New Oyster Datejust 31 Reference 278289 RBR

The new Datejust 31 launched this year at Baselworld 2018 is interesting because Rolex offers a redesigned case, new original-designed dials, and each timepiece is equipped with the new-generation caliber 2236 with a power reserve of 55 hours.  I particularly love the 31mm size.  Much lighter than the 40+ mm sizes so often seen in high end timepieces.  This is a timepiece that can be enjoyed by both men and women.

The new Datejust 31 is fitted with a President bracelet with ceramic inserts in the links to enhance flexibility and longevity.  It has a concealed folding Crownclasp.

The Oyster Datejust is part of the long line of Oyster Cases, noteworthy for their guaranteed waterproofness with its Twinlock system, robustness and elegance.  The Datejust 31 is waterproof to 330 feet.  The virtually scratchproof sapphire crystal has a cyclops lens at 3 o'clock for easy reading.

One thing Rolex has done this year at Baselworld is promote its art of gem-setting.  Of course Rolex regularly gets top ranks for its timepiece design, caliber design, and overall quality of workmanship from the case to the bracelet.  However, often overlooked is the extensive skill of the Gemmologiests who are responsible for examining and selecting the gemstones with the highest level of beauty, color and sparkle.  In addition, these stones and the placement must have the reliability, robustness and resistance to shocks and magnetic fields - technical features that, although may not be required by fashion jewelry makers, is part of Rolex's stringent quality criteria.

The Reference 278289 RBR is a perfect example of the expert gem design.  The case and bracelet are made from a block of the finest 18k white gold.  The bezel is encrusted with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds which are hand picked for the exact size and brilliance to build an exquisite timepiece.  The dial is made from mother of pearl and looks incredible against the white gold and 10 diamond hour markers (the 12 o'clock position has a white gold Rolex crown and the 3 o'clock position has the date window).

Reference 278245 in Everrose gold

The Reference 278245 is made from Everrose gold.  It has 10 diamonds on its mother-of-pearl dial.  The bezel is a domed Everrose gold which is smooth to the touch.  This model has the President style bracelet.
The Reference 278278 is built from a block of yellow gold.  It has a fluted bezel and a champagne colored dial.  The 10 diamonds are surrounded by yellow gold on the dial.  This uses the President's band to complete the nearly all yellow gold model.

Reference 278278 in yellow gold

 I like the design of this Reference 278278 which is made from yellow gold primarily because of the use of yellow gold Roman numerals for the hour markers on the white colored dial.  The fluted bezel and Oyster bracelet makes this timepiece stand out as superlative piece of workmanship for years to come.

Reference 278285 in everrose gold

The Reference 278285 is clearly a feminine timepiece with its mother of pearl butterfly designed dial.  It is made from Everrose gold and utilizes 46 diamonds in the bezel.  However its lack of hour markers makes telling time particularly difficult in my opinion.  It also lacks the typical text such as Superlative Chronometer and Oyster Perpetual wording on the dial, not that those items are mandatory.  This seems to me to be aimed to be more jewelry than a watch, which seems to me to be a waste of the exceptional workmanship that goes into this being a stellar timepiece.

Reference 278285RBR in everrose gold

The Reference 278285RBR is made from Everrose Gold and has a matching Oyster bracelet.  The unique chocolate dial provides a beautiful balance for the pink gold and can be worn with many styles with stunning effect.

Reference 278288RBR in yellow gold

 I don't recall the use of green Malachite on a Rolex dial before, however, this unit is clearly a stunning piece.  Although I would prefer hour markers across the dial, the use of the diamond encrusted roman numerals at 6 and 9 o'clock adds functionality to the beautiful dial which is bound to catch the attention of anyone that catches a glimpse of this timepiece.

Reference 278289RBR in white gold

Here is a white gold version of the butterfly dial discussed above.  Since the white gold, mother-of-pearl dial and diamond seem to blend together, this timepiece will be more diminutive and work with nearly any outfit one might wear.  Still, highly feminine, I could imagine giving a timepiece like this to a daughter, mother, wife or girlfriend.  I feel this is more wearable since it has the appearance of a steel timepiece.

Reference 278289RBR in white gold

The chocolate dial is quite popular, and although it looks exceptional against the Everrose gold case and band, it also looks beautiful on this white gold case and band.  The white gold has a more universal wearability and rugged look similar to stainless steel.