Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust

Glided and glamorous, the latest gem-set version of the Lady-Datejust is an extravagant treat for the senses.

Rolex’s most distinguished feminine creation is shining brighter than ever. Unequivocally resplendent, the new Lady-Datejust models are a spectacular sight, lavished in precious metals and covered in diamonds for unbridled glitter, making them elegant accompaniments for women who desire statement-making watches for their wrists.

Launched in 1957 as a feminine interpretation of the famous Datejust, the Lady-Datejust is an icon in its own right. Loved and recognised by its petite 28 mm case and refined profile, it is a perfect match for slender wrists. It is also among Rolex’s most diverse collections, available in various combinations of materials, bracelets, bezels, and dials to suit different personalities and occasions. That said, the latest gem-set Lady-Datejust is clearly dressed for the limelight.

Setting the stage for the extraordinary show of sparkle are cases and bracelets crafted in precious metals. The gem-set collection is available in two versions: one in 18 ct yellow gold and another in 18 ct white gold, both of which feature proprietary alloys forged in Rolex’s in-house foundry.

In its original 24 ct form, gold is too soft and malleable to be used in watches. As such, it needs to be fortified with metals such as silver, copper, and other elements. In the early 2000s, Rolex set up its own state-of-the-art foundry where it casts its gold. The exclusive 18 ct yellow, white and Everose gold alloys are cast by experienced foundrymen according to carefully guarded formulas, producing impeccable, noble metals that are as treasured for their radiance today as gold was in antiquity. By doing so, Rolex ensures only the most impeccable lustre and sheen on its timepieces, as exemplified by the new Lady-Datejust models.

The watches’ 18 ct gold cases and bracelets provide a luxurious backdrop to a stunning display of light and sparkle, courtesy of brilliant-cut diamonds that sheathe almost every available space. The case of this new Lady-Datejust is covered with 158 brilliant-cut diamonds, including the case sides and lugs. The bezel is set with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds, while the President bracelet is festooned with 596 brilliant-cut diamonds. Completing the breath-taking shower of stones is the dial, which is paved with 291 diamonds.

As it is with the casting of its own gold, Rolex spares no expense in sourcing and using only the best gemstones. The brand has its own team of in-house gemmologists to evaluate and select only the finest stones for its timepieces. Every single diamond on the new Lady-Datejust is of the IF (Internally Flawless) grade, carefully chosen by the gemmologists using specialised analysis tools, such as X-ray imaging technology, in addition to their trained eyes. This is to ascertain the authenticity of the gems as well as to choose only diamonds with the best chemical compositions, colour, and clarity.

The result of Rolex’s fastidious requirements, from the rigorous selection of the diamonds to expert gem-setting, emanates from every angle of the Lady-Datejust. It is a creation that combines time-hewn horological traditions, state-of-the-art innovations, and the brilliance of nature in a single watch.

Amid the stupendous parade of precious metal and gemstones, the new Lady-Datejust remains at heart an excellent timekeeper that prides itself on the important watchmaking tenets of performance and precision.

The watch’s dazzling demeanour belies its strength and robustness. A hallmark of all Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches is its waterproof system, and the Lady-Datejust is equipped with a hermetically screwed-down case back and Twinlock winding crown that help guarantee waterproofness of up to 100 metres. Optimum legibility on the diamond-paved dial is ensured by 18 ct gold hands and Roman numerals with PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) black coating to provide a delightful contrast against the twinkling brilliant-cut diamonds. Likewise, the famous Cyclops lens at three o’clock, a proprietary Rolex invention dating back to the 1950s, magnifies the date display for easy reading.

Driving the new Lady-Datejust is the calibre 2236, a diminutive self-winding movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology. Entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, the movement incorporates several innovations, including a patented Syloxi hairspring in silicon that guarantees the regularity of the movement in any position, a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel, and a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor to provide approximately 55 hours of power reserve.

Like all Rolex watches, the latest Lady-Datejust is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, promising precision of -2/+2 seconds per day – an accuracy that surpasses standards set by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) – and is covered by an international five-year guarantee. With its unique blend of uncompromising performance, bold aesthetics, and exceptional prestige, the new gem-set Lady-Datejust is a bona fide star that epitomises the true meaning of horological strength and elegance.

Discover more on Rolex’s new 2021 watches. 

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