Rolex
Datejust 31
278274
The Datejust 31 in Oystersteel and white gold — enduring elegance at 31 mm.
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Overview
The Rolex Datejust 31 reference 278274 occupies the middle tier of the Datejust size range, pairing a 31 mm Oyster case in Rolex's proprietary Oystersteel with white gold accents. Introduced in 2018, it carries the in-house calibre 2236 and is offered across a broad palette of dials — from classic silver and blue to mint green and mother-of-pearl — making it one of the most versatile references in the current Datejust catalogue. As a dress watch, it bridges the gap between the 28 mm and 36 mm variants, appealing to wearers who favour a refined, mid-sized profile.
History
The Datejust lineage stretches back to 1945, when Rolex introduced the world's first self-winding wristwatch to display the date in a magnified window on the dial — a feature that became the defining signature of the line. The 31 mm case size has long served as a cornerstone of the Datejust family, historically positioned as a ladies' or mid-size option. Reference 278274 entered the collection in 2018 as part of a broader realignment of the Datejust range, incorporating the then-newly developed calibre 2236 with its Syloxi silicon hairspring. The reference has remained in continuous production since its introduction, reflecting the enduring commercial and horological relevance of the Datejust 31 format.
Notable points
- The two-material case combines Oystersteel — Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless steel alloy — with white gold elements, elevating the reference above entry-level Datejust offerings.
- Calibre 2236 features a Syloxi silicon hairspring, conferring improved resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variation compared to traditional alloy hairsprings.
- At 31 mm, the reference sits precisely between the 28 mm Datejust and the full-size 36 mm, offering a proportionally balanced case for a wide range of wrist sizes.
- The dial roster spans silver, blue, mint green, and mother-of-pearl options, illustrating the breadth of finishing choices Rolex maintains within a single reference number.
- As a dress-category watch, the 278274 prioritises legibility and refinement, with the cyclops lens over the date aperture remaining a hallmark shared across the entire Datejust family.
