Rolex Datejust 31 White Gold — Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Dial | Ref. 178279

Reference 178279 represents a pinnacle of understated femininity within the Datejust 31 line — a 31mm case rendered in 18ct white gold and crowned with a fluted bezel that catches light with exceptional precision. The dial presents one of Rolex's most treasured materials: mother-of-pearl, its iridescent surface shifting between cream, blush, and silver depending on the light source. Diamond hour markers add further luminosity, transforming the dial into a constellation-like composition that speaks to Rolex's jewellery-making heritage.

Powering the 178279 is Calibre 2235, a self-winding movement developed specifically for the mid-size Datejust. The 2235 features a Parachrom hairspring in niobium-zirconium alloy — highly resistant to magnetic fields and approximately ten times more shock-resistant than traditional alloys. Operating at 28,800 vph with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, this movement is a proven workhorse that has graced Rolex's 31mm offerings for decades. Its precision is Superlative Chronometer certified, ensuring ±2 seconds daily accuracy from Rolex's in-house testing.

The 178279 has long been a reference of choice for collectors who appreciate the intersection of technical refinement and gemological artistry in a wearable format. The fluted white gold bezel paired with mother-of-pearl and diamonds creates one of Rolex's most cohesive aesthetic packages — each element reinforcing the others in a harmony of white tones and natural iridescence. As the predecessor to the current 278279 generation, this reference carries the history of the Datejust's evolution while remaining thoroughly contemporary in its appeal. It is a timepiece that rewards daily wear as generously as it rewards closer inspection.