Rolex Datejust 278243

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Datejust 278243

The Rolex Datejust 278243 is the current-generation 31mm Datejust 31 in Yellow Rolesor, combining Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold and topped with a smooth domed 18k yellow gold bezel. It is the understated two-tone configuration in the modern Rolex Datejust 31 family, swapping the heritage fluted bezel of the 278273 sibling for a cleaner, contemporary silhouette that lets the dial take center stage. At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned and unworn Rolex Datejust 278243 examples across the full range of factory dial colors and both bracelet options. The 278243 sits alongside the fluted-bezel Rolex Datejust 278273, the all-steel smooth-bezel Rolex Datejust 278240, and the Everose Rolesor Rolex Datejust 278271 in the current Rolex Datejust 31mm lineup.

Rolex Datejust 278243 Specifications

The 278243 measures 31mm in diameter and is built in Rolex's Yellow Rolesor configuration, with the Oystersteel case middle and outer bracelet links paired with 18k yellow gold on the smooth domed bezel, winding crown, and center bracelet links. The smooth domed bezel is machined from solid 18k yellow gold, not plated steel, and gives the watch a cleaner, more contemporary profile than the more decorative fluted bezel of the 278273 sibling. Yellow Rolesor is the original two-tone Datejust configuration, with the Rolesor trademark registered by Rolex in 1933. Inside is the Caliber 2236, a Superlative Chronometer movement featuring the patented Syloxi silicon hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, a 55-hour power reserve, and accuracy of plus or minus 2 seconds per day after casing. The Oyster case is rated to 100 meters of water resistance with a screw-down Twinlock crown and sapphire crystal with the signature Cyclops lens over the date at 3 o'clock. The 31mm case is the midsize Datejust, wearing well on wrists from approximately 5.5 inches to 6.75 inches.

Rolex Datejust 278243 Dial Options

The 278243 offers one of the more interesting dial selections in the current Datejust 31 lineup, with the smooth bezel framing each dial cleanly and letting more decorative options breathe. The white Roman dial with applied 18k yellow gold Roman numerals is the most classic configuration, giving a crisp high-contrast presentation. The silver Roman dial with diamond hour markers and a diamond-set Roman VI offers a jewelry-leaning upgrade while remaining understated. The champagne dial with index markers is the warm, traditional pairing for yellow gold. The olive green floral motif dial set with scattered diamonds is one of the most distinctive options Rolex currently produces in any Datejust reference, with a layered patterned finish that gives genuine textural depth on the wrist. Additional choices include olive green sunray dials with diamond hour markers, mother of pearl variants with factory diamonds, and slate stick index dials. Both bracelet options are produced in matching Yellow Rolesor: the three-link Oyster with folding Oysterclasp and Easylink extension, and the five-link Jubilee with concealed Crownclasp.

Rolex Datejust 278243 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 278243 prices typically range from $13,500 to $18,500 depending on dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness with box and papers. Entry into the reference starts with standard white Roman and silver Roman dial examples on the Oyster bracelet at the lower end. Champagne, dark grey, and silver diamond dial variants sit in the middle of the range. Olive green floral motif with diamonds, olive green sunray diamond, and mother of pearl with factory diamond marker dials reach the upper end and beyond, with rare configurations pushing past $22,000 for unworn examples with full sets. Jubilee bracelet examples generally carry a small premium over Oyster bracelet examples. The 278243 typically trades at a small discount to the fluted-bezel 278273 sibling, reflecting lower production volume and slightly less collector demand for the smooth bezel format in two-tone gold. Rolex raised retail prices approximately 7% in January 2026. For broader context, browse our full two-tone Rolex collection or our smooth bezel Rolex collection.

Rolex Datejust 278243 vs. Rolex Datejust 278273

The 278243 and the 278273 are the two current-production Yellow Rolesor Datejust 31 references, and the only difference between them is the bezel. The 278243 uses a smooth domed 18k yellow gold bezel, giving the watch a cleaner, more contemporary profile that frames the dial without competing for visual weight. The Rolex Datejust 278273 uses a fluted 18k yellow gold bezel with the heritage Datejust grooved design, the more recognizable two-tone Datejust silhouette. Both share the same 31mm Oystersteel case, the same Caliber 2236 movement, the same Oyster and Jubilee bracelet options, and most of the same dial colors. The 278273 carries the iconic Datejust visual identity, while the 278243 reads as a more modern, dial-forward expression of the same configuration. The 278243 typically trades at a small discount to the 278273 on the secondary market. Buyers who want the most recognizable two-tone Datejust silhouette choose the 278273. Buyers who prefer a cleaner, contemporary read that lets distinctive dials like the olive green floral motif show off without competition choose the 278243. For the all-steel smooth bezel alternative, see the Rolex Datejust 278240.

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Common Questions

Rolex Datejust 278243 FAQ

• What bezel is on the Rolex Datejust 278243?

  The Rolex Datejust 278243 has a smooth domed bezel machined from solid 18k yellow gold, not plated or coated steel. This is different from the fluted yellow gold bezel found on the 278273 sibling, and different from the smooth steel bezel found on the all-steel 278240. The smooth domed yellow gold bezel gives the 278243 a cleaner, more contemporary profile and lets dial designs show off without competing visual texture from the bezel grooves. The bezel is part of the Yellow Rolesor configuration trademarked by Rolex in 1933.

• What size is the Rolex Datejust 278243?

  The Rolex Datejust 278243 has a 31mm Oyster case, the midsize Datejust dimension that sits between the 28mm Lady-Datejust and the classic 36mm Datejust. Case thickness is approximately 9.5mm and lug-to-lug is approximately 36mm. The 31mm size suits wrists from roughly 5.5 inches to 6.75 inches and is the most popular Datejust size for women who want more wrist presence than the Lady-Datejust 28, and for men with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more refined dress watch size.

• Rolex 278243 vs. Rolex 278273, what is the difference?

  The only difference between the Rolex 278243 and the Rolex 278273 is the bezel. The 278243 uses a smooth domed 18k yellow gold bezel, giving the watch a cleaner, more contemporary profile. The 278273 uses a fluted 18k yellow gold bezel with the heritage Datejust grooved design, the more recognizable two-tone Datejust silhouette. Both share the same 31mm Oystersteel case, the same Caliber 2236 movement, and the same Oyster and Jubilee bracelet options. The 278243 typically trades at a small discount to the 278273 on the secondary market, reflecting lower production volume and the more recognizable fluted bezel of the 278273.

• What dials are available on the Rolex Datejust 278243?

  The 278243 offers a deep dial selection that the smooth bezel frames cleanly. The white Roman dial with applied yellow gold Roman numerals is the most classic configuration. The silver Roman dial with diamond hour markers offers a jewelry-leaning upgrade while staying understated. The champagne dial with index markers is the warm traditional pairing. The standout option is the olive green floral motif dial set with scattered diamonds, one of the most distinctive options Rolex currently produces in any Datejust. Additional choices include olive green sunray with diamond markers, mother of pearl variants with factory diamonds, slate stick index, and silver Roman VI with diamond accents.

• How much does a Rolex Datejust 278243 cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 278243 prices typically range from $13,500 to $18,500 depending on dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness. White Roman and silver Roman dial examples on the Oyster bracelet sit at the lower end. Champagne, dark grey, and silver diamond dial variants trade in the middle. Olive green floral motif with diamonds, olive green sunray diamond, and mother of pearl with factory diamond markers reach the upper end, with rare configurations pushing past $22,000 for unworn examples. Jubilee bracelet examples generally carry a small premium. The 278243 typically trades at a small discount to the fluted-bezel 278273. Rolex raised retail prices approximately 7% in January 2026.

• Should I choose the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet on the 278243?

  Both bracelets are factory configurations for the 278243, both built in matching Yellow Rolesor, so the choice comes down to personal preference. The Oyster bracelet has three flat links and a sportier, more utilitarian profile, with the Easylink comfort extension that adds approximately 5mm to the length. The Jubilee bracelet has five smaller links, sits closer to the wrist, and is generally considered the dressier option, paired with a concealed Crownclasp on this reference. The Jubilee is the historical Datejust bracelet, introduced in 1945 alongside the original Datejust. The smooth bezel on the 278243 pairs well with both bracelets, though the Oyster is often chosen when the focus is on letting decorative dials like the olive green floral motif take center stage.

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