Rolex Datejust 26 Steel — Roman Numeral Dial | Ref. 179161

The Reference 179161 represents Rolex's elegant Lady-Datejust at 26mm — the quintessential expression of refined feminine horology that has remained fundamentally unchanged in spirit since its 1957 debut. Presented here in stainless Oystersteel, this case material ensures exceptional durability and corrosion resistance while providing an attractive counterpoint to the warmth of the Roman numeral dial. The 26mm diameter rests delicately on the wrist with understated sophistication, making it as appropriate for board meetings as for evening engagements. The Roman numerals add a classical, literary quality to the dial face that feels simultaneously heritage-rooted and eternally contemporary.

The Calibre 2235 manufacture movement, developed specifically for Rolex's smaller case references, drives this Lady-Datejust with the same rigorous standards applied across the entire Rolex collection. Featuring an automatic bi-directional winding rotor, Parachrom hairspring with its characteristic blue iridescence, and shock-absorbing Paraflex system, the 2235 delivers COSC-certified chronometric performance in an architecture precisely engineered to the constraints of the Lady-Datejust case dimensions. The sapphire crystal above carries the hallmark Cyclops magnifying lens, rendering the date window immediately legible.

The 179161 in steel represents perhaps the most enduringly accessible entry point to the Lady-Datejust family — a reference that has proven its staying power through multiple Rolex catalogue generations. Collectors prize steel Lady-Datejust references for their restrained elegance and remarkable versatility; they pair equally with casual attire and formal dress. On the secondary market, complete examples in strong condition maintain robust values, reflecting the unassailable quality of Rolex manufacture movements and the perpetual demand for this iconic model.