What You’re Looking At
The Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold Black Mother of Pearl Diamond Bezel 278288RBR is the top of the line for the Datejust 31. Full yellow gold case, factory diamond bezel, diamond hour markers, and a black mother of pearl dial that will never look exactly like anyone else’s. This is what happens when Rolex throws everything at a Datejust. At around $50,000, it sits at the absolute peak of the Rolex Datejust Lady Datejust 31 lineup.
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The Numbers
- Reference: 278288RBR
- Case Size: 31mm
- Case Material: Full yellow gold
- Thickness: Approximately 11mm
- Bezel: Factory set with diamonds
- Dial: Black mother of pearl with 10 diamond hour markers
- Movement: Caliber 2236 automatic
- Bracelet: President bracelet in yellow gold
- Clasp: Concealed crown clasp
- Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
- Functions: Time and date (1-31)
- Price Range: Around $50,000
Where This Sits in the Datejust Family
The Datejust has been around since 1945, making it roughly 80 years old. Rolex makes them in 28mm, 31mm, and 36mm sizes. They come in steel, two-tone combinations with yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, and then the full precious metal versions. The Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold Black Mother of Pearl 278288RBR you see here is full yellow gold with the diamond bezel and diamond dial. That puts it at the top. Base Datejusts start around $8,000, but those are nowhere near this in terms of materials. Same movement, completely different watch.
The Diamond Bezel: What Makes It Special
Rolex also makes this reference with a fluted bezel, but the diamond version adds serious presence and roughly $10,000 to the price. What sets a Rolex diamond bezel apart from aftermarket work is the execution. The orientation of each stone, the position, the regularity, the proportions of the setting, and the intricacy of the work are all done by expert gem setters. The result is what the reviewer called a “sparkling symphony” that fits harmoniously with the rest of the watch. It looks luxurious without being gaudy, which is harder to pull off than you might think.
The Black Mother of Pearl Dial
Mother of pearl dials are genuinely unique. Depending on the origin of the shell and where on the shell the material was extracted, you get different hues and structures. Black mother of pearl can show subtle variations in intensity and color. Every single one passes Rolex quality control, so they all look fantastic, but yours will have its own character. The reviewer pointed out that only meteorite and stone dials share this quality of individuality. The 10 diamond hour markers complement both the dial and the diamond bezel, keeping the whole face cohesive. Date sits at 3 o’clock with the cyclops lens for easy reading.
On the Wrist
At 31mm, this Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold Black Mother of Pearl works beautifully for women with wrist sizes from about 5.5 to 6.5 inches, though smaller or larger wrists can wear it too. The President bracelet with its three semi-circular links is exclusive to precious metal Rolexes. You won’t find it on steel or two-tone models. It has a concealed crown clasp for a clean look. There’s no comfort extension link, but on a watch this size, you really don’t need one. The 11mm thickness keeps it from sitting too high, and the full yellow gold construction gives it real weight on the wrist.
Who Should Buy the 278288RBR
If you want a Datejust that’s “really out there and top-notch,” as the reviewer put it, this is the one. It does everything you can possibly do to a Datejust 31. Diamonds, yellow gold, mother of pearl. This watch is for someone who wants the most elevated version of the most recognizable Rolex model. At this price point, you’re buying into Rolex heritage with maximum visual impact. The Datejust is probably the most recognizable Rolex because they make so many of them, but the Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold Black Mother of Pearl Diamond Bezel 278288RBR stands apart from the crowd.
The JazTime Verdict
The Rolex Datejust 31 Yellow Gold Black Mother of Pearl 278288RBR is the ultimate expression of what this 80-year-old model can be. Full precious metal, factory diamonds, and a dial that’s literally one of a kind. If you can afford it and you want a dress watch that makes a statement, this is a great watch to buy. Shop the 278288RBR at JazTime for the lowest price anywhere online.
