Rolex Datejust 69173

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Datejust 69173

The Rolex Datejust 69173 is a 26mm Lady-Datejust reference produced from the late 1980s through approximately 1999, defined by its two-tone Yellow Rolesor construction in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, fluted gold bezel, sapphire crystal, and Caliber 2135 movement. According to WatchCharts data, the 69173 is the single most popular Rolex Datejust on the secondary market by sales volume, and it remains the most common entry point into the women's Rolex collection. At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned Rolex Datejust 69173 watches across a wide range of dial colors including champagne, white, silver, black, blue, and factory diamond. Every Rolex 69173 listed in our Rolex watches collection is authenticated by our in-house watchmakers and ships with a 2-year warranty.

What Makes the Rolex Datejust 69173 Unique

The 69173 is the classic five-digit Lady-Datejust in two-tone Yellow Rolesor, the configuration that defined ladies' Rolex collecting through the 1990s. The 26mm Oyster case is the original Lady-Datejust size, smaller than the 28mm and 31mm sizes Rolex produces today, and that vintage proportion has come back into favor as collectors increasingly appreciate dressier, more delicate ladies' watches. The 69173 introduced two key upgrades over its four-digit 6917 predecessor: the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that replaced acrylic, and the Caliber 2135 movement with a quickset date function. The two-tone Yellow Rolesor format combines an Oystersteel case and outer bracelet links with 18k yellow gold on the fluted bezel, crown, and Jubilee bracelet center links, which is why it pairs so seamlessly with mixed gold and steel jewelry. It is also one of the most balanced entries in our wider two-tone Rolex selection.

Rolex Datejust 69173 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 69173 prices typically range from approximately $4,000 to $7,500+ depending on condition, dial, accessories, and completeness. WatchCharts data shows an estimated market value of approximately $5,476, placing the typical example squarely in the middle of that range. Standard champagne and silver dial examples on the two-tone Jubilee bracelet sit in the lower half of the range, while factory diamond hour markers, mother-of-pearl dials, and rarer dial configurations push pricing higher. According to WatchCharts data, the 69173 has appreciated approximately 56% over the past five years, outperforming the broader Rolex Datejust collection by 36% and the overall watch market by more than 50%. The reference also carries a Low Risk score (16/100) and sells faster than 83% of watches on the secondary market, with a median sell time of 21 days. For wider Datejust pricing context across all sizes and generations, see our Rolex Datejust buying guide.

Rolex 69173 vs. 179173

The 69173 sits between two generations of two-tone Lady-Datejust 26mm. The four-digit 6917 is the prior-generation predecessor with an acrylic crystal and Caliber 2030 movement. Stepping up to the 69173 buys you the sapphire crystal, the more modern Caliber 2135 with a quickset date, and an upgraded Twinlock crown system in the same 26mm Yellow Rolesor format. The six-digit successor, the Rolex Datejust 179173, is the modern equivalent in the 26mm case, with the updated Caliber 2235 movement, refined case construction, and a fully solid-link bracelet with concealed Crownclasp. Rolex eventually replaced the 26mm case entirely with the current 28mm Lady-Datejust 28 (reference 279173 series). Buyers who want vintage proportions and the most accessible entry into a two-tone Lady-Datejust typically choose the 69173. Buyers who want the modern movement with a slightly larger 28mm case step up to current production. To compare the modern equivalent in a 31mm case, browse our Rolex Datejust 31 collection.

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Why Buy a Rolex Datejust 69173 From WatchGuys

Buying a pre-owned Rolex Datejust 69173 for sale should be straightforward. Every 69173 we list is authenticated, photographed, and described in-house before it goes live.

Common Questions

Rolex Datejust 69173 FAQ

• What years was the Rolex Datejust 69173 produced?

  The Rolex Datejust 69173 was produced from the late 1980s through approximately 1999. It replaced the prior-generation four-digit 6917 and introduced the sapphire crystal and Caliber 2135 movement to the 26mm two-tone Lady-Datejust line. It was eventually succeeded by the 79173 with an updated movement, then the six-digit 179173. Rolex later replaced the 26mm case entirely with the 28mm Lady-Datejust 28 in current production. Production year on a specific 69173 can be estimated using the serial number engraved between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position.

• How much does a Rolex Datejust 69173 cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 69173 prices typically range from $4,000 to $7,500+ depending on condition, dial, and completeness. WatchCharts data shows an estimated market value of approximately $5,476, placing the typical example in the middle of that range. Standard champagne and silver dial examples on the two-tone Jubilee bracelet sit in the lower half. Factory diamond hour markers, mother-of-pearl dials, and rare dial configurations trade meaningfully higher, and full-set examples with original box and papers carry a premium across all configurations.

• Is the Rolex 69173 a men's or women's watch?

  The 69173 is a Lady-Datejust, the women's version of the Rolex Datejust. The 26mm case is the traditional Lady-Datejust size, designed to wear as a refined dress watch on a smaller wrist. While most buyers are women, the 69173 is also worn by men with smaller wrists or a preference for vintage proportions. For buyers wanting a slightly larger ladies' size, the modern 28mm Lady-Datejust 28 (279173 series) and the 31mm midsize Datejust are also available, while the 36mm Datejust crosses easily into men's and women's wear.

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

  Both are 26mm two-tone Yellow Rolesor Lady-Datejust references with fluted yellow gold bezels and Jubilee bracelets. 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 Rolex 179173 is the six-digit successor produced from approximately 2000 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 meaningful discount, while the 179173 trades at a premium for the newer movement and more modern construction.

• What movement is in the Rolex Datejust 69173?

  The Rolex Datejust 69173 is powered by the automatic Caliber 2135, a chronometer-certified movement with a 28,800 vph beat rate, approximately 48 hours of power reserve, and a quickset date function. It is the smaller-format counterpart to the Caliber 3135 used in the 36mm Datejust references, designed specifically for the 26mm and 31mm Lady-Datejust and midsize cases. The Caliber 2135 was a substantial upgrade over the prior Caliber 2030 in the four-digit 6917 predecessor and remains highly serviceable by Rolex and qualified independent watchmakers.

• Is the Rolex 69173 a good investment?

  The Rolex 69173 has shown exceptional value retention as a discontinued reference with strong collector demand. According to WatchCharts data, prices have risen approximately 56% over the past five years, outperforming both the broader Rolex Datejust collection (up roughly 20% over the same period) and the overall watch market by more than 50%. The reference also ranks as the single most popular Rolex Datejust by sales volume on the secondary market, carries a Low Risk score (16/100), and sells faster than 83% of watches with a median sell time of 21 days. Original dials, sharp cases, complete box and papers, and rarer dial variants like factory diamonds and mother-of-pearl carry the most upside on long-term value.

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