Rolex introduced the Lady-Datejust in 1957 as a women's version of the 1945 Datejust, concentrating all its technical performance and style into a smaller case. The specific configuration of a two-tone "Rolesor" case, champagne dial, and diamond markers on the reference 69173 was a design choice aimed at a specific market position of women executives. The two-tone "Rolesor" design, which Rolex patented in 1933, combines the durability of steel with the prestige of 18k yellow gold. This combination was intended to position the watch between the utilitarian, all-steel models and the more exclusive, solid-gold versions, offering a versatile timepiece that could transition from daily wear to formal occasions.
Founded in 1905 by the visionary Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex was born from a singular, revolutionary idea: to transform the wristwatch from a fragile piece of jewelry into a robust, precise, and reliable daily companion. This ambition was masterfully realized in 1926 with the invention of the Oyster, the world's first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch case. Proven by a triumphant swim across the English Channel on the wrist of Mercedes Gleitze, the Oyster case established the foundational pillar of the brand's identity—performance and dependability in the most demanding conditions—a standard to which every Rolex is held to this day.
Building upon this foundation, Rolex went on to pioneer the defining features of the modern watch, including the self-winding Perpetual rotor in 1931 and the date-displaying Datejust in 1945. The brand then cemented its legend by creating the "professional tool watch" category, developing iconic models engineered for specific endeavors: the Submariner for deep-sea diving, the GMT-Master for intercontinental pilots, and the Cosmograph Daytona for the world of motorsports.
Today, Rolex positions itself as the universal symbol for success, quality, and prestige. As a fully integrated manufacturer, the brand exercises complete control over every component, from smelting its own proprietary gold alloys to assembling its "Superlative Chronometer" certified movements with uncompromising precision.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: est. 1995 Contents: Watch and Box Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 26mm Thickness: approx. 10.5mm Lug Width: 13mm
Case: Stainless steel oyster case, mirrored and brushed finish, light visible wear Bezel: 18k yellow gold fluted bezel, light wear Dial: Champagne sunburst dial, diamond markers Hands: 18k yellow gold baton hands
Crown: 18k yellow gold screw-down twinlock crown, light wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light wear Bracelet: Two-tone jubilee bracelet, light visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel, solid screwed-down caseback, light wear Movement: Automatic Caliber: 2135