Rolex Datejust Yellow Rolesor — Black Index Dial | Ref. 178243

Reference 178243 is the 31 mm Datejust in Yellow Rolesor — Rolex's registered term for the combination of Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold — paired with a black index dial that delivers sharp contrast and everyday legibility. The 178xxx generation of the Datejust 31 occupied Rolex's catalogue for well over a decade before the 278xxx series succeeded it, and examples like this one remain highly sought for their balanced proportions and versatile aesthetic. The black dial with applied gold index markers reads cleanly in virtually any lighting condition, and the domed bezel characteristic of this configuration frames the dial with elegant restraint.

Powering the watch is Calibre 2236, a self-winding movement featuring the Syloxi hairspring — Rolex's proprietary silicon regulating organ engineered for superior resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variation. The movement delivers approximately 55 hours of power reserve. The Oyster bracelet, composed of alternating polished and brushed links in steel and gold, completes the Rolesor aesthetic seamlessly and incorporates the Crownclasp for secure, discreet fastening. The Oyster case, with screw-down crown and case back, provides 100 metres of water resistance.

Yellow Rolesor Datejust references appeal to collectors who value versatility without sacrificing the prestige of precious metal. The 31 mm case size occupies a sweet spot between the Lady-Datejust 28 and the Datejust 36, making it a genuinely wearable choice across a broad range of wrist sizes. The black index dial configuration is among the more straightforward and enduringly popular within the 178243 family, and examples with clean dials and tight bracelets are consistently in demand on the secondary market.