Diamonds are forever: The new gem-set Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust from Rolex

Rolex has always been synonymous with game-changing watches. Since its inception in 1905, the Swiss manufacture has spearheaded numerous advancements in watchmaking, and has become a mainstay in popular culture, mirroring the brand’s keen balance of style and substance. Gem-setting is but one of the brand’s many skills. Rolex has its own team of in-house gemmologists and gem-setters, who are responsible for sourcing stones that meet the brand’s stringent criteria. For Rolex, including precious stones on a timepiece is a way of enhancing their watches — all while keeping the identity and technical performance that they’re known for. And no one watch embodies that ethos more than the new Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust, released last year in an incredible gem-set version.

The Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust

First released in 1957, 12 years after the launch of the emblematic Datejust, the Lady-Datejust has fast become one of Rolex’s classic feminine watches. Here, the new Lady-Datejust gets a glorious makeover, made specially for those who relish the spotlight: Over 1,000 incredible diamonds ensconce the 18 ct yellow gold watch. But don’t be deceived by its feminine exterior and slim, 28 mm case: At its heart, the Lady-Datejust is as hardy and tenacious as any other Rolex watch for men.

The Twinlock winding crown is fitted with a double waterproofness system, and the crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire; the watch’s finely-fluted case back is hermetically screwed down using a special tool, ensuring that only certified Rolex watchmakers can access the movement. Importantly, the watch is fitted with calibre 2236, whose silicon hairspring ensures that the watch is up to 10 times more precise in case of shocks, and whose interior workings — most of them patented by Rolex — give the watch superior efficiency and regularity.

Like all other Rolex watches, the Lady-Datejust also bears the Superlative Chronometer certification, a distinction that ensures every individual watch has passed a series of rigorous tests conducted by Rolex within its own laboratories, ensuring excellent performance on the wrist.