Rolex Lady-Datejust vs Rolex Submariner Date
Ref. M279135RBR-0001 vs Ref. M126618LB-0002
The Rolex Lady-Datejust and Rolex Submariner Date both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Lady-Datejust as a dress watch and the Rolex Submariner Date as a dive watch. At $35,150 and $42,400 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Lady-Datejust
Rolex
Submariner Date
At retail, the Rolex Lady-Datejust is listed at $35,150 while the Rolex Submariner Date comes in at $42,400. The Rolex Lady-Datejust saves you $7,250 (21% less), a meaningful difference for most buyers. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Lady-Datejust trades around $33,393 and the Rolex Submariner Date around $41,000, a difference of $7,607 favoring the Rolex Lady-Datejust. Currently holding steady at just 5% below retail, this watch retains most of its value on the secondary market. The Rolex Submariner Date commands an even stronger market premium of -3.3%, holding steady. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 4/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Lady-Datejust | Rolex Submariner Date |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 28mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 10.1mm | 12.5mm |
| Case Material | 18ct Everose gold | 18ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | 18ct Everose gold, set with diamonds | Cerachrom (ceramic) in blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 300m / 1000ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 2236 | Rolex calibre 3235 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | President, three-piece semi-circular links in 18ct Everose gold | Oyster, three-piece solid links in 18ct yellow gold |
| Clasp | Concealed folding Crownclasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system |
| Lug Width | 14mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Submariner Date leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Submariner Date offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Lady-Datejust uses 18ct Everose gold while the Rolex Submariner Date opts for 18ct yellow gold. With 7 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Lady-Datejust costs $1,193 versus $1,000 for the Rolex Submariner Date. For water resistance, the Rolex Submariner Date delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Submariner Date offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Lady-Datejust if you value a lower entry price. Go with the Rolex Submariner Date if you prioritize better value retention, serious diving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Lady-Datejust or the Rolex Submariner Date?
The Rolex Lady-Datejust is more accessible, priced at $35,150 compared to $42,400.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Submariner Date currently trades at 3.3% below retail, indicating moderate value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Lady-Datejust and Rolex Submariner Date compare in size?
The Rolex Lady-Datejust measures 28mm in diameter and 10.1mm thick, while the Rolex Submariner Date is 41mm by 12.5mm. Water resistance differs too: 100m / 330ft versus 300m / 1000ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Lady-Datejust uses the Rolex calibre 2236 with 55 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Submariner Date runs on the Rolex calibre 3235 offering 70 hours of power reserve.