What defines the 28 mm Datejust
The Lady-Datejust is Rolex's smallest Datejust. It shares the family look: fluted bezel, Cyclops over the date, and an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. However, it packs all of that into a 28 mm case. That makes it the natural choice for slim wrists, and for buyers who want a watch that sits close to jewellery.
For decades the ladies' model measured 26 mm. Then, at Baselworld 2015, Rolex enlarged it to 28 mm. Inside, a new calibre, the 2236, brought Rolex's silicon Syloxi hairspring to the line. Both current references, the 279174 and 279173, date from that launch. They also share 55 hours of reserve and 100 m water resistance with the larger Datejusts.
Every Lady-Datejust reference compared
We cover the two Rolesor references, because they make up most of the used market. Full-gold and gem-set versions are rarer and priced very differently.
Lady-Datejust 279174
28 mm Lady-Datejust in steel with a white gold fluted bezel. Prices, history and fake checks.
Lady-Datejust 279173
28 mm two-tone Lady-Datejust in steel and yellow gold. Retail puzzles, used prices and checks.
The table below sets retail beside the excellent box-and-papers band for both. MYR figures are approximate conversions at 4.08 unless an official list price exists.
| Reference | Retail | Unworn, full set | Excellent, B&P | Good, no papers | Mid-band vs retail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lady-Datejust 279174 | US$9,150 | US$11,000 – US$13,000 | US$10,000 – US$12,000 | US$8,800 – US$10,300 | +20% |
| Lady-Datejust 279173 | US$12,200 | US$13,500 – US$15,500 | US$12,000 – US$14,500 | US$10,500 – US$12,500 | +9% |
Retail is the current (or last) US list price. Pre-owned bands are rounded market ranges for October 2026; MYR ≈ USD × 4.08.
White Rolesor vs Yellow Rolesor
The 279174 pairs steel with a white gold bezel. From a distance it looks almost all-steel. By contrast, the 279173 uses yellow gold for the bezel, crown and bracelet centre links. As a result, it costs more and looks warmer. Both run calibre 2236 and come mainly on the Jubilee.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the 279174 if you want a subtle, steel-led look, lower running costs and the lower retail price.
- Choose the 279173 if you want the classic gold-and-steel style and plan to keep the watch for many years.
- Choose neither if 28 mm looks small on you; try a Datejust 31 instead.
Lady-Datejust price and buying advice
The two models behave differently on the used market. The 279174 trades above its retail of US$9,150, with excellent sets around US$10,000 – US$12,000. The 279173, on the other hand, trades close to retail, at around US$12,000 – US$14,500. In Malaysia, where its plain-dial list price is RM56,200, a clean used example can even undercut new.
Which holds value best? Pink, champagne and diamond dials are the most liquid on both. Unpolished bezels matter more than usual, because gold flutes soften quickly. Also, keep the box and card. Small watches have a narrower buyer pool, so a complete set helps you sell faster. For our method and many more references, see the used Rolex prices guide.
Buying in Malaysia
Official retailers in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, including Cortina Watch and The Hour Glass, sell both references. Getting one new is generally easier than getting a steel sports model. Grey dealers in KL and Singapore add a premium on the 279174, so ask an official retailer first. Also, check whether any quote includes SST before you compare it with an overseas price. For more on the gap between list and street prices, read our retail vs market price guide.
Authentication notes for small Datejusts
Small watches hide details, so use a loupe. First, check that the date under the Cyclops looks 2.5 times larger. Second, read the rehaut engraving and the serial at 6. Third, watch the date at midnight: on a genuine watch it flips in an instant. On gold parts, plating that wears through to grey steel is a clear warning. Our real vs fake Rolex guide covers every step, including a movement check.
Alternatives worth trying on
If 28 mm feels small, the Datejust 31 278274 and 278273 use the same metals at 31 mm. If you do not need a date, the Oyster Perpetual 28 is simpler and cheaper. Our Datejust vs Oyster Perpetual comparison explains the trade-offs, and the first Rolex buying guide covers smaller wrists in detail.
Lady-Datejust FAQ
What is the difference between Lady-Datejust and Datejust 31?
Size is the main difference: the Lady-Datejust is 28 mm, while the Datejust 31 is 31 mm. Both use calibre 2236 with 55 hours of reserve, a Cyclops date and 100 m water resistance. The 31 mm case has more dial area and wears noticeably larger. Rolex sells both as separate lines with their own references.
How much is a Rolex Lady-Datejust in Malaysia?
As of October 2026, official retailers list the 279174-0020 (White Rolesor, Oyster bracelet) at RM39,600. The Yellow Rolesor 279173-0023 on a Jubilee is listed at RM56,200. Diamond dials cost more. Used prices for excellent full sets run roughly RM41,000 to RM59,000, depending on the metal and dial.
Which Lady-Datejust holds its value best?
The White Rolesor 279174 currently trades furthest above retail, partly because its retail price is lower. The Yellow Rolesor 279173 trades nearer to, or below, Malaysian retail. In both cases, pink, champagne and diamond dials hold up best. Unpolished bezels and full sets matter on both.
Is the Lady-Datejust still made?
Yes. Both the 279174 and 279173 are in the 2026 catalogue, and we found no changes for 2025 or 2026. Rolex also makes full-gold and gem-set Lady-Datejusts, which we do not cover here. See the Rolex Lady-Datejust page for every version.
Is 28 mm too small?
It suits wrists of about 13 to 15.5 cm well. On larger wrists it reads as a jewellery-style watch. If you are unsure, try both 28 mm and 31 mm on. Many buyers who start with 28 mm end up choosing the Datejust 31 after a fitting.
Last updated . Written and fact-checked by the Rolex Malaysian editorial team. Specifications and prices are re-checked quarterly.