Choose the Lady-Datejust 26 for a delicate, vintage look on a small wrist, the 28 for the current modern ladies' size, and the Datejust 31 if you want a watch that is noticeable on the wrist. As a rule of thumb, 26 mm suits wrists up to about 6 inches, 28 mm suits about 5.5 to 6.5 inches, and 31 mm suits about 6 inches and up. All three share the same Datejust design: the date window with Cyclops lens, the Oyster case and the choice of fluted or smooth bezel. The real differences are size, era, movement and price, which this guide compares side by side.
In this article
- What is the difference between the Lady-Datejust 26, 28 and 31?
- Who is the Lady-Datejust 26 for?
- Who is the Lady-Datejust 28 for?
- Who is the Datejust 31 for?
- How do I know which size fits my wrist?
- FAQ
What is the difference between the Lady-Datejust 26, 28 and 31?
Rolex introduced the Lady-Datejust in 1957 and moved it to a 28 mm case in 2015 (Rolex). The 31 mm model is part of the main Datejust line, alongside the 36 and 41 mm sizes. Here is how the three compare:
| Lady-Datejust 26 | Lady-Datejust 28 | Datejust 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Pre-owned only (replaced in 2015) | Current Rolex ladies' size | Current Datejust size |
| Common references | 69173, 69178, 79173, 179173, 179174 | 279160, 279171, 279174, 279383RBR | 68273, 178274, 278271, 278273 |
| Movement | Calibre 2135 in 69 and 79 references, 2235 in 179 references | Calibre 2236, about 55 hours power reserve | Calibre 2236 in current 278 references |
| Look on the wrist | Delicate, jewelry-like | Balanced, modern | Noticeable, versatile |
| Price at ECI (two-tone) | About $6,900 to $9,900 | About $10,900 to $14,500 | About $8,500 (vintage) to $17,500 (modern) |
Movement details are from Rolex's current specifications for the Lady-Datejust 28 and Datejust 31. Prices are ECI Jewelers' pre-owned prices in September 2026 and change with the market.
Who is the Lady-Datejust 26 for?
The 26 mm Lady-Datejust is the watch most people picture when they think of a "ladies' Rolex." It was made for decades in references like the 69173 (two-tone, Jubilee bracelet) and 69178 (18K gold, President bracelet), then the 79173 and 179173. It is the best choice if you:
- Have a small wrist, or like a watch that sits like a bracelet
- Want the lowest entry price into a gold or two-tone Rolex
- Love vintage details like champagne and linen dials
Because it is no longer made, every 26 mm watch is pre-owned, so condition and service history matter. It is also our best-selling ladies' size: ECI Jewelers carries more than 40 in stock.
26 mm
Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 ref. 179173
Yellow Rolesor, champagne Roman dial, Jubilee bracelet, box and papers (2009).
$9,900 View the 26 →
Who is the Lady-Datejust 28 for?
The 28 mm is Rolex's current ladies' size. It is only 2 mm wider than the 26, but it looks noticeably more modern. It also has the newer calibre 2236 with about 55 hours of power reserve, so it keeps running over a weekend off the wrist. Bob's Watches measures the 279160 at 34.5 mm lug to lug and 10.5 mm thick (Bob's Watches). Choose the 28 if you:
- Want the latest movement and bracelet design
- Have an average wrist and want something between delicate and bold
- Prefer a recent watch, often still with its original papers
28 mm
Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 ref. 279174
White Rolesor, silver dial, Jubilee bracelet, box and papers (2020).
$11,400 View the 28 →
Who is the Datejust 31 for?
The Datejust 31 sits between the ladies' sizes and the 36 mm. It looks elegant on a woman's wrist, and on a small wrist it can pass for a unisex watch. It suits you if you:
- Have a medium or larger wrist, or like a watch that is easy to read
- Want to layer it with bracelets without it disappearing
- Want a choice of eras: vintage 68273 models start around $8,500, while modern 278273 models with calibre 2236 run about $16,500 to $17,500
31 mm, modern
Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 278273
Yellow Rolesor, white Roman dial, Jubilee bracelet, box and papers (2023).
$17,500 View the 31 →
How do I know which size fits my wrist?
Wrap a strip of paper around your wrist just below the wrist bone, mark where it overlaps, and measure it flat. Then use this rule of thumb:
- Under 6 inches: Lady-Datejust 26 looks proportional, and 28 works if you want more presence.
- 6 to 6.5 inches: Lady-Datejust 28 is the sweet spot, and 31 is a confident choice.
- Over 6.5 inches: Datejust 31, or consider the 36 mm.
What matters most is lug-to-lug length: the watch should not overhang the top of your wrist. Our guide to measuring watch case size explains how. For the history of each 26 mm reference, see our Lady-Datejust reference guide. Buying a matching watch for a partner? See our his and hers Rolex pairings.
31 mm, vintage value
Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 68273 (1988)
Yellow Rolesor, champagne index dial, Jubilee bracelet, box and papers.
$9,200 View the vintage 31 →
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lady-Datejust 26 discontinued?
Yes. Rolex moved the Lady-Datejust to a 28 mm case in 2015, so 26 mm models are only available pre-owned. Many are still in excellent condition and cost less than a new 28.
Is 28 mm too small for a Rolex?
Not for most women. The 28 mm is Rolex's current ladies' size and looks balanced on wrists from about 5.5 to 6.5 inches. If you want a bolder look, try the Datejust 31.
What is the difference between the Datejust and the Lady-Datejust?
They share the same design. "Lady-Datejust" is Rolex's name for the smallest size (26 mm, now 28 mm), while "Datejust" covers the 31, 36 and 41 mm sizes.
Which Lady-Datejust holds its value best?
Two-tone and solid gold models with original box and papers tend to hold value best, because gold content and completeness both support resale. Our guide to what box and papers add to value explains why.
Try every size in one place
Shop Lady-Datejust 26, 28 and Datejust 31 watches, with financing available and watch trade-ins welcome.
Shop Lady-Datejust →Also browse the Lady-Datejust 28 and Datejust 31 collections, or see financing options.
