About the Rolex Datejust 31 Reference 278278
The Rolex Datejust is widely credited as the first self-winding wristwatch to display the date in a magnified window on the dial, a feature Rolex calls the Cyclops lens, and the lineage stretches back to 1945. The 278278 reference sits within the current generation of 31 mm Datejust models and specifies an all-yellow-gold configuration, making it one of the most luxurious expressions in the Datejust family. Dials in this reference are offered with a variety of finishes and indices, and the collection includes both cleaner dress-oriented dials and more ornate diamond-set or fluted-bezel variants distinguished by the VIP suffix in their reference codes. This all-gold specification gives the 278278 strong precious-metal intrinsic value on top of its status as a recognizable Rolex icon.
What to Look For
Buyers shopping the 278278 collection should pay close attention to dial color and bezel type, as these details drive significant differences in both aesthetics and market value — references coded with DGRD, SRDVIP, and OGRDVIP indicate diamond or specially set bezels, while SDP, CDP, and CD1 suffixes point toward distinct dial and bracelet combinations. Green-dial examples such as the 278278OLFLOMDP and 278278OGRDVIP have attracted strong collector interest in line with broader demand for green dials across the Rolex lineup, while champagne and silver dials offer a more classical yellow-gold pairing. Condition, box-and-papers completeness, and whether the piece is unworn or lightly worn are the primary value drivers across all configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rolex reference 278278?
The Rolex 278278 is the 31 mm Datejust reference built entirely in 18k yellow gold, covering both the case and bracelet. It is a current-production reference available in a wide range of dial colors and bezel configurations, making it one of the most versatile all-gold Datejust options available.
What dial colors are available in the Rolex 278278 collection?
The 278278 is offered in an impressive range of dial colors including grey, silver, champagne, green, and red, among others. This variety allows buyers to pair the yellow gold case with everything from classic neutral tones to bolder, more contemporary hues that have become highly sought after in the current market.
Is the Rolex 278278 a Lady-Datejust or a regular Datejust?
Rolex markets certain 278278 configurations as the Lady-Datejust 31 and others simply as the Datejust 31, but both share the same 31 mm yellow gold case and reference number. The distinction in naming reflects dial and bracelet finishing choices rather than a fundamental difference in the case architecture or movement.
Browse also: Rolex collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
