About the Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 Ref. 278275
The Lady-Datejust is Rolex's foundational women's dress watch, tracing its lineage back to 1957 when Rolex introduced the first Datejust scaled for a woman's wrist. Reference 278275 sits at the luxurious end of the current Lady-Datejust 31 family because its case, bezel, and bracelet are all rendered in 18k Everose gold, the proprietary rose-gold alloy Rolex developed to resist fading over time. The 31 mm case size strikes a balance between classic femininity and modern presence on the wrist, making the 278275 one of the most sought-after Lady-Datejust references for collectors and first-time luxury watch buyers alike. Dial offerings under this reference include slate, silver, rose, aubergine, chocolate, and full diamond-pavé configurations, giving every buyer a meaningful choice without leaving the reference.
What to Look For
When shopping the 278275 collection, pay close attention to the dial suffix in the reference code, as letters like RSP, RRP, SDP, ARDVIP, CRDVIP, and MBDPO each denote a distinct dial color and decoration level, with diamond-set or pavé dials commanding a meaningful premium over single-color versions. Bezel style is another value driver within this reference, as some configurations feature a plain polished bezel while others carry a diamond-set bezel, and buyers should confirm which they prefer before purchasing. Condition, box-and-papers completeness, and production recency all influence resale value, so prioritizing examples with full documentation is strongly advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the reference number 278275 mean for the Lady-Datejust 31?
Reference 278275 specifically identifies the 31 mm Lady-Datejust built entirely in 18k Everose gold, including the case, bezel, and Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. The suffix letters that follow the base reference, such as RSP or CRDVIP, encode the dial color and any diamond decoration, allowing collectors to pinpoint the exact configuration they want.
How do the different dial colors in the 278275 collection affect value?
Diamond-pavé dials, designated by suffixes like MBDPO, sit at the top of the price range within this reference because of the intensive gem-setting labor involved. Solid-color dials in rose, slate, silver, aubergine, and chocolate are typically more accessible but can still carry premiums depending on rarity and current demand for a particular color.
Is the Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 ref. 278275 a good investment watch?
The all-Everose-gold Lady-Datejust 31 has historically held its value well thanks to Rolex's strong brand equity, the enduring appeal of the Datejust design, and the intrinsic value of the 18k gold construction. While no watch purchase is guaranteed to appreciate, buying an authenticated example in excellent condition with box and papers from a trusted dealer like Bizak and Co. is the best foundation for long-term value retention.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
