Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 Value Guide

The Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 is a cornerstone of feminine horology, miniaturizing the 1945 classic into a refined 26mm profile. This specific two-tone Rolesor model is highly collectible for its blend of 18k yellow gold and stainless steel, paired with a luxurious champagne diamond dial.

What affects the value of Rolex Lady-Datejust 26?

• The presence of an aftermarket diamond bezel can slightly lower the value compared to an original factory gold fluted bezel for purist collectors.
• The degree of 'stretch' or sagging in the two-tone Jubilee bracelet significantly impacts the overall price.
• The quality and clarity of the diamonds set into the champagne dial and the aftermarket bezel.
• Availability of original Rolex box and service papers from the 1983-1999 production era.

How to Identify Rolex Lady-Datejust 26?

• Verify the presence of the 'Cyclops' magnification lens over the date window at the 3 o'clock position.
• Check for the 'Rolesor' construction, which features 18k yellow gold on the center bracelet links, crown, and bezel.
• Inspect the Jubilee bracelet for the correct five-piece link construction and Rolex-signed folding clasp.
• Confirm the sapphire crystal era (1983-1999) by checking for the absence of the laser-etched crown at 6 o'clock, which appeared later.

History of Rolex Lady-Datejust 26

First introduced in 1945 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Rolex, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window on the dial. The Lady-Datejust was launched in 1957, bringing the same precision and elegance to a smaller, feminine proportions. This specific model features the iconic two-tone combination of 18k yellow gold and stainless steel known as Rolesor.