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2002 Rolex Lady-Datejust 79174 – Mother of Pearl Guilloche Dial

Details

A Rare Fusion Of Texture And Material

This 2002 Lady Datejust features a factory dial that represents one of the more complex decorative pairings in the Rolex catalog. While many Mother of Pearl dials are flat, this specific execution utilizes a guilloché engine-turning technique applied directly to the outer ring of the shell. This creates a sharp, radial geometric pattern that catches the light in a structured way, while the interior center of the dial is left smooth to showcase the natural, cloud-like iridescence of the Mother of Pearl. It's a highly specific configuration that moves the watch away from standard production and into a more artisanal category.

Modern Proportions With White Gold Refinement

The reference 79174 represents the modern era of the 26mm Lady Datejust, featuring the upgraded 18K white gold fluted bezel and a high-polish finish on the steel case. This generation of the Datejust is defined by its improved bracelet construction and the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, making it significantly more durable than its predecessors. The use of white gold for the bezel offers a discrete, silvery brilliance that complements the neutral tones of the Mother of Pearl and the steel case, maintaining a monochromatic profile.

Honest Condition And A Complete Archive

This example is in good overall condition and is accompanied by its original box, papers, and hang tag. The steel and white gold case shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age. The matching Jubilee bracelet shows light sag but remains structurally sound and comfortable for daily wear. The complex Guilloché and Mother of Pearl dial is perfect, and the sapphire crystal is clear. Mechanically, the watch is confirmed to be running well after passing by our test bench.

A Sophisticated Daily Identity

This is for the buyer who wants a classic Rolex silhouette but demands a dial with real personality. The combination of the textured engraving and the organic shell makes this 79174 a much more interesting piece than the standard white or silver variants. It works as a high-functioning daily driver because it balances the prestige of a white gold bezel with the durability of a modern Rolex build. It comes as a full set example of a rare factory configuration that still feels contemporary over twenty years after its production.

Key Specs

Reference: 79174

Model: Lady-Datejust 26

Year: 2002 (Y-Serial)

Movement: Automatic 

Case Size: 26mm

Bezel: 18K WG Fluted

Bracelet: Stainless Steel Jubilee 

Dial: Mother of Pearl (MOP) Guilloche

Wrist Size: 5.5–6in

Metal: Stainless Steel & 18K White Gold

Scope: Box, Papers, & Hang Tag

SKU: 496

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!!!