Rolex Datejust Yellow Gold — Champagne Index Dial | Ref. 178238

Champagne dials occupy a distinguished position in Rolex's palette — their warm, golden-beige luminosity complements yellow gold case material with a harmonious tonal coherence that purely white or silver dials cannot replicate. The reference 178238 Datejust 31 pairs this champagne dial, appointed with applied index hour markers, with a fluted bezel in 18-carat yellow gold and a case in the same precious metal whose lugs are set with 24 individually fitted diamonds — a decorative flourish that elevates the piece into the jewelled watch category without forgoing horological substance.

The movement calibre for this reference — the self-winding Calibre 2235 — predates the current 2236 used in contemporary 31 mm models. The 2235 was itself a technically accomplished movement, featuring a Paraflex shock-absorption system and a Parachrom hairspring in Rolex's proprietary paramagnetic alloy. While superseded in current production, examples running the 2235 remain among the most reliable ladies' movements in the market, benefiting from decades of refinement and a proven service history. Power reserve stands at approximately 48 hours.

The President bracelet, reserved exclusively for Rolex's all-gold models and the Day-Date, provides an unmistakably prestigious wearing experience. Its semi-circular three-piece links, available only in precious metal, are polished to a high mirror finish and secured by the concealed Crownclasp — a design conceived to maintain the bracelet's uninterrupted profile when worn. The 178238, offered at $26,310, is a model with deep roots in the Datejust's history of refined femininity and enduring mechanical integrity.