite while protecting it for generations of daily wear.

Factory-set diamond hour markers complement the meteorite backdrop, introduced directly on the production line by Rolex's own craftspeople to exacting standards. These brilliant-cut diamonds replace the applied baton indices found on standard Lady-Datejust models and elevate the reference firmly into fine jewellery watch territory. The 18k yellow gold fluted bezel — an enduring Rolex design signature first introduced on the Datejust in the 1940s — frames the dial with a sunburst of vertical channels that catch light from every angle, adding warmth and visual depth that contrasts beautifully with the cool, otherworldly tones of the meteorite.

The two-tone Oyster bracelet in yellow gold and stainless steel is a masterclass in Rolex's Jubilee-adjacent finishing, with alternating polished and brushed link surfaces that mirror the case's mixed-metal composition. The bracelet integrates seamlessly with the 26mm Oyster case, itself waterproof and robustly constructed to the tolerances Rolex demands across its entire catalogue. Inside, a certified Swiss automatic movement drives the date complication that has defined the Datejust family since its inception, delivering the precision and reliability Rolex is celebrated for worldwide. The combination of steel, 18k gold, factory diamonds, and meteorite makes reference 179173-METDO a compelling collector's choice at any price point.

For collectors and buyers seeking a Lady-Datejust that transcends the standard offerings, the 179173-METDO represents an exceptional opportunity. The meteorite dial's rarity, the factory diamond provenance, and the timeless two-tone Oyster configuration converge in a single reference that appreciates in desirability year over year. At Bizak & Co. we source and authenticate our Rolex inventory with the same meticulous attention to detail that Rolex applies to its watchmaking, so you can buy online with complete confidence. Contact our team today for best pricing, availability, and any questions about this remarkable Lady-Datejust.