Rolex Lady-Datejust Yellow Gold — Diamond Paved Roman Dial | Ref. 279138RBR

The Lady-Datejust 28 in 18ct yellow gold stands as one of Rolex's most opulent interpretations of a model with an unbroken production history stretching back over eight decades. Reference 279138RBR is distinguished by its 44-diamond bezel — each brilliant-cut stone channel-set around the circumference of the case flange to create an uninterrupted ring of scintillating light — transforming the functional bezel ring into a haute joaillerie statement in its own right. The 28 mm Oyster case in yellow gold is hand-polished to a mirror finish, its compact proportions calibrated for the feminine wrist.

The dial is a masterwork of gem-setting craft: a fully paved surface in which dozens of brilliant-cut diamonds are pavé-set across the entire face, leaving almost no ground material visible. Roman numeral hour markers rendered in polished gold emerge from the diamond field as the sole navigational reference, lending a classical typographic legibility to what might otherwise read as pure jewellery. The President bracelet — a three-link semi-circular design exclusive to the Day-Date and Lady-Datejust in precious metal — completes the ensemble, its hand-finished surfaces catching light at every articulation.

Power comes from the Calibre 2236, Rolex's in-house movement developed specifically for the 28 mm and 31 mm Lady-Datejust and Pearlmaster families. The 2236 features a Syloxi hairspring — a silicon oscillator component machined by deep reactive-ion etching that offers superior resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variation compared to traditional alloy hairsprings. A 55-hour power reserve ensures extended autonomy, while the self-winding Perpetual rotor keeps the movement topped up during normal wear. Water resistance to 100 metres is assured by the Oyster case's screw-down crown.