Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Rolesor — Domed Diamond Bezel Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Dial | Ref. 278343

Reference 278343 is part of the current-generation Datejust 31 series introduced with the 278xxx numbering that also brought Cal 2236, Rolex's first in-house movement developed specifically for mid-size watches. The Yellow Rolesor case construction — Oystersteel sides with 18-karat yellow gold bezel and bracelet outer links — is one of the brand's oldest two-metal formulas, and in this execution it serves as the foundation for a genuinely luxurious configuration: a domed diamond bezel over a mother-of-pearl dial set with additional diamond hour markers.

Cal 2236 represents a meaningful advancement over the outgoing 2235 it replaced in the 31mm series. The movement incorporates a silicon Syloxi hairspring — making it highly resistant to magnetic fields — alongside Rolex's Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers. The combination extends power reserve to approximately 55 hours and improves positional accuracy across the six COSC positions. The domed diamond bezel is a softer, more feminine alternative to the angular faceted cuts used in some other references, its curved profile giving the stones a continuous, flowing appearance around the case edge.

For the buyer, Ref. 278343 represents current production specification with one of Rolex's most technically advanced mid-size movements, making it a stronger long-term ownership proposition than earlier 178xxx examples. Yellow Rolesor with mother-of-pearl and diamond indices is a classic combination that has demonstrated consistent demand on the secondary market. This configuration appeals to buyers wanting visible luxury without the full commitment to solid gold pricing, and the Cal 2236 movement ensures the watch remains competitive on technical grounds with contemporaries from across the industry. Complete sets with original bracelet and documentation are particularly sought after.