26mm Rolex Watches

Buying Advice

About 26mm Rolex Watches

26mm Rolex watches are almost exclusively the Rolex Lady-Datejust, the brand's original women's Datejust case size. Introduced as a follow-up to the men's Datejust, the 26mm case sat at the center of Rolex's women's lineup for decades before being replaced by the modern 28mm generation. Today, every pre-owned 26mm Rolex at WatchGuys is fully authenticated, serviced as needed, and backed by our 2-year warranty. Shoppers will find a range of references in stainless steel, two-tone Rolesor, and solid 18k gold, with Jubilee, Oyster, and President bracelet configurations.

Because Rolex discontinued the 26mm size, these watches are only available on the pre-owned market. That is where WatchGuys specializes. Whether you want a classic two-tone 69173, a solid gold 69178, or a later 179174, we can help you find the exact reference, dial, and bracelet combination you are looking for.

Which Rolex Models Come in 26mm?

The 26mm case is a Lady-Datejust designation. A handful of vintage and discontinued references carry this size, spanning four decades of production. Key references include:

Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173: Two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet. One of the most popular 26mm references on the secondary market. See current stock on our Rolex Datejust collection.

Rolex Lady-Datejust 69178: Solid 18k yellow gold with a President bracelet, for buyers who want a full-gold Lady-Datejust at the compact 26mm size. Related pieces live on our Gold Rolex collection.

Rolex Lady-Datejust 79173 and 79174: Updated late-1990s and early-2000s references, available in two-tone (79173) and steel with white gold bezel (79174), almost always on a Jubilee bracelet. Browse our Two Tone Rolex collection for similar two-tone configurations.

Rolex Lady-Datejust 179173, 179174, and 179178: The final generation of the 26mm Lady-Datejust, produced into the 2010s before the 28mm 279XXX series replaced them. These are the newest 26mm Rolex watches available pre-owned.

Every piece ships from our Los Angeles office with overnight delivery. For broader context on the full Rolex lineup, visit our Rolex Watches hub.

26mm Rolex Price

Pre-owned 26mm Rolex prices typically range from around $3,000 for an entry-level two-tone 69173 in worn condition up to $25,000 or more for solid gold references with diamond dials and diamond bezels. Most two-tone Lady-Datejust references sit in the $4,000 to $8,000 range. Steel with white gold bezel pieces like the 179174 commonly run $6,000 to $10,000. Solid 18k yellow gold models on a President bracelet (such as the 69178 and 179178) usually start around $10,000 and climb into the $20,000 range for factory diamond configurations. Final pricing depends on reference, condition, dial configuration, and whether the watch ships with box and papers.

26mm vs. 28mm Rolex Lady-Datejust

The 28mm Lady-Datejust (reference series 279XXX) replaced the 26mm in 2015 and is Rolex's current production ladies' Datejust. The 28mm wears slightly larger on the wrist, uses Rolex's updated Caliber 2236 movement, and tends to carry a higher price tag as the current model. The 26mm remains popular for buyers who prefer a more classically proportioned, delicate Lady-Datejust and who want pre-owned value. If you want the newest generation, see our Women's Rolex collection or step up to Midsize Rolex for 31mm, 34mm, and 36mm options.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy 26mm Rolex From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned 26mm Rolex for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated in-house, accurately described, and protected by our full buyer policy. We specialize in the pre-owned Rolex market and handle Lady-Datejust references daily.

Common Questions

26mm Rolex FAQ

• What Rolex Models Come in 26mm?

  The 26mm case size is almost exclusive to the Rolex Lady-Datejust. Popular 26mm references include the 69173, 69174, 69178, 79173, 79174, 79178, 179173, 179174, and 179178. You can browse related pieces on our Rolex Datejust collection.

• Is a 26mm Rolex Discontinued?

  Yes. Rolex replaced the 26mm Lady-Datejust with the 28mm (reference 279XXX series) in 2015. Because the 26mm is no longer in production, all 26mm Rolex watches are only available on the pre-owned and unworn secondary market. That makes inventory at specialized dealers like WatchGuys the primary way to find them.

• Is 26mm Too Small for a Rolex?

  26mm is a classic women's case size, sitting smaller than the current 28mm Lady-Datejust and well under the 31mm, 34mm, and 36mm Datejust sizes favored by men. If you prefer a delicate, traditional dress watch proportion, 26mm is ideal. If you want a slightly larger wrist presence, consider our 34mm Rolex collection or 36mm Rolex collection.

• 26mm vs. 28mm Rolex, Which Is Better?

  Neither is objectively better. The 28mm is Rolex's current production Lady-Datejust with the updated Caliber 2236 movement and commands higher prices. The 26mm offers pre-owned value, more reference variety across different decades, and a slightly more traditional case profile. Buyers who prioritize classic proportions tend to prefer 26mm. Buyers who want the current generation choose 28mm.

• How Much Does a 26mm Rolex Cost?

  Pre-owned 26mm Rolex watches typically range from $3,000 to $25,000 or more. Two-tone references like the 69173 start near the entry point, steel with white gold bezel pieces sit mid-range, and solid 18k gold references (such as the 69178 and 179178) land at the higher end. Diamond dial and diamond bezel configurations push prices up further. For current inventory pricing, browse this collection or contact our team directly.

• What Bracelets Come on 26mm Rolex Watches?

  26mm Lady-Datejust references are most commonly found on the Rolex Jubilee bracelet, which is the traditional Datejust pairing. Solid gold references like the 69178 and 179178 wear the Rolex President bracelet. A smaller number of pieces ship on the Rolex Oyster bracelet. Bracelet style affects both price and wrist feel, so ask our team for guidance.

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