Rolex 69178 Lady-Datejust 26

The Rolex 69178 is the 26 mm Lady-Datejust in solid 18k yellow gold, with a fluted gold bezel and the President bracelet. Made in the 1980s and 1990s, it's one of the most sought-after vintage ladies' Rolex references, most often seen with a champagne dial, plain or set with diamonds. Pre-owned 69178s in our inventory are currently priced from about $12,400 to $15,500 (October 2026), depending on dial, condition and box and papers.

Rolex 69178 buying guide

What is the Rolex 69178?

The 69178 is the full yellow gold version of the 26 mm Lady-Datejust from the 6917x generation. The "8" at the end of the reference means 18k yellow gold. It has a sapphire crystal, a quickset date and the automatic Calibre 2135. Because the case, bezel and President bracelet are all solid gold, it has a noticeably richer look and weight than the two-tone 69173. Its successor was the 79178.

Which dials are available?

  • Champagne index: the classic and most common choice.
  • Champagne diamond: ten diamond hour markers. The most popular option in our inventory.
  • Jubilee dials, white Roman, black and blue: less common, and appealing if you want something different.

Some watches have dials or bezels added after they left Rolex. These aren't necessarily a problem, but they should always be disclosed, and they are valued differently from factory diamond dials.

How much is a Rolex 69178?

Our current listings range from about $12,400 to $15,500. Factory diamond dials, strong original gold with little polishing, a tight President bracelet and the original box and papers all add value. Earlier examples and watches without papers sit at the lower end.

69178 vs 69173

The 69173 is the two-tone version: a steel case with an 18k yellow gold bezel, crown and center links on a Jubilee bracelet. It costs considerably less. Choose the 69178 for the full gold President look; choose the 69173 for everyday versatility at a lower price.

What to check on a vintage 69178

  • Bracelet stretch: President bracelets often loosen with decades of wear. Check for sag and gaps between links.
  • Polishing: soft case edges and a worn fluted bezel lower value.
  • Dial and lume: look for even aging and crisp printing.
  • Serial and papers: the serial between the lugs should match any papers. Our Rolex serial number lookup helps date the watch.

Every 69178 we sell is inspected by our specialists in New York's Diamond District. For more on spotting problems, read how to tell if a Rolex is real.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Rolex 69178 solid gold? Yes. The case, bezel and President bracelet are 18k yellow gold.

Will a 69178 fit a small wrist? At 26 mm it's a classic, delicate size. If you prefer something larger, look at the 31 mm Datejust 68278.