Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold — Paved Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly Dial | Ref. 278248

Among the most poetic dial treatments in the current Datejust 31 range, reference 278248 presents an 18 ct yellow gold case housing a mother-of-pearl dial set with a diamond-pavé butterfly motif — an example of Rolex's Artistic Dials programme applied to the Datejust form. The butterfly, its wings rendered in individually placed diamonds against the luminous shell ground, transforms the dial into a miniature decorative artwork, each stone contributing to the figural composition with precision that demands magnification to fully appreciate. The warm tones of yellow gold at the bezel and case complement the organic iridescence of the mother-of-pearl ground.

The movement within the 278248 is the Calibre 2236, Rolex's dedicated in-house ebauche for mid-size models, characterised by its silicon Syloxi hairspring and self-winding Perpetual rotor. The 2236's non-magnetic, self-lubricating hairspring enhances long-term rate stability and extends service intervals beyond those of traditional alloy springs. The 31 mm Oyster case, constructed from solid 18 ct yellow gold throughout, is waterproof to 100 metres and features a screwed-down Twinlock crown ensuring hermetic integrity.

Rolex's Artistic Dials — including the butterfly motif — represent some of the most collectible and least commonly encountered pieces within the broader Datejust production. These dials are produced in quantities that make secondary market availability genuinely scarce, and their figurative craftsmanship appeals both to watch collectors and to those whose primary interest lies in fine jewellery and decorative arts. The 278248 butterfly dial is particularly sought after, combining natural material — mother-of-pearl — with gemological precision in a watch that is entirely wearable as an everyday companion.