Rolex Datejust 179178

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Datejust 179178

The Rolex Datejust 179178 is the previous-generation Lady-Datejust 26mm in solid 18k yellow gold, the all-gold expression of the heritage 26mm Lady-Datejust dimension that defined the ladies Rolex catalog from 1957 until Rolex transitioned to the 28mm Lady-Datejust in 2015. The 179178 sits at the top of the previous-generation 26mm material tier, above the Yellow Rolesor Rolex Datejust 179173 and the Steel and white gold Rolex Datejust 179174, with the entire case, bezel, and bracelet forged from solid 18k yellow gold (no steel content anywhere). At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned and unworn Rolex Datejust 179178 examples across the full range of factory dial configurations and bracelet options. The modern 28mm successor in solid yellow gold is the 279178, which trades at a meaningfully higher price point as the current-production reference. For a deeper understanding of the broader family, see our Rolex Datejust collection.

Rolex Datejust 179178 Specifications

The 179178 measures 26mm in diameter and is built entirely from solid 18k yellow gold, with no steel content in the case, bezel, or bracelet. The case middle, caseback, crown, and the entire bracelet are all forged from Rolex's proprietary 18k yellow gold alloy, with the bezel featuring the iconic Datejust fluted design machined directly from the same gold stock. The case is fitted with the Twinlock screw-down crown and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with the Cyclops lens over the date at 3 o'clock. Inside is the Caliber 2235, a Superlative Chronometer movement with a 48-hour power reserve, the workhorse Lady-Datejust 26mm movement used until the 2015 introduction of the Caliber 2236 with the Syloxi silicon hairspring. The Oyster case is rated to 100 meters of water resistance. The 26mm size is the original Lady-Datejust dimension introduced by Rolex in 1957, and works well on wrists from approximately 4.75 inches to 6 inches.

Rolex Datejust 179178 Dial Options

The 179178 offers a deep range of factory dial configurations spanning classic, jewelry-leaning, and decorative options. The champagne dial with applied 18k yellow gold index hour markers is the signature configuration, pairing seamlessly against the warm tone of the solid yellow gold case for a fully tonal expression. The white mother of pearl dial with factory diamond hour markers in 18k yellow gold settings is one of the most desirable configurations, with each oyster-derived dial showing unique iridescent patterning. The silver Roman dial with applied yellow gold Roman numerals offers a more classic, high-contrast presentation. Additional choices include silver diamond hour marker dials, champagne Roman dials, and decorative computer pyramid dials with horizontal etched lines. The standard bracelet configuration is the President bracelet with semi-circular three-piece links, concealed folding Crownclasp, and matching solid 18k yellow gold construction throughout, giving the watch the iconic "Lady President" silhouette. Oyster and Jubilee bracelet variants in matching solid yellow gold also exist for buyers who prefer a different bracelet style.

Rolex Datejust 179178 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 179178 prices typically range from $13,500 to $20,000 depending on dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness with box and papers. Entry into the reference starts with standard champagne and silver Roman dial examples at the lower end. The mother of pearl with factory diamond hour markers and silver diamond dial variants sit in the middle to upper end of the range. Rare configurations with full sets, original Rolex papers, and decorative pyramid dials can reach $22,000 and beyond. The 179178 trades at a meaningful premium over the Yellow Rolesor 179173 sibling, reflecting the solid 18k yellow gold construction throughout the case and bracelet (versus the steel plus gold construction of the Rolesor reference). At the same time, the 179178 trades at a meaningful discount to the modern 28mm solid yellow gold 279178, which makes it the most accessible entry into an all-gold Lady-Datejust in the secondary market. Rolex raised retail prices approximately 7% across the catalog in January 2026. For broader context, browse our full women's Rolex collection.

Rolex Datejust 179178 vs. Rolex Datejust 179173

The 179178 and the 179173 are both previous-generation Lady-Datejust 26mm references with fluted yellow gold bezels, but the material tiers are meaningfully different. The 179178 is built entirely from solid 18k yellow gold, with no steel content anywhere in the case or bracelet. The Rolex Datejust 179173 is the Yellow Rolesor variant, combining Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold on the bezel, crown, and center bracelet links only. Both share the same 26mm Oyster case, the same Caliber 2235 movement, and access to many of the same factory dial colors. The 179173 typically pairs with the Jubilee bracelet (the heritage Datejust bracelet), while the 179178 most commonly pairs with the President bracelet for the signature "Lady President" silhouette. The 179178 trades at a meaningful premium over the 179173 on the secondary market, reflecting the solid gold construction. Buyers who want the heritage Datejust two-tone silhouette at a more accessible price choose the 179173. Buyers who want a fully tonal solid 18k yellow gold ladies Rolex at a significantly lower entry point than current-production all-gold references choose the 179178. For the modern 28mm step-up, the current-production successor is the 279178. For the ultra-luxe Pearlmaster jewelry-watch tier with diamond bezel and Everose gold, see the Rolex Datejust 81315.

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Why Buy a Rolex Datejust 179178 From WatchGuys

When you shop for a pre-owned Rolex Datejust 179178 for sale at WatchGuys, you get more than a watch. Every piece is authenticated by our in-house watchmakers and backed by a comprehensive set of buyer protections.

Common Questions

Rolex Datejust 179178 FAQ

• Is the Rolex Datejust 179178 solid gold?

  Yes, the Rolex Datejust 179178 is built entirely from solid 18k yellow gold, with no steel content in the case, bezel, or bracelet. The case middle, caseback, crown, fluted bezel, and the full bracelet are all forged from Rolex's proprietary 18k yellow gold alloy. This is different from the Yellow Rolesor 179173 sibling, which combines Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold on the bezel, crown, and center bracelet links. The solid gold construction is verifiable through the 18k gold hallmarks on the case and bracelet, which we authenticate during inspection along with the reference and serial numbers.

• What size is the Rolex Datejust 179178?

  The Rolex Datejust 179178 has a 26mm Oyster case, the original Lady-Datejust dimension introduced by Rolex in 1957 and produced for nearly six decades before Rolex transitioned to the 28mm Lady-Datejust in 2015. Case thickness is approximately 9mm and lug-to-lug is approximately 31mm. The 26mm size is the most compact modern Lady-Datejust dimension and works particularly well on wrists from approximately 4.75 inches to 6 inches. Buyers seeking a slightly larger contemporary alternative should consider the 28mm 279178 (modern successor) or the 31mm Datejust 31 references.

• What bracelet is on the Rolex Datejust 179178?

  The 179178 most commonly ships with the President bracelet, the same bracelet style used on the Rolex Day-Date and known for its semi-circular three-piece links and concealed folding Crownclasp. On the 179178, the President bracelet is forged entirely in solid 18k yellow gold to match the case and bezel, giving the watch its signature "Lady President" silhouette. Some 179178 examples were produced with the Oyster bracelet (flatter three-link profile) or Jubilee bracelet (five-piece links, the heritage Datejust bracelet), also in matching solid yellow gold. All bracelet variants use the concealed Crownclasp.

• Rolex 179178 vs. Rolex 179173, what is the difference?

  The primary difference between the 179178 and the 179173 is the metal construction. The 179178 is built entirely from solid 18k yellow gold, while the 179173 is the Yellow Rolesor variant, combining Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold on the bezel, crown, and center bracelet links only. Both share the same 26mm Oyster case, the same Caliber 2235 movement, the same fluted yellow gold bezel design, and access to many of the same factory dial colors. The 179173 typically pairs with the Jubilee bracelet, while the 179178 most commonly pairs with the President bracelet. The 179178 trades at a meaningful premium over the 179173, reflecting the solid gold construction.

• Is the Rolex 179178 still in production?

  No, Rolex discontinued the 179178 along with the rest of the Lady-Datejust 26mm family in 2015, when the brand transitioned the entire Lady-Datejust collection to the modern 28mm format with the 279xxx reference series. The current-production successor in solid 18k yellow gold is the 279178, which uses the same 28mm case format as the rest of the modern Lady-Datejust lineup and the upgraded Caliber 2236 with the Syloxi silicon hairspring and 55-hour power reserve. The 179178 is available exclusively through the pre-owned and unworn secondary market, and the discontinued status combined with the heritage 26mm dimension gives it long-term collector appeal.

• How much does a Rolex Datejust 179178 cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 179178 prices typically range from $13,500 to $20,000 depending on dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness. Entry into the reference starts with champagne and silver Roman dial examples on the President bracelet at the lower end. Mother of pearl with factory diamond markers and silver diamond dial variants sit in the middle to upper end. Rare configurations with full sets, original Rolex papers, and decorative pyramid dials can reach $22,000 and beyond. The 179178 trades at a meaningful premium over the Yellow Rolesor 179173 and at a meaningful discount to the modern 28mm 279178 successor. Rolex raised retail prices approximately 7% in January 2026.

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