The DateJust 28 by Rolex replaces the previous 26 mm model, and shares some aesthetic developments with the men’s Day-Date 40. It is available in a wide range, all in precious metals, 950 platinum, yellow gold or Everose gold. The incredible degree of vertical integration achieved by Rolex – which casts its metals in its own foundry, designs and makes its own movements, including the balance springs, and even makes its own luminescent paint and lubricant oils – is matched only by its commitment to precision and reliability. A mechanical movement for a women’s watch is exceptional in itself, and a movement with exactly the same precision as the latest men’s models is equally commendable. To ensure reliability, the model has the customary high degree of waterproofness, and the movement’s precision means that the screw-down crown has to be unscrewed only occasionally, lessening the risk of the entry of any moisture or dust.
Case and dial
The case has been redesigned, with a middle case machined from a solid block of gold or platinum, and the metals used all alloyed by the brand in its own foundry. The formulations are designed to give the metal a greater radiance; the pink gold is a proprietary alloy named Everose, which retains its colour over time. All the models have a solid screw-down caseback with Rolex fluting (it can only be opened by Rolex authorized watch repairers using a special tool) and a screw-down crown, features that contribute to its 100-metre waterproofness rating. The dials feature some unusual colour effects created by printing a fine motif on a sunray finish. The hour markers are gem-set stars, and the bezel of some models is set with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds. In some versions, the hands and hour markers are treated with Chromalight, Rolex’s own luminescent paint that glows blue in the dark. The sapphire watchglass has the usual Cyclops lens that enlarges the date numeral.
Movement
The DateJust 28 is powered by the Calibre 2236 movement, mechanical self-winding, entirely designed and built in-house. It has a Rolex-patented Syloxi hairspring made in silicon. This gives it excellent chronometric performance, with movements tested and certified by COSC, and the assembled watches then all retested in the case by Rolex. Its precision of +2/-2 seconds per day is industry-leading for a women’s watch and double that of COSC certification (+4/-4). The crown is used for rapid setting, and the movement has the stop-second function for precision time-setting. The movement runs at 28,800 vph (4 Hertz) and has a power reserve of about 55 hours.
Bracelet
There are two bracelet patterns available, President (with three rows of links) or Jubilee (five rows, the central three much smaller). They are made with contrasting polished and satin finish, and have ceramic inserts for smooth flexibility.
Price
The Rolex Lady-DateJust 28 is made in an extensive range, with prices varying from £15,700 to £38,050 (the most expensive model is the platinum version with diamond gem-setting).
