Rolex Lady-Datejust Steel — Silver Roman Numeral Dial | Ref. 279160

The Lady-Datejust 279160 in Oystersteel with a silver Roman numeral dial exemplifies Rolex's mastery of the classic dress watch in its purest, most accessible form. The 28mm Oystersteel Oyster case is understated and precise — polished and brushed surfaces alternating to give the case a quiet three-dimensionality — while the silver dial with applied Roman numerals references the grand tradition of Swiss dress watchmaking. The smooth bezel in steel keeps the aesthetic rigorous and unadorned, allowing the dial's typography to command attention.

Inside, the Calibre 2236 provides the technical foundation. As Rolex's dedicated movement for the 28mm Lady-Datejust, the 2236 incorporates the Syloxi silicon hairspring — a material that negates the need for anti-magnetic shielding by its inherent non-magnetic nature — alongside the Paraflex shock absorber system. The movement achieves a 55-hour power reserve and is certified to Superlative Chronometer standards of +2/-2 seconds per day, beating at 28,800 vph. The Oyster case provides 100 metres of water resistance.

All-steel Lady-Datejust references with Roman numeral dials represent the essential, entry-point proposition within the Datejust family — one that has been continuously refined by Rolex across decades. The 279160 is particularly appealing to first-time Rolex collectors who value longevity of design over novelty, and to those who prefer an understated horological statement. On the secondary market, all-steel examples with classic dials enjoy consistent demand and strong residual values, underpinned by their timeless legibility and the enduring prestige of the Datejust nameplate.