Rolex Datejust 278273

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Datejust 278273

The Rolex Datejust 278273 is the current-generation 31mm Datejust 31 in Yellow Rolesor, combining Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold and topped with a fluted yellow gold bezel. At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned and unworn Rolex Datejust 278273 examples across the full range of factory dial colors and both bracelet options. The 278273 is the classic two-tone option in the modern Rolex Datejust 31 family, sitting alongside the all-steel Rolex Datejust 278240, the rose gold Rolex Datejust 278271, and the White Rolesor Rolex Datejust 278274.

Rolex Datejust 278273 Specifications

The 278273 measures 31mm in diameter and is built in Yellow Rolesor, Rolex's name for the configuration that pairs Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold across the bezel, winding crown, and center bracelet links. The fluted bezel is machined from solid yellow gold rather than steel and is the signature dressy Datejust design element, catching light at every angle. The Oyster case is rated to 100 meters of water resistance with a screw-down Twinlock crown, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and the signature Cyclops lens magnifying the date at 3 o'clock. 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 case thickness is approximately 11mm and the lug-to-lug is about 36.5mm, putting the 278273 firmly in the midsize category.

Rolex Datejust 278273 Dial Options

The 278273 offers one of the deepest dial selections in the current Datejust 31 lineup, with most options curated to complement the warm tones of yellow gold. The champagne dial is the signature pairing and the most quintessential Yellow Rolesor look, exclusive to yellow gold configurations and unavailable on Everose or White Rolesor siblings. Standard options include white Roman, silver, black, and slate dials with stick or Roman numeral hour markers. The Rolex Wimbledon dial (slate grey sunburst with green-outlined Roman numerals) is one of the most sought-after configurations on the secondary market. Jewelry-leaning options include diamond hour marker dials in champagne or mother of pearl, green Roman dials with diamond markers, and olive green sunray 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 278273 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 278273 prices typically range from $11,000 to $16,000 depending on dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness with box and papers. Standard champagne and white Roman dials on the Oyster bracelet sit in the lower half of the range. Wimbledon dial examples and diamond hour marker variants trade toward the upper end. Mother of pearl with diamonds, green Roman diamond dials, and the olive green sunray push the price beyond $18,000 for unworn examples with full sets. Jubilee bracelet examples generally carry a small premium over Oyster examples. Rolex raised retail prices approximately 7% in January 2026, which has narrowed the gap between retail and secondary market pricing. For broader budget context, browse our full two-tone Rolex collection or our midsize Rolex collection.

Rolex Datejust 278273 vs. Rolex Datejust 278271

The 278273 and the 278271 are the two two-tone Datejust 31 references in current production, and the only difference between them is the gold type. The 278273 uses 18k yellow gold (Yellow Rolesor), producing the classic warm gold tone that has defined the two-tone Datejust look since the 1930s. The Rolex Datejust 278271 uses 18k Everose gold (Everose Rolesor), Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy with platinum content that locks in a softer pink hue. Both share the same 31mm Oystersteel case construction, the same Caliber 2236 movement, the same fluted bezel design, and the same Oyster and Jubilee bracelet choices. Dial options differ to complement each metal: the 278273 offers champagne dials that pair naturally with yellow gold, while the 278271 offers chocolate and sundust dials exclusive to Everose. The 278273 typically trades at a small discount to the 278271 on the secondary market, reflecting current collector preference for rose gold tones. Buyers who want the traditional two-tone Rolex look reach for the 278273. Buyers who prefer a softer, more contemporary tone choose the 278271.

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Why Buy a Rolex Datejust 278273 From WatchGuys

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Common Questions

Rolex Datejust 278273 FAQ

• What size is the Rolex Datejust 278273?

  The Rolex Datejust 278273 has a 31mm Oyster case in Yellow Rolesor, with a thickness of approximately 11mm and a lug-to-lug of about 36.5mm. It is the midsize option in the modern Datejust family, sitting between the 28mm Lady-Datejust and the 36mm Datejust. The 31mm size works on wrists from roughly 5.5 inches to 6.75 inches, and is popular with women who want more wrist presence than a Lady-Datejust 28 as well as men with slimmer wrists who prefer a more compact dress watch.

• What is Yellow Rolesor on the Rolex 278273?

  Yellow Rolesor is Rolex's name for the two-tone configuration that combines Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold. On the 278273, the Oystersteel case middle and outer bracelet links pair with yellow gold on the fluted bezel, winding crown, and center bracelet links. Rolex trademarked the Rolesor name in 1933, and the yellow gold and steel combination has been the brand's signature two-tone look ever since. The fluted bezel on this reference is machined entirely from 18k yellow gold, not plated steel.

• Rolex 278273 vs. Rolex 278271, what is the difference?

  The only difference between the Rolex 278273 and the Rolex 278271 is the gold type. The 278273 uses 18k yellow gold for a classic warm gold tone (Yellow Rolesor). The 278271 uses 18k Everose gold for a softer, contemporary pink tone (Everose Rolesor). Both share the same 31mm Oystersteel case, the same Caliber 2236 movement, the same fluted bezel, and the same Oyster and Jubilee bracelet options. Dial options differ slightly to complement each metal. The 278273 typically trades at a slight discount to the 278271, reflecting current collector preference for rose gold.

• What dials are available on the Rolex Datejust 278273?

  The 278273 offers one of the widest dial selections in the Datejust 31 family. The signature option is the champagne sunray dial, which pairs naturally with yellow gold and is exclusive to Yellow Rolesor configurations. Standard options include white Roman, silver, black, and slate dials with stick or Roman numeral hour markers. The Rolex Wimbledon dial (slate grey sunburst with green-outlined Roman numerals) is one of the most sought-after configurations on the secondary market. Jewelry-leaning options include diamond hour marker variants, mother of pearl with diamonds, green Roman dials with diamonds, and the olive green sunray dial introduced in recent years.

• How much does a Rolex Datejust 278273 cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 278273 prices typically range from $11,000 to $16,000 depending on dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness. Standard champagne and white Roman dials on the Oyster bracelet sit at the lower end. Wimbledon dial examples and diamond hour marker variants trade toward the upper end. Mother of pearl with diamonds, green Roman diamond dials, and the olive green sunray push beyond $18,000 for unworn examples with full sets. Jubilee bracelet examples generally carry a small premium over Oyster bracelet examples. Rolex raised retail prices approximately 7% in January 2026.

• Should I choose the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet on the 278273?

  Both bracelets are factory configurations for the 278273, 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, and pairs particularly well with the champagne dial for the most classic two-tone Datejust look.

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