Rolex Datejust 31 Gold — Chocolate Diamond Dial | Ref. 278245

Crafted entirely in 18ct yellow gold, Reference 278245 is the Datejust 31 at its most sumptuously material — a watch that communicates genuine precious metal substance through every surface. The chocolate dial, finished in a rich brown that evokes the warmth of aged cognac and fine woodgrain, is adorned with diamond hour markers individually selected for colour, clarity, and cut consistency. This pairing of chocolate and gold creates an extraordinarily warm and cohesive aesthetic impression — one that feels simultaneously bold and deeply refined. The 31mm gold Oyster case is immaculately polished, its alternating brushed and bright-finished surfaces exhibiting the craftsmanship Rolex has perfected over many decades.

Reference 278245 falls within the 278xxx model number series, signalling the Calibre 2236 — a movement that represented a significant evolutionary leap in Rolex's ladies' and intermediate-size manufacture capability. The 2236 introduced Syloxi, a silicon hairspring developed through collaboration between Rolex and the Swatch Group's research arm, offering superior isochronism independent of temperature and magnetic field variations. Combined with the 2236's high oscillation frequency of 28,800 vph and a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, this movement delivers chronometer-certified accuracy with enhanced robustness.

All-gold Datejust references with diamond dials represent a collector category defined by material confidence and jewellery-forward intent. The chocolate dial colour has grown significantly in collector esteem since its introduction, appreciated for its rarity relative to the more common white or black configurations. Reference 278245 with its Calibre 2236 movement represents the current-generation Datejust 31 in gold — a watch equally relevant as a daily companion for the discerning wearer or as a long-term store of precious metal value for the serious collector.