The history of this Rolex Lady-Datejust
Rolex introduced the Lady-Datejust in 1957, 12 years after the 1945 Datejust, which had placed the date in a window at 3 o’clock. The ladies’ version features the Oyster case, the Perpetual self-winding movement and the date display, in a design tailored to a slender wrist. The President bracelet was introduced a year earlier, in 1956. It consists of three rows of semi-circular links and is available only in precious metal. The Rolex Lady-Datejust 69138 is the 18-carat yellow gold version, with a diamond-set bezel. This pre-owned example was sold in September 1987 by Bucherer in Geneva, and its original warranty certificate is still included, nearly 40 years later.
Case, movement and bracelet of this Lady-Datejust
The 26 mm yellow gold Oyster case features a signed screw-down crown and a fluted screw-down caseback. The bezel is set with a continuous row of brilliant-cut diamonds. Beneath the sapphire crystal and its Cyclops lens, the sunburst champagne-coloured dial features 10 diamond hour-markers set in star-shaped settings, an applied Rolex crown at 12 o’clock and gold baton hands. The inscription ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ highlights the movement’s certification. The self-winding calibre 2135 drives the hours, minutes, central seconds and date at 3 o’clock. The yellow gold President bracelet with satin-finished links fastens with a folding clasp concealed beneath the links; only a small embossed Rolex crown indicates where it opens on the wrist. The inside of the clasp bears the 750 and 18K hallmarks, as well as the Rolex Genève signature.
Why this Rolex watch
This Lady-Datejust combines gold, diamonds and the date at 3 o’clock in a 26 mm case that slips effortlessly under a sleeve. Rolex no longer produces this case size; the current Lady-Datejust measures 28 mm. A watch from 1987 that has never been repolished retains the original design of its case and the sharpness of its lugs – the first thing that connoisseurs of vintage Rolex watches look for. The original paperwork and the Rolex service card also allow its history to be traced from its first sale, at the Bucherer boutique in Geneva, right through to its servicing by Rolex in Geneva.
Contents and condition
The watch comes with its Rolex presentation box, the chronometer certificate booklet and its original warranty dated September 1987, the Rolex service warranty card dated September 2005 and 4 spare gold links. The bracelet is currently adjusted to fit a 15 cm wrist, and these 4 links allow it to be lengthened without the need for a watchmaker. The case, bezel and bracelet have not been repolished. They show micro-scratches and normal signs of wear, consistent with the age of the watch, particularly on the caseback and inside the clasp. This unpolished condition leaves it up to the buyer to decide whether to have it polished.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
*Good condition – Watch has been previously worn. Some signs of wear (micro-scratches, wear marks, etc.). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
