Introduction
The Rolex Datejust 31 occupies a specific point in the Rolex catalogue: a mid-size reference at 31mm that sits between the 28mm Datejust 28 and the 36mm Datejust 36. It is the size that Rolex positions as genuinely gender-neutral — large enough to read as a substantial watch on most wrists, refined enough to wear with almost any context. The reference 127234 is the current 31mm Datejust in Rolesor — Oystersteel and white gold — with a fluted bezel, available across a wide range of dial colours and bracelet configurations.
The Datejust is the longest-running reference in the Rolex catalogue, introduced in 1945 as the first self-winding wristwatch with an automatically changing date in a circular aperture on the dial.
Quick Specifications
- Brand: Rolex
- Model: Datejust 31
- Reference: 127234
- Case Material: Oystersteel (904L) case with 18k white gold fluted bezel (Rolesor)
- Case Size: 31mm × approximately 11mm
- Bezel: 18k white gold, fluted
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating; Cyclops lens over date
- Bracelet / Strap: Jubilee or Oyster bracelet; President bracelet available on select configurations; leather strap options also available
- Movement / Caliber: Rolex Calibre 2236, in-house
- Winding: Automatic (self-winding via Perpetual rotor)
- Frequency: 3.5Hz (25,200 vph)
- Power Reserve: Approximately 55 hours
- Complications: Date with Cyclops lens magnification; stop-seconds
- Certification: Superlative Chronometer (±2 sec/day)
- Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft; Twinlock screw-down crown
- Production Period: Current production
- Retail: Varies by configuration; confirm current pricing with authorised dealers or rolex.com
Movement and Technical Details
The Calibre 2236 is an in-house automatic movement developed by Rolex specifically for the 31mm Datejust. It incorporates the Syloxi silicon hairspring — a paramagnetic silicon component providing resistance to magnetic fields and improved temperature stability. The Calibre 2236 uses a Syloxi silicon hairspring rather than the Parachrom paramagnetic alloy hairspring found in the 3235 and 3285 family — a distinction buyers researching movement specifications should note. Power reserve of approximately 55 hours. Certified to Superlative Chronometer at ±2 sec/day.
Variations — Dials, Bezels and Bracelets
The 127234 encompasses an extensive range of dial options within a single reference number.
Dial colours and materials: White, silver, silver rhodium, champagne, pink, black, slate, blue, dark rhodium, chocolate — among others. Sunray finishes available on many colours. Diamond-set dials available for significant premium.
Hour markers: Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, baton index markers, or diamond-set markers all available across different configurations.
Bracelets: Jubilee (five-link, curved centre links — historically associated with the Datejust since 1945), Oyster (three-link, more sporting), and President (three-link with semi-circular centre links on select configurations).
Diamond set: Some 127234 configurations include factory-set diamonds on the dial, hour markers, or in combination. These carry significantly higher retail and secondary market pricing.
Buying Advice
Confirm the exact sub-configuration. Within the 127234 reference, dial colour, marker type, bracelet, and diamond-set status must all be confirmed from the accompanying papers. Bracelet condition on Jubilee. The Jubilee's curved links can develop stretch and rattle with extended wear. Diamond-set authenticity. Confirm factory-set status from the papers — aftermarket diamond-setting is common in the market. Full set. Box, papers, and all original components.
Final Thoughts
The Rolex Datejust 31 127234 is the definitive mid-size Rolex — versatile, classically proportioned, and available in more configurations than virtually any other reference in the catalogue. Wind It Up Watches can help source a verified example through our trusted network.
