Rolex Datejust 68278

Reference 68278 is the archetypal solid gold model from the 31mm ‘Mid-Size’ Datejust 68xxx series, produced from the early 1980s to the late 1990s. Its technical specification denotes a case constructed from 18k yellow gold (8) with a classic fluted bezel (27 code). It is powered by the Rolex Caliber 2135, historically significant as the first Rolex mid-size caliber to achieve COSC certification. A key technical variant is the crystal, which transitioned from acrylic to sapphire in the later years of production, making this a key transitional reference for the 31mm size.