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

Reference 178279 is a white gold Datejust 31 configured with one of the most decoratively refined dial specifications in the mid-size lineup: a mother-of-pearl base set with diamond hour markers alongside Roman numeral VI, paired with a fluted bezel — a combination that situates this piece firmly in the jewellery-watch segment of the Datejust family. The 31 mm case size has long served as the bridge between the Lady-Datejust 28 and the full 36 mm models, offering a silhouette that reads as substantive without overwhelming the wrist.

White gold Datejust references of this generation carry Calibre 2235, Rolex's self-winding manufacture movement sized for the 31 mm case. The 2235 provides a 48-hour power reserve and features a Parachrom hairspring in the overcoil configuration for superior isochronism. The white gold case and fluted bezel are characteristic of this reference — the fluting is machined directly into the bezel ring and serves both an aesthetic and a structural role, providing grip for the case-opening tool. The bracelet configuration for this reference is typically a white gold Jubilee or Oyster.

Pre-owned 178279 references attract buyers who seek the prestige of an entirely precious-metal Datejust without the scale of the 36 mm case. The MOP and diamond dial combination adds appreciable gem-set value beyond the movement and case cost. For collectors focused on the white gold Datejust segment, this reference — particularly in clean, well-documented condition — represents a reliable store of both aesthetic and monetary value.