Rolex Datejust 6917

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Datejust 6917

The Rolex Datejust 6917 is the flagship 26mm four-digit Lady-Datejust, defined by its iconic fluted bezel, period-correct acrylic crystal, and the Caliber 2030 or 2035 movement. Produced from approximately the 1970s through the early 1980s, the 6917 is the direct predecessor to the five-digit 69173, 69174, and 69178 references that defined ladies' Rolex collecting through the 1990s. At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned Rolex Datejust 6917 watches across multiple metal configurations, including stainless steel, two-tone Yellow Rolesor (steel and 14k or 18k yellow gold), and solid 18k yellow gold, on the Jubilee, Oyster, or President bracelet.

Rolex Datejust 6917 Specifications and Configurations

The 6917 is built around a 26mm Oyster case offered in stainless steel, two-tone steel and yellow gold, or solid 18k yellow gold, paired with a fluted 18k yellow gold bezel on the two-tone and solid gold variants, a screw down crown, acrylic crystal with Cyclops lens, and water resistance suitable for daily wear. Inside is the Rolex Caliber 2030 (earlier examples) or the upgraded Caliber 2035 (later examples), both self-winding mechanical movements with date function. Both movements are non-quickset, which means the date is advanced by rotating the hour hand past midnight rather than by an independent quickset position on the crown. The 6917 was fitted on either the five-link Jubilee bracelet, the three-link Oyster bracelet, or, on solid gold variants, the dressy President bracelet reserved for solid gold Rolex models. For broader 26mm Lady-Datejust context across all metals and generations, browse our 26mm Rolex collection and the full Rolex Datejust collection.

Rolex Datejust 6917 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 6917 prices typically range from approximately $2,500 to $5,500 or more depending on metal configuration, dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness of box and papers. Stainless steel examples with standard silver or champagne dials sit at the lower end of the range. Two-tone Yellow Rolesor configurations on the Jubilee bracelet trade in the middle of the range. Solid 18k yellow gold cases on the President bracelet, factory diamond hour marker dials, rare dial patterns such as champagne checker, and full-set examples with original box and papers command the top of the range. The 6917 is one of the most accessible vintage entry points into the Lady-Datejust line on our site, priced well below the five-digit 69-series successors because of the older non-quickset movement and acrylic crystal. For solid gold variants in particular, see our gold Rolex collection, and for two-tone variants browse our two-tone Rolex collection.

Rolex Datejust 6917 vs 69173: Acrylic Crystal vs Sapphire

The 6917 and the Rolex Datejust 69173 are predecessor and successor in the same Yellow Rolesor 26mm Lady-Datejust line, separated by two meaningful upgrades. Both are 26mm Lady-Datejusts on the Oyster case in two-tone steel and yellow gold (the 6917 also covers stainless steel and solid gold variants under one reference number), both wear the fluted yellow gold bezel, and both pair with the Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. The 6917 uses a period-correct acrylic crystal and the non-quickset Caliber 2030 or 2035 movement. The 69173 stepped up to a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and the upgraded Caliber 2135 with a quickset date function, which lets you advance the date independently of the hour hand. The 6917 typically trades well below the 69173 because of those two changes. Buyers who want the warmer vintage character and lower entry price choose the 6917. Buyers who want the modern convenience of quickset date setting and scratch resistant glass step up to the 69173. For the broader same-generation cousins of the 69173, see the Rolex Datejust 69174 (steel with white gold fluted bezel) and the Rolex Datejust 69178 (solid yellow gold on President bracelet).

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a Rolex Datejust 6917 From WatchGuys

When you shop for a pre-owned Rolex Datejust 6917 for sale at WatchGuys, every piece is authenticated by our in-house watchmakers, priced against live secondary market data, and backed by a comprehensive set of buyer protections. We have spent over three decades focused on pre-owned Rolex, with deep expertise in the four-digit Lady-Datejust references and the dial, lume, and case authentication nuances that matter on vintage pieces.

Common Questions

Rolex Datejust 6917 FAQ

• What is the Rolex Datejust 6917?

  The Rolex Datejust 6917 is the flagship 26mm four-digit Lady-Datejust, defined by its iconic fluted bezel, period-correct acrylic crystal, and the Caliber 2030 or 2035 movement. It was produced from approximately the 1970s through the early 1980s and was offered in stainless steel, two-tone Yellow Rolesor (steel and 14k or 18k yellow gold), and solid 18k yellow gold configurations. The 6917 is the direct predecessor to the five-digit 69173, 69174, and 69178 references that introduced sapphire crystals and quickset date movements to the Lady-Datejust line.

• How much does a Rolex Datejust 6917 cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 6917 prices typically range from approximately $2,500 to $5,500 or more depending on metal configuration, dial, bracelet, condition, and completeness of box and papers. Stainless steel examples with standard silver or champagne dials sit at the lower end. Two-tone Yellow Rolesor configurations trade in the middle of the range. Solid 18k yellow gold cases on the President bracelet, factory diamond hour marker dials, rare dial patterns like champagne checker, and full-set examples with original box and papers command the top of the range. The 6917 is one of the most accessible vintage entry points into the Lady-Datejust line.

• What movement is in the Rolex Datejust 6917?

  The Rolex Datejust 6917 was powered by two movements over its production run. Earlier examples used the Rolex Caliber 2030, a self-winding mechanical movement with date function. Later examples used the upgraded Caliber 2035, which brought minor refinements to the same architecture. Both calibers are chronometer-certified and meet Rolex's Superlative Chronometer standard. Neither movement has a quickset date function. The Caliber 2030 and 2035 were eventually replaced by the Caliber 2135 with quickset date in the five-digit 69173, 69174, 69178, and related successor references.

• Rolex Datejust 6917 vs 69173: what is the difference?

  The 6917 and the 69173 are predecessor and successor in the same Yellow Rolesor 26mm Lady-Datejust line. Both wear the fluted yellow gold bezel, the 26mm Oyster case in two-tone steel and yellow gold, and the Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. The 6917 uses a period-correct acrylic crystal and the non-quickset Caliber 2030 or 2035 movement. The 69173 stepped up to a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and the upgraded Caliber 2135 with a quickset date function. The 6917 typically trades well below the 69173 because of those two changes, and is the better choice for buyers who want vintage character and a lower entry price.

• Does the Rolex 6917 have a quickset date?

  No. The Rolex Datejust 6917 is a non-quickset reference. To advance the date on a 6917, you must rotate the hour hand past midnight, which advances the date one position per 24-hour cycle. The quickset date function (which allows independent date setting by pulling the crown to the first position) was introduced on the five-digit 69173, 69174, and 69178 successors with the Caliber 2135. This is a meaningful daily-wear consideration. Buyers who plan to rotate the watch frequently or who travel across time zones often prefer the quickset 69-series successors. Buyers who appreciate the vintage character and lower entry price choose the 6917.

• When was the Rolex Datejust 6917 produced?

  The Rolex Datejust 6917 was produced from approximately the 1970s through the early 1980s, after which it was replaced by the five-digit 69-series Lady-Datejust references that introduced sapphire crystals and the Caliber 2135 quickset movement. Production year on a specific 6917 can be estimated using the serial number engraved between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position. Additional dating markers include the lume material (tritium throughout the 6917 production run, marked "T SWISS T" at the 6 o'clock position on the dial) and the specific movement caliber, with the Caliber 2030 used on earlier examples and the Caliber 2035 used on later examples.

Browse More