Rolex Lady-Datejust 6917 - 18K Yellow Gold - Factory “Lapis” Dial

Introduced in 1945 to commemorate Rolex's 40th anniversary, the Datejust remains one of the brand's most enduring and iconic collections. It made horological history as the world's first self-winding wristwatch to feature an automatically changing date at midnight—a feature now considered standard, but revolutionary at the time. This innovation set a new benchmark for how date complications should function in modern wristwatches. In 1957, Rolex introduced the first women's version—the Lady-Datejust—capturing the elegance of the original Datejust in a refined 28mm case, perfectly suited to slender, feminine wrists while maintaining all the technical excellence of its larger counterpart. Among the most notable references in the Lady-Datejust line is the 6917, produced from the late 1960s through the 1980s. This version features a slightly smaller 26mm Oyster case and is powered by Rolex's automatic in-house Caliber 2035. Beginning in the 1970s, Rolex began experimenting with hardstone dials, primarily for the Datejust and Day-Date collections—a tradition that continues to this day. Among the most sought-after of these natural materials is lapis lazuli, prized for its intense, vibrant blue hue and naturally occurring variations that make each dial one of a kind. The present watch, cased in 18k yellow gold, showcases a vivid lapis dial with minimal dark inclusions—adding depth without detracting from its purity and visual impact. Framed by the iconic fluted bezel and paired with the prestigious President bracelet, this Lady-Datejust stands as a rare and refined expression of Rolex's enduring artistry and timeless design. Beautifully preserved, this example features a flawless dial free of cracks and is accompanied by its original warranty, dated Christmas 1979. Handwritten details on the certificate confirm it was delivered in this exact configuration: "Lapis" dial with President bracelet.