The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, ref 69178, is one of the most renowned Rolex Ladies watches of the ‘80s. And find some nowadays, after so many years, a piece in almost perfect conditions, it’s rare. I would start by saying that we are talking about a model in yellow gold, like only Rolex can make, hence of a watch that you wouldn’t wear every day, but (if you prefer) on very special occasions.
And, in the family of reference 69178, an even more special version, the Rolex Datejust 69178 Pleiade. But let’s take a few steps back: the Datejust in the 26mm diameter version, like this one, was much appreciated during the ‘80s and also before then. On refined women’s wrists, a true style icons. They were times in which watches had smaller dimensions then the recent ones, either in the ladies’ or the men’s versions.
It is difficult, looking at what my friends wear, to think that women today could easily carry an 18kt gold watch, let alone one with a diamond-studded dial. Today, they prefer other sizes (other materials) for their Rolex, even if it is for a black tie night at the theatre. And it is a pity, for having this jewel watch in hand you immediately understand two things: a 26mm diameter Rolex on your wrist is a perfect complement for female elegance; case and bracelet in yellow gold have the right balance to make you feel their presence without being extreme. In a nut shell, perfect dimensions without being too light. My dear girlfriends, why do you keep on adapting men’s watches on your wrists? Try wearing a Rolex such this one on an elegant black dress and then you’ll tell me. And, if it would be enough, or the yellow gold is not your cup of tea, the Rolex Datejust 69178 Pleiade will impress you with its unique dial!
No, please don’t ask me how many there are, I have counted them, but they are more than enough to make this tiny “gold ingot” shine. Since in a Rolex, case, bracelet (President), and glass always create a monolith effect that no other maison has until now managed to create. For those of you that love some technical details and I know I can find a few…it’s not what you think: the Rolex Datejust 69178 Pleiade is a mechanical (and automatic) watch; watches of these dimensions are today all or almost all in quartz. There is a big difference! The rotor? Imperceptible! One last consideration: the watch case! Made in lampas or brocade fabric, I wouldn’t honestly know which one of the two, but like this, today, they really don’t make them anymore!
(Photo credit: Google; Horbiter®’s proprietary photo-shooting)
Mariarosaria A. @Horbiter®
