Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold — Blue Concentric Circle Index Dial | Ref. 178248

Reference 178248 presents the Datejust 31 in full 18 ct yellow gold, distinguished by a blue dial executed with a concentric circle pattern — a sunburst-like surface treatment that animates the dial under light, producing a shifting depth that plain lacquered dials cannot replicate. The concentric circle motif, applied through a mechanical finishing process, creates a series of fine radiating grooves across the blue ground, catching incident light at different angles and generating a dynamic interplay between dial and environment. Applied index hour markers in yellow gold complete a composition of integrated refinement.

The movement within the 178248 is the Calibre 2235, the predecessor to the current 2236 in Rolex's 31 mm Datejust family, an automatic ebauche with self-winding Perpetual rotor and Superlative Chronometer certification. The 2235 represents a generation of Rolex movement construction defined by proven reliability and ease of service, characteristics valued by collectors for whom long-term ownership sustainability is paramount. The 31 mm yellow gold Oyster case, water-resistant to 100 metres, is paired with either the Jubilee or Oyster bracelet in matching 18 ct yellow gold.

Blue-dialled yellow gold Datejust references carry a particular appeal among collectors who favour warm metal tones offset against cool dial colours — a combination with considerable precedent in Rolex's historical output. The 178248 with the concentric circle blue dial represents a transitional-generation reference: newer than the classic 1601/1603 series but preceding the current 278248, placing it in a productive collecting window where originality of production can be verified and examples with box and papers are still regularly encountered. The full yellow gold construction ensures material value independent of fashion cycles.