Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 31 mm 278383RBRBMDJ Steel/Yellow Gold/Diamonds Black Mother of Pearl

The Rolex Lady-Datejust is one of the most enduring icons in horology—the first self-winding waterproof wristwatch to display the date in a window on the dial, and the first to be sized expressly for women when it debuted in 1957. Decades of refinement have made the Lady-Datejust 31 the sweet spot of the line: at 31 mm it wears with quiet authority on a wide range of wrists, substantial enough to carry diamonds and precious metals without overwhelming the wearer. Reference 278383RBR represents the line at its most glamorous, combining Oystersteel's corrosion-resistant durability with the warmth of 18k yellow gold in a two-tone configuration that Rolex collectors call Rolesor—a proprietary pairing the brand has refined since the 1930s.

The dial is the centrepiece of this reference. Black mother-of-pearl is one of nature's most arresting materials: cut from the inner shell of the black-lipped oyster, each dial is entirely unique, shifting between deep midnight tones and iridescent flashes of green, blue, and violet as light rakes across its surface. No two dials are identical, which means every 278383RBR is, in a meaningful sense, a one-of-a-kind object. Against this dramatic backdrop, hour markers and hands rendered in yellow gold read with crisp legibility, completing a dial that is simultaneously a functional instrument and a work of decorative art.

Framing the dial is a diamond-set bezel—one of the defining signatures of the Lady-Datejust jewellery configuration. Rolex selects diamonds for cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, setting them to exacting tolerances so that the bezel scintillates as a continuous band of light rather than a row of individual stones. The result is a seamless transition between the gem-set surround and the mother-of-pearl canvas within. The Jubilee bracelet, introduced alongside the original Datejust in 1945, completes the presentation: its five-piece link construction and Crownadjust extension system deliver the refined drape and precise fit that collectors have prized for generations.

Beneath the Oyster case the automatic movement runs continuously, self-winding through the motion of the wrist. The case is rated to 100 metres (330 feet) of water resistance—a testament to the engineering integrity of the screw-down Triplock crown and Oyster case architecture. While the 278383RBR is undeniably dressed in luxury, it is built on the same robust platform as Rolex's professional sport references, meaning it can accompany its owner through the full spectrum of daily life without reservation.

For collectors and first-time Rolex buyers alike, the Lady-Datejust 31 278383RBR occupies a compelling position: it is a genuine Rolex automatic with the prestige of diamonds and mother-of-pearl, yet it wears with the versatility of a daily watch. The two-tone Rolesor construction keeps it from reading as purely formal, and the 31 mm case ensures it remains wearable across changing trends. Whether you are adding a statement piece to an established collection or investing in your first Rolex, this reference delivers enduring value.

At Bizak & Co. we specialise in sourcing and presenting luxury timepieces to discerning buyers across the United States. Our team is available to answer every question about reference 278383RBR—provenance, condition, and anything else you need to buy with confidence. Browse our full Rolex inventory at bizakandco.com or reach out directly; we are here to help you acquire the Lady-Datejust 31 that is right for you.