About the Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Ref. 279171
The Lady-Datejust has been the definitive Rolex dress watch for women since Rolex introduced a smaller Datejust-family case scaled specifically for women, and the 279171 is the current-production reference in Oystersteel paired with Everose gold—Rolex's proprietary 18-karat rose-gold alloy known for its lasting color and corrosion resistance. At 28 mm, the case size threads between understated and present on the wrist, making it equally at home as an everyday watch and a formal accessory. The two-tone Jubilee bracelet, with its five-piece links and Oysterclasp, is one of the most recognizable elements of the reference and contributes significantly to its collectibility and resale strength. Across the 279171 family, dial variety is wide—sundust, white, chocolate, and rose dials appear in the current lineup—allowing buyers to find a specific look without leaving the reference.
What to Look For
When shopping 279171 references, pay close attention to the dial color and bezel type, as suffix codes in the reference number distinguish white-dial examples like the 279171WRO and 279171WRJ from sundust variants such as the 279171SRO and 279171SDSO, chocolate dials like the 279171CSO, and rose dials including the 279171ROSERO, 279171ROSERJ, and 279171ROSEDRIXO. Bezel finishing—smooth, fluted, or diamond-set—and whether the dial itself carries diamond hour markers are key factors that drive price premiums within the reference. Box-and-papers examples and unworn or lightly worn condition command the strongest values, while authentication of the Everose gold elements and bracelet is essential when buying pre-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the various 279171 reference suffixes such as WRO, SRO, and ROSEDRIXO?
The suffix codes encode the dial color and bezel configuration: W typically denotes a white dial, S a sundust dial, C a chocolate dial, and ROSE a rose dial, while further letters indicate the bezel style and whether diamond markers are present—for example, ROSEDRIXO pairs a rose dial with a diamond-set bezel and diamond hour markers. Understanding the suffix lets you identify exactly which dial-and-bezel combination you are purchasing before it arrives. Bizak and Co. lists the full suffix in every 279171 product title so buyers can match the watch to the configuration they want.
Is the Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 ref. 279171 a good investment or resale watch?
The 279171 benefits from Rolex's global brand strength, the enduring popularity of the Lady-Datejust line, and the added material value of Everose gold components, all of which support healthy secondary-market prices. Diamond-dial and diamond-bezel variants like the ROSEDRIXO configuration tend to carry the highest retail and resale premiums within the reference. Buying a complete set with box and papers from a trusted dealer like Bizak and Co. is the best way to protect long-term value.
What size is the Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 ref. 279171 and who does it fit best?
The case measures 28 mm in diameter, placing it on the smaller end of the contemporary watch market and making it an excellent fit for those who prefer a refined, low-profile presence on the wrist. Despite the compact case, the Jubilee bracelet and two-tone Oystersteel and Everose gold construction give the watch a noticeable visual presence. It is frequently worn as both a daily timepiece and a dressy occasion watch, and its versatility across dial colors makes it easy to pair with varied personal styles.
Browse also: Rolex collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
