Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 69173

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 69173 is a classic Rolex ladies’ automatic date watch that embodies the brand’s hallmark blend of timeless design, everyday wearability, and enduring quality. Produced from the late 1970s through the early 2000s, this reference is typically presented in a 26 mm stainless steel and 18 k yellow gold Rolesor case with a fluted gold bezel and the iconic Oyster case and Jubilee bracelet configuration. Its compact proportions make it especially suited for smaller wrists, and the mix of steel and gold gives it a refined yet versatile aesthetic that transitions effortlessly from casual to formal wear. The model is often referred to under the Lady-Datejust umbrella—though it is officially an Oyster Perpetual Date—highlighting its classic Rolex DNA and enduring feminine appeal.

At the heart of the 69173 beats Rolex’s Caliber 2135 automatic movement, a COSC-certified chronometer known for its reliability and precision, complete with a date window at 3 o’clock under Rolex’s signature Cyclops magnifier. While design details such as dial color and markers (champagne, white, black, or even diamond indexes) vary across individual examples, the overall package retains Rolex’s commitment to durability and everyday functionality, including water resistance around 100 m and a robust Oyster-style build. Over the years, the 69173 has become a beloved choice for collectors and wearers seeking a timeless, elegant Rolex in a more traditional size with two-tone luxury accents.

Serial: 8,807XXX

Case Year: 1985

Reference: 69173

Dial: Champagne

Case: 26mm - Stainless Steel

Bracelet: 18K YG and Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet

Movement: 2135 - Automatic

Glass: Sapphire

Accessories: No box or papers - watch only

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Second, Date

Bracelet size: 6.5”

Sharp case with only light normal wear. Bracelet has minimal sag at an 8/10. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. No service history and running (+3s/d 280 amp).

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.