The Rolex Datejust 26 Ref. 69173 is one of the quintessential ladies’ Rolex watches of the 1990s, pairing the now-discontinued 26mm case with Rolex’s iconic two-tone Jubilee aesthetic. This 1995 example features the enduring combination of an original Silver 10P Diamond dial, 18K yellow gold fluted bezel and automatic movement—a classic specification that remains unmistakably Rolex decades later.
For a watch of this age, provenance is a major part of the appeal. This W-Series example from 1995 retains its original Rolex papers, together with a vintage Rolex box—an increasingly important distinction as many Datejusts from this era circulate today without their original documentation.
The watch features an original Rolex Silver dial with 10 diamond hour markers, complemented by an 18K solid yellow gold fluted bezel and the signature two-tone Jubilee bracelet. It retains the period-correct Oyster rectangular clasp, distinguishing it from later-generation Datejust references fitted with concealed Crownclasps.
Presented in mint condition and powered by an automatic movement, this is an especially charming example for collectors seeking the proportions and character of the discontinued ladies’ Datejust with period documentation intact.
With 1990s Datejusts, we increasingly look at the entire package rather than just the watch. Plenty of Ref. 69173s have survived, but far fewer still travel with their original period Rolex papers almost three decades later. Add the timeless Silver 10P Diamond dial, yellow gold fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet and beautifully mint condition, and this becomes a particularly satisfying vintage Rolex set. For someone who loves the petite proportions of the discontinued 26mm Datejust, the W-Series documentation is what gives this example that extra collector appeal.
