Rolex Datejust 179173

Reference Guide

About the Rolex Datejust 179173

The Rolex Datejust 179173 is a 26mm Lady-Datejust in two-tone Yellow Rolesor, combining Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold and topped by the signature fluted yellow gold bezel. At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned and unworn examples across the full range of dial and bracelet configurations. The 179173 features a 26mm Oyster case, a fluted 18k yellow gold bezel, and is powered by the Caliber 2235 movement with a 48-hour power reserve.

Produced from approximately 2003 through 2015, the 179173 replaced the previous-generation 79173 and remains one of the most popular Lady-Datejust references on the secondary market. Within the broader Rolex Datejust collection, the 179173 appeals to buyers who want the classic two-tone Lady-Datejust look with a modern movement and solid-link bracelet construction. It is the modern six-digit successor to the highly collected Rolex Datejust 69173, the entry point into the wider Women's Rolex collection for buyers who want a true vintage 26mm proportion with the benefits of a refined modern build.

Rolex 179173 Dial Options

The 179173 offers a wide selection of factory dial options, with the champagne dial as the signature configuration. Champagne pairs naturally with the warm tones of the yellow gold bezel and Jubilee center links for a cohesive, tonal look. Other standard options include white, black, silver, slate, and rhodium, available with stick index, Roman numeral, or Arabic numeral hour markers. Diamond hour marker variants are offered with champagne, white, black, mother of pearl, and pink dial backgrounds. Mother of pearl dials are available in white, black, and pink, each cut from natural mother of pearl so no two examples share the exact same iridescence. Every dial can be paired with either the Jubilee bracelet (five-link, dressier and the most traditional Datejust pairing) or the Oyster bracelet (three-link, sportier), both constructed in matching two-tone Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold with a concealed Crownclasp.

Rolex 179173 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 179173 prices generally range from $5,500 to $11,000+ depending on the dial, bracelet type, condition, and completeness of box and papers. Champagne and white dials on the Jubilee bracelet represent the classic configuration and sit in the middle of the range. Mother of pearl diamond dials, factory diamond hour markers, and rare pink dial variants typically trade at the upper end. According to WatchCharts data, the 179173 has appreciated approximately 27% over the past five years, outperforming both the broader Rolex market and the Datejust collection average. It ranks in the top 17% of all Rolex watches by sales popularity and in the top 2% of all tracked watches, with a median sell time near 60 days. For buyers comparing two-tone Lady-Datejust options at a lower price point, the vintage Rolex Datejust 69173 in the same 26mm Yellow Rolesor format trades meaningfully below the 179173 due to its older Caliber 2135 movement and earlier construction. For an upgrade to the diamond-bezel version of the 179173, see the Rolex Datejust 179313.

Rolex 179173 vs 69173

The Rolex 179173 and 69173 are sister references in the 26mm two-tone Yellow Rolesor Lady-Datejust line. Both share the same case material, fluted yellow gold bezel, sapphire crystal, and Jubilee bracelet identity, and both target the same buyer who wants a classic two-tone Lady-Datejust 26. The key differences come down to era, movement, and construction. The Rolex 69173 is the discontinued five-digit reference produced from the late 1980s through 1999, powered by the Caliber 2135 with a 48-hour power reserve. The 179173 is the six-digit successor produced from approximately 2003 through 2015, powered by the updated Caliber 2235, with refined case proportions and a fully solid-link bracelet that is harder to find stretched on the wrist. The 69173 typically trades $1,500 to $4,000 below the 179173 for an equivalent dial and condition, offering vintage character at a meaningful discount. The 179173 trades at a premium for the newer movement, the more modern construction, and the longer service life. For the modern equivalent in a slightly larger case, Rolex eventually replaced the 26mm 179xxx series with the current 28mm Lady-Datejust 28 (the 279xxx series). For broader Datejust pricing context across all sizes and generations, see our Rolex Datejust buying guide.

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Why Buy Your Rolex Datejust 179173 From WatchGuys

When you shop for a pre-owned Rolex Datejust 179173 for sale at WatchGuys, you get more than a watch. Every piece is authenticated by our in-house watchmakers and backed by a complete set of buyer protections.

Common Questions

Rolex Datejust 179173 FAQ

• What is the Rolex Datejust 179173?

  The Rolex Datejust 179173 is a 26mm Lady-Datejust reference produced from approximately 2003 through 2015 in two-tone Yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold), with a fluted yellow gold bezel and the choice of Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. It is powered by the Caliber 2235 automatic movement, features a sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnifier, and is water resistant to 100 meters.

• How much does a Rolex 179173 cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex 179173 prices typically range from $5,500 to $11,000+ depending on dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness. Champagne and white index dials sit in the middle of the range. Mother of pearl diamond dials, factory diamond hour markers, and rare pink dials trade at the upper end, with full-set examples carrying a premium for original box and papers.

• Is the Rolex 179173 discontinued?

  Yes. Rolex discontinued the 26mm Lady-Datejust case around 2015 and replaced the entire 179xxx series with the current 28mm Lady-Datejust 28 (the 279xxx series). The 179173 is no longer available new from Rolex authorized dealers and is only available on the pre-owned market.

• What movement is in the Rolex 179173?

  The Rolex Datejust 179173 is powered by the Caliber 2235, a self-winding chronometer-certified movement introduced by Rolex in 1999. It runs at 28,800 vph, contains 31 jewels, and offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The Caliber 2235 includes the quickset date function and stop-seconds for precise time setting, and it remains highly serviceable by Rolex and qualified independent watchmakers.

• What is the difference between the Rolex 179173 and 69173?

  Both are 26mm two-tone Yellow Rolesor Lady-Datejust references with fluted yellow gold bezels and Jubilee bracelets. The 69173 is the discontinued five-digit predecessor produced from the late 1980s through 1999, powered by the Caliber 2135. The 179173 is the six-digit successor produced from approximately 2003 through 2015, powered by the updated Caliber 2235 with refined case proportions and a fully solid-link bracelet. The 69173 offers vintage character at a discount, while the 179173 trades at a premium for the newer movement and modern construction.

• What is the difference between the Rolex 179173 and 179313?

  The 179173 and 179313 share the same 26mm two-tone Yellow Rolesor case, Caliber 2235 movement, and bracelet options. The single difference is the bezel. The 179173 carries a smooth fluted yellow gold bezel. The 179313 carries a factory diamond-set yellow gold fluted bezel. The 179313 typically trades at a $2,000 to $5,000 premium over an equivalent 179173 due to the diamond content, with the spread widening on rare gem-set dial combinations.

Browse More

Explore More Rolex Collections

The Rolex Datejust 179173 sits at the intersection of several wider Rolex categories: 26mm Lady-Datejust references, two-tone Yellow Rolesor construction, the fluted yellow gold bezel, and Jubilee or Oyster bracelet pairings. Use the navigation below to browse related references, alternative configurations, and the wider Rolex catalog.