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1993 Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 - Two Tone Patina Champagne Dial

Details

A Time Capsule In "New Old Stock" Condition

The reference 69173 is the most recognized lady's watch in the world, but this specific example belongs in a different category altogether. This 1993 "S-serial" Datejust is in unworn, New Old Stock (NOS) condition. It remains exactly as it left the retailer over thirty years ago, complete with its original factory stickers still intact on the caseback and the clasp. For the collector who demands "perfection" or wants to be the first person to truly put this watch into service, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a vintage legend in showroom state.

The "Cognac" Patina Evolution

While the condition is museum-grade, the visual identity of this watch has aged beautifully through natural oxidation. The champagne diamond dial has transitioned into a deep, rich "Cognac" patina. This shift in tone provides a level of depth and warmth that standard champagne dials cannot replicate, moving the aesthetic toward an earthy, amber hue that makes the factory diamond markers pop with even more brilliance. It's a dial that has spent three decades developing its own unique soul while the case remained untouched.

Untouched Preservation And Provenance

Because this watch is unworn, the 18K yellow gold fluted bezel remains factory-sharp, and the two-tone Jubilee bracelet shows zero stretch. The contrast between the stainless steel and the yellow gold is as vivid as the day it was manufactured. The watch is accompanied by its original hang tag, providing provenance that collectors look for in a high-grade investment piece. Mechanically, the watch is performing perfectly after passing our test bench, a testament to the longevity of Rolex’s automatic calibers.

The Ultimate "Birth Year" Or Investment Piece

This is for the buyer who wants the quintessential two-tone Rolex but refuses to accept a watch with a history of wear or polishing. The deep, cognac-like patina on the dial sets it apart from every other 69173 in the room, turning a classic design into a one-of-a-kind statement piece. It works because it combines the safety of an unworn, stickered case with the irreplaceable character of a naturally aged vintage dial.

Key Specs

Reference: 69173

Model: Lady-Datejust 26

Year: 1993 (S-Serial)

Movement: Automatic (Quickset)

Case Size: 26mm

Bezel: 18K YG Fluted

Bracelet: Two-Tone Jubilee (17 Links)

Dial: Patina Champagne Diamond

Wrist Size: 5–5.5in

Metal: Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold

Scope: Includes Hang Tag

SKU: 521

History

Everything the Datejust promised in 36mm, scaled to 26mm and refined for the wrist it was designed for. The Lady Datejust carries the same self-winding movement, the same date-at-midnight precision, and the same Jubilee or Oyster bracelet options — just proportioned for a smaller case that wears with the understated confidence of someone who knows what they're wearing.

Rolex produced the Lady Datejust in an exceptional range of combinations: yellow gold, white gold, two-tone steel and gold, with dials in champagne, silver, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and diamond-set configurations. The fluted bezel — a Rolex hallmark borrowed from its larger sibling — is especially elegant at 26mm, where the vertical grooves catch light differently than on any other watch in this size class.

References like the 6916, 69173, and 69174 span from the early 1970s through the 1990s and represent the full breadth of what Rolex achieved in the ladies' category: sport-elegant hybrids that function flawlessly as everyday wear while holding their own at any occasion. A great Lady Datejust ages beautifully, developing the kind of warm dial patina that no new watch can replicate.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!