Rolex Datejust 31 | Ref. 278274 | Blue Roman Dial | 18ct White Gold Fluted Bezel | Jubilee Bracelet

Why we love this watch

Few watches carry the enduring authority of the Rolex Datejust, and the 31mm reference 278274 stands as one of its most compelling expressions. Crafted in Oystersteel, the round 31mm case strikes a balance between presence and refinement - substantial enough to command attention, perfectly proportioned for everyday wear. At the heart of this piece is a lacquered blue dial dressed with Roman hour markers, a combination that speaks directly to classical watchmaking tradition. The blue is rich and considered, shifting beautifully under different light conditions and offering a depth that photographs cannot fully capture in person. The date window at 3 o'clock integrates seamlessly into the dial's composition, a quiet convenience rendered with Rolex's characteristic precision. Framing the dial is a fluted bezel fashioned from 18ct white gold - a signature detail that elevates the 278274 beyond the purely sporting and into the realm of jewellery-grade dressing. The interplay between the cool steel of the case and the luminous white gold bezel is one of the defining aesthetic tensions of this reference, and it resolves beautifully. The Jubilee bracelet - one of Rolex's most celebrated designs and original to the Datejust lineage - completes the piece with its five-piece linked construction, draping the wrist with a suppleness that only improves with acquaintance. With a 55-hour power reserve, this is a watch built not only to be admired but relied upon. Available now through SASO in Brisbane, the Datejust 31 ref. 278274 is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece that sits at the intersection of heritage and contemporary style.