Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold — Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Dial | Ref. 178248

Reference 178248 places the Datejust 31 in solid 18ct yellow gold — a configuration that strips away any ambiguity about the watch's status as a precious-metal dress piece. Produced before the current 278-series generation, the 178248 belongs to the previous Datejust generation and remains a significant reference in the secondary market for those who prefer the slightly slimmer case profile and the older calibre's documented track record. The mother-of-pearl diamond dial adds iridescent depth that shifts character under different lighting conditions.

The movement powering this reference is the Calibre 2235, a self-winding manufacture movement with a Glucydur balance wheel and Parachrom hairspring, delivering approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The 31 mm yellow gold case wears with the classic Datejust proportions that have remained essentially unchanged for decades, and the President bracelet — historically reserved for gold and platinum models — pairs naturally with the full-gold case. Mother-of-pearl dials are hand-finished individually, meaning each example carries its own subtle variation in iridescent pattern.

Solid gold Datejust 31 references occupy a smaller segment of the market than their Rolesor counterparts, making well-preserved examples with original dials genuinely difficult to locate. Mother-of-pearl dials are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage over time; a confirmed clean and original dial is a meaningful differentiator. For collectors building a set or seeking a purely classic feminine Rolex without the complexity of diamond bezels, the 178248 remains an elegant and historically grounded choice.