Rolex Datejust 31 Gold — Rhodium Index Dial | Ref. 278245

Clean, contemporary, and unmistakably Rolex, reference 278245 in the 31mm Datejust presents a rhodium dial with applied index hour markers within an 18ct gold Oyster case. The rhodium dial — a silvery, cool-toned register that complements warm gold architecture with sophisticated restraint — is among the more understated dial choices in the current 31mm lineup, favouring legibility and versatility over decorative complexity. At 31mm, the watch sits at the upper boundary of the Lady-Datejust family's size range, providing substantial wrist presence without sacrificing proportion.

This current-generation reference runs on Calibre 2236, the movement Rolex developed expressly for the Lady-Datejust 28 and Datejust 31 platforms. The 2236 introduced a silicon Syloxi hairspring — Rolex's proprietary paramagnetic component manufactured using LIGA micro-fabrication technology — along with a redesigned escapement that significantly improves energy efficiency. Certified as a Superlative Chronometer to ±2 seconds per day, the movement delivers precision well beyond industry standards for its size category.

Reference 278245 in solid yellow gold occupies the aspirational tier of the 31mm Datejust catalogue. Where Rolesor references blend steel and gold, the full gold case construction delivers an uncompromising precious metal statement, and the rhodium dial provides an interesting tonal counterpoint to the warm yellow surround. For collectors building a wardrobe of Rolex dress watches, this reference offers all-gold construction at the most versatile case size in the Datejust family — a combination that wears well across formal, business, and smart-casual contexts alike.