Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm Ref 79174 2005 Watch

Q: What is the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm Ref. 79174 (2005)?
A: It’s a classic Lady-Datejust in White Rolesor (stainless steel with an 18ct white-gold fluted bezel), featuring a petite 26mm Oyster case, a mother-of-pearl dial with Arabic numerals, and a date at 3 o’clock under the Cyclops magnifier. It’s paired with a comfortable stainless-steel Jubilee bracelet and powered by an automatic movement—elegant for smaller wrists and versatile for everyday wear.

Q: Which movement does this reference typically use, and does it have a quickset date?
A: Lady-Datejust 79174 models from this era commonly house the automatic Rolex Calibre 2235 (COSC-certified), which features a quickset date and an approximate 48-hour power reserve. We can verify the exact calibre in this specific watch on request.

Q: Is it water-resistant and suitable for swimming?
A: The Oyster case was originally rated to 100 metres, but water resistance on vintage/pre-owned pieces cannot be guaranteed without recent gasket replacement and professional pressure testing. Avoid swimming or showering unless it has been freshly re-sealed and tested, and always ensure the crown is fully screwed down before any exposure to moisture.

Q: What are the case, bezel, bracelet and crystal materials?
A: The watch combines a stainless-steel Oyster case with an 18ct white-gold fluted bezel (White Rolesor). It is fitted with a stainless-steel Jubilee bracelet. Most 2005 Lady-Datejust models feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Rolex’s Cyclops lens over the date; we’re happy to confirm the crystal on this exact piece.

Q: How do I wind and set the time and date safely?
A: Unscrew the crown anti-clockwise. Position 1: wind (about 20–30 turns if the watch has stopped). Position 2: quickset the date. Position 3: set the time. Avoid changing the date roughly between 8pm and 2am. When finished, push the crown in and screw it down firmly to help maintain water resistance.

Q: Will it fit my wrist, and can the bracelet be resized?
A: As listed, it fits wrists up to approximately 18 cm and comes with four extra links. We can size the Jubilee bracelet prior to dispatch, and additional genuine links can often be sourced (subject to availability). Share your wrist measurement and we’ll advise the best fit.

Q: What should I know about the mother-of-pearl dial and its care?
A: Mother-of-pearl is natural, so colour and iridescence vary and are part of its charm. Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, perfumes and prolonged direct sunlight. Clean gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth and store away from humidity and extreme heat to preserve the dial’s lustre.

Q: How does the 26mm Lady-Datejust compare to the later 28mm?
A: The 26mm offers a distinctly vintage proportion with a petite, jewellery-like presence, ideal for smaller wrists. The 28mm, introduced later, provides a slightly larger dial and a more modern look. Choice depends on wrist size and style preference.

Q: What accuracy should I expect, and how often should it be serviced?
A: A healthy Calibre 2235 typically keeps chronometer-grade time, though real-world performance varies with age and service history. A routine service every 5–10 years is recommended, or sooner if accuracy or water resistance is a concern. Keep it away from strong magnets and wipe the watch clean with a soft cloth after wear.

Q: What’s included, and do you guarantee authenticity and offer a warranty?
A: This listing is delivered with box, outer box, booklet and four extra links as stated. A Retro Tale rigorously authenticates every item and guarantees 100% originality. All watches include a 12-month mechanical guarantee. We offer free, fully insured DHL shipping, a 14-day return policy, and 0% customs fees for EU buyers; contact us for any specific documentation or delivery questions.